Inclusive Holidays Africa

The annual wildebeest migration is a remarkable exodus of over 1.2 million wildebeests, alongside 200,000 zebras, topis, impalas, and other antelopes, moving from the Southern Serengeti to the Northern Serengeti and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This journey, driven by the search for fresh grass, involves perilous river crossings where many wildebeests fall prey to predators and natural obstacles.

Key Migration Phases

January-March: Calving Season (Southern Serengeti – Ndutu region)

• Location: Short grass plains between Lake Masek and Lake Ndutu.
• Highlights: Over 10,000 wildebeest calves born daily, totaling over 1 million by March.
• Conditions: Dry season with lush grass supported by volcanic soil. Few predator attacks due to good visibility.

April-May: Migration North Begins (Central Serengeti)

• Location: Central Serengeti, Seronera Valley.
• Highlights: Migration triggered by food scarcity and the need to feed numerous calves. Arrival coincides with long rains.
• Tourism: Low season, offering budget-friendly safari options.

May-June:  Grumeti River Crossings (Western Corridor)

• Location: Western Serengeti.
• Highlights: Dangerous crossings with many wildebeests falling prey to Nile crocodiles.
• Tourism: Spectacular predator-prey interactions.

July-September: Mara River Crossings

• Location: Northern Serengeti to Maasai Mara.
• Highlights: Mass crossings into the Maasai Mara, where many animals face attacks from crocodiles and big cats.
• Tourism: Peak season with high chances of witnessing the dramatic crossings.

October-December: Southward Return

• Location: Maasai Mara back to Serengeti.
• Highlights: Herds begin moving south as Maasai Mara dries up. Continuous search for food and water.