Wildebeest migration safaris

Wildebeest migration safaris : The wildebeest migration is among the attractions of Tanzania which bring many tourists to the country. In Serengeti national park, the wildebeest migration takes place all year round and safaris are organized following the movement of the herds of wildebeests. This migration follows a clockwise movement. The wildebeest migration also takes place in Masai Mara reserve in Kenya.

Over 2 million wildebeests move across the savannah plains of Serengeti national park annually and different highlights of the migration can be seen during the year.

January to March

From January to March, the calving season takes place in the wildebeest migration in Tanzania. The calving season is a time when wildebeest calves are born daily in the grass plains. Over 8000 calves are born daily during this season.

These wildebeest calves are born in the southern plains of Serengeti national park and during a safari during the calving season. Predators such as lions, cheetahs and also hyenas can also be spotted around the grazing areas where the wildebeests are found.

The Ndutu area is also a location where this calving season takes place and it is found between Serengeti national park and the Ngorongoro conservation area. the lush vegetation around the Ndutu area sustains the wildebeest herds before the continue their movement to other parts of Serengeti national park.

April, May and June

In April and May, the wildebeest migration during a safari can be seen in the central part of Serengeti national park. The wildebeests continue their movement to the western part of Serengeti national park around June.

June is also the dry season and apart from the wildebeests, other wildlife species can be seen during a safari around Serengeti national park especially around the water points where they gather to drink. The first river crossing during the wildebeest migration also takes place along the Grumeti river around June and crocodiles can also be seen attacking the wildebeests as they cross the river.

July and August

The wildebeest migration from July to August involves the river crossings which take place across the Grumeti river and the Mara river found in the northern part of Serengeti national park. The major river crossing during the wildebeest migration takes place from July to August along the Mara river.

The wildebeests after crossing the river continue to the northern part of Serengeti national park and also to Masai Mara reserve in the southern part of Kenya.

After completing the cycle of their movement, the wildebeest move back to the southern plains of Serengeti national park where the calving season takes place and this marks the beginning of another year of the wildebeest migration.

The reasons which have been stated for the movement of the wildebeests during the migration which takes place across the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is the wildebeests search for greener pastures and also water.

During the movement of these wildebeests, they face different obstacles including attacks from predators like lions which attack the wildebeests as they graze around the savannah and also crocodiles during the river crossings.

The wildebeest’s migration is also considered a natural wonder and many tourists visit Serengeti national park in Tanzania and also the Masai Mara national reserve in Kenya to enjoy seeing these herds of wildebeests as they move around the savannah.

When traveling to Tanzania, you can include the wildebeest migration as part of your safari package and have a tour of the endless plains of Serengeti national park as you drive around and enjoy seeing the herds of wildebeests.

All through the year Serengeti national park can be visited for wildlife safaris. However, planning on the best time for a safari to the national park cannot be guaranteed as the wildebeest migration does not follow a set path.

The movement of the wildebeests during the migration can be unpredictable and therefore when deciding which month is best for a safari to Serengeti national park to see the wildebeest migration, it is better to find out where the wildebeests are and then engaging in a safari to that area. The rainfall patterns are a major factor which influences the movement of these wildebeests.

Tour operators offer the different safari packages for the wildebeest migration both in Kenya and Tanzania. The number of days for this migration safari varies and can be about 3 days or more depending on which location you are visiting to see the herds of wildebeests during a safari.

The wildebeest migration is also the largest migration on earth and therefore many people book safaris to see this migration during their safaris. During the wildebeest migration, zebras and gazelles also join the herds of the wildebeests as they graze around the savannah plains of Serengeti national park.

How to book a wildebeest migration safari

When planning to engage in a wildebeest migration safari, it is important to consider where the wildebeest herds are and the part of Serengeti where you will engage in a safari. This is because Serengeti national park is a very big national park covering over 14760 square kilometers.

Booking in advance for the wildebeest migration safari is highly recommended since the lodges tend to be fully booked when the wildebeest migration is taking place as many people are interested in seeing the herds of wildebeests during their tours to Serengeti national park.

Also consider the lodge you will be staying at during the wildebeest migration since there are some accommodations which follow the movement of these wildebeests around Serengeti national park.

Visit Tanzania and enjoy seeing the wildebeest migration during your safari.