The Great Wildebeest Migration
It’s the world’s largest overland migration, with over 1 million wildebeest taking part, accompanied by tens of thousand zebra (a natural companion as they eat different parts of the same grass plant), plus gazelle, eland and impala.
As the bird flies, the Great Wildebeest Migration equates to an approximate 500 km round trip, however each animal will typically travel nearer 800 to 1,000 km as it meanders between plains.
Great Migration – Month by Month
Led by the rains, the exact timing of the wildebeest migration differs from year to year, though as a month-by-month guide you can usually expect:
January – the herds graze in the southern Serengeti and grassy plains of the neighbouring Maswa Game Reserve and Ngorongoro Conservation Area
February – most calves are born this month, an estimated 400,000 in a typical year, usually within a two to three week window
March – still spread out across the Southern Serengeti, the wildebeest graze and the calves grow stronger, ready for their journey
April – split into large groups, the wildebeest head north towards Moru, accompanied by zebra, impala and gazelle
May – the evening rains that started in April, typically continue throughout May as the herd travels further each day, en route to the Western Corridor
June – at this time you’re most likely to see the wildebeest in the iconic long lines, best photographed from above
July – their course blocked by the Grumeti River, the wildebeest take pause, until one builds up the courage to jump first, and a million follow
August – those that avoid the crocodiles of the Grumeti must do it all again as they reach the Mara River near the Kenyan border. Many thousands perish in the crush and panic, easy pickings for lion or crocodile
September – the herds graze in the lush grasslands of the Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara, under the hot sun
October – most wildebeest enjoy a second month in the Masai Mara plains
November – the ‘short rains’ begin and the herd starts its southward journey through Loliondo in the Eastern Serengeti
December – the wildebeest arrive back in the southern plains of the Serengeti, ready to start all over again
Great Migration Safaris 2025 & 2026
To arrange your Great Migration safari please get in touch with our team who can advise on which time of year you will have the best chance to see the great wildebeest herds, or even witness a river crossing.
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