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Natural phenomena occur all over the world, but very few can compete with the sheer size of the annual Wildebeest Migration through the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem. The numbers alone are hard to believe: up to 2 million animals – wildebeest as well as zebra and gazelle – follow the rains and their ancient instincts on a death-defying, 3,000-kilometer (1 900-mile) journey.
It's drama on a truly epic scale: the migrating herds undergo all manner of challenges and hardships as they move from region to region. They’re constantly under attack from predators, none more so than from Africa's big cats – lion, leopard, and cheetah – and the massive crocodiles that lie in wait at various river crossing points.
When Is The Best Time To Go On A Migration Safari?
Now that you know how the Great Wildebeest Migration in Africa works, you can easily see that the best time to go depends entirely on which events you’re personally interested in seeing. Remember, the Serengeti and Masai Mara’s abundance of wildlife and wide open landscapes make them fantastic year-round safari destinations.
Event
Approximate Time
Place
Calving (Birthing) Season
February to March
Southern Serengeti
Rutting (Breeding) Season
April to May
Western & Central Serengeti
Grumeti River Crossings
May to June
Central Serengeti
Mara River Crossings
July to August
Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara
On the Move
November to January
Masai Mara & Northern Serengeti to Southern Serengeti
Note: the above are approximate dates only. The Wildebeest Migration is a year-round, circular journey and the river crossings cannot be predicted. Sometimes the herds stay put for two weeks, other times they could cross four times in one day!
Key Facts to Remember
January
The herds are in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, moving south from the north-east region and into the area near Lake Ndutu. The Serengeti is not fenced, so the herds are free to move where they can find grazing. Remember that although up to two million wildebeest, zebra and antelope form the Serengeti Migration, they are not all in a single herd. The animals break up into mega-herds of thousands or hundreds of individuals at time.
It is calving season (over 8 000 wildebeest babies are born each day!) so prepare yourself for lots of wobbly calves… and lots of heartbreak as fearsome predators swoop in. The Serengeti’s big cats take the lion’s share, but hit-and-run jackals, packs of wild dog, and hyena clans add to the spectacle. It’s a bittersweet ballad; the circle of life played out as a live action drama.
If the short rainy season (Nov–Dec) produced good grazing, the herds feed frenziedly and remain in the Serengeti’s southern plains until they slowly start moving west in March.
Where to Stay in Ndutu (December – March)
The Ndutu region is home to the Wildebeest Migration’s calving season and presents a fantastic opportunity to see the entire herd in one place before it sets off.
Lodges and camps in the Ndutu region can sit in either the Serengeti National Park or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, so it’s important to know where your game drives will be taking place. Entering both parks means paying two park entry fees.
Lodges in this region are typically only open from November through until March.
Accommodation
Standard
Olakira
Luxury
Kimondo
Ubuntu
Sero Camp
Mid-range
Lake Masek Tented Lodge
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Andbeyond Ndutu Under Canvas
Lemala Ndutu
Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge
Sanctuary Kusini
Ndutu Kati Kati Tented Camp
Nasikia Ndutu Camp
Angata Migration Camp Ndutu
Kenzan Ndutu
Tanzania Bush Camp Ndutu
Kirurumu Ndutu
Heritage camp Ndutu
Acacia Migration Camp
April
It’s the start of the long rains (Apr–May) and the herds generally move in a north-westerly direction towards the Moru and Simba Kopjes. The action-packed rutting (breeding) season is in full swing, featuring testosterone-fuelled jousts between males competing for the right to mate with receptive females.
May
Wagons roll! The massed herds are on the go, huge columns of up to 40 kilometres (25 miles) in length can sometimes be seen as the wildebeest funnel up into the central Serengeti. Everyone’s moving a little quicker now that the calves are stronger.
Where to Stay in the Western Corridor (April and May)
The rainy season may be low season in Tanzania, but it’s peak season in the Western Corridor of the Serengeti. As the Wildebeest Migration moves towards the Grumeti River, so too do tourists looking to see a river crossing.
Budget Lodges in the Western Serengeti
Due to the seasonal nature of the region and the fact it is most popular during the rainy season, camping is not a possibility in the Grumeti region. If you're on a tight budget, consider staying in a budget or medium lodge (or camping) in the Central Serengeti.
Medium Lodges in the Western Serengeti
The Grumeti region is serviced by a number of affordable tented camp options for those wanting to experience the Wildebeest Migration.
Luxury Lodges in the Western Serengeti
There are some truly stunning luxury properties in the Serengeti’s famous Western Corridor. While some lay in the nearby Grumeti private reserve, they all offer access to the Serengeti proper as well.
&Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp
Ultra-Luxury
Singita Sasakawa Lodge
Serena Kirawira Tented Camp
Mbalageti Serengeti
Melia Serengeti
Kubukubu Tented Lodge
Lahia Tented Lodge
Grumeti Migration Camp
Mbugani Migration Camp
Dunia Camp
Asanja Moru
Mbali Mbali Soroi Camp
Singita Faru Faru Lodge
Singita Explore Mobile Tented Camp
Serengeti Simba Lodge
Singita Sabora Tented Camp
June
The wildebeest are usually in the central Serengeti and getting ready for the toughest part of their odyssey. The herds may have split up, with some already crossing the Grumeti River.
July
The Great Migration have reached the Grumeti region and northern parts of the Serengeti and are peering closely at the treacherous waters of the Mara River they have to cross into Kenya. Why? Huge Nile crocodiles, that’s why!
As mentioned, it is impossible to accurately predict river crossings – they depend entirely on the rains and the often unpredictable wildebeest themselves. It’s vital to book your Wildebeest Migration safari in Africa up to a year in advance to get a lodge on or as close to the river as possible – this cuts down on travel time to lookout points. The wildebeest do have historical crossing areas and you may spend days staked out in the hope of seeing the action. We recommend choosing a mobile safari camp that moves with the Migration to ensure you’re in the right place at the right time.
August
August is generally considered the best time to witness the dramatic river crossings from the northern Serengeti into the Masai Mara. You’ll need a passport to cross into Kenya; the wildebeest are exempt. The Masai Mara National Reserve is open to members of the public so for a more exclusive safari experience, head for the private conservancies that are contiguous with the reserve.
September
The herds break up into smaller groups, as not all the wildebeest migrate into Kenya. Less than half of the animals remain in the northern Serengeti, the rest are swapping war stories in the Masai Mara. So you could still see wildebeest in the Serengeti (just not the mega-herds) but as a general rule of thumb, the Masai Mara is the best place to witness the Migration in September.
October
Your best bet is still the Masai Mara, but bear in mind it is a far smaller reserve than the Serengeti and there may be a lot of other visitors. The neighbouring private conservancies are much less crowded and, not only will you still be able to witness the Migration, you will also directly contribute to the Maasai communities who have lived there for thousands of years. Plus you can enjoy off-road game viewing, night drives and walking safaris – activities not permitted in the national reserve.
Where to Stay in the Northern Serengeti (From June – October)
From late June through until September/October, the Northern Serengeti is the place to be on the Serengeti. As the Wildebeest Migration reaches the Mara River, the chances of seeing the high drama of a river crossing and maybe even a crocodile attack increase. The lodges and camps of the Lobo and Mara region of the park all aim to put you as close to the action as possible.
Budget Lodges in the Northern Serengeti
The Northern Serengeti is home to the public Lobo Campsite, offering those wanting to see a river crossing a chance to stay in the region without having to pay a fortune. As with all of our camping safaris, we provide all camping equipment and a private chef to ensure you’re well taken care of.
Medium Lodges in the Northern Serengeti
There are several fantastic tented camps and lodges in the Northern Serengeti. With reasonable prices and great facilities, they make the Northern Serengeti accessible to families and those on a budget.
Luxury Lodges in the Northern Serengeti
As befits the most popular attraction in the Serengeti, the Northern Serengeti has some truly stunning luxury lodges and camps for those with a little more money to spend.
Angata Bologonja Tented Camp
&Beyond Klein’s Camp
Bologonya Under Canvas
Lemala Kuria Hills
Singita Mara River Tented Camp
Nimali Mara
Mara River Post
Mara Mara Tented Lodge
Sayari Camp
Olakira Migration Camp
Sero Tented Camp
Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp
Nasikia Migration Camp
Angata Migration Camp Kogatende
Kenzan Migration Camp
Heritage Migration Camp
Chaka Tented Camp
Kenzan Mara Tented Camp
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
November
In a ‘normal year’ the short rains have begun, propelling the wildebeest to leave the now denuded grasslands of the Masai Mara and head back into the rejuvenated Serengeti. Bear in mind that the rain can be late or early, which is also unpredictable.
The herds are generally on the move, but can be seen around the north-eastern parts of the Serengeti where they may split into smaller groups for their journey southward.
Tip: although many people think of Africa as a hot place, the rain can cool things down dramatically. You’ll be out on early morning and late afternoon game drives – the sun is at its weakest during these times. Take at least one pair of trousers, closed shoes that can cope with mud, and a fleece or waterproof jacket.
December
Fresh grazing sees the wildebeest move south, covering the northern and eastern Serengeti to feast and prepare for yet another death-defying, 3 000-km (1 900-mi) odyssey.
Where to Stay in the Central Serengeti (Year Round)
When people say ‘Serengeti’, they’re often picturing the beating heart of the vast wilderness. The Seronera region is often known as ‘big cat country’ due to the larger numbers of leopards, lions, and cheetahs in the region.
Its central location makes it something of a crossroads for those heading west, south, or north – so it’s rare that your trip won’t include a Central Serengeti lodge or tented camp.
Budget Lodges in the Central Serengeti
As the most popular corner of the Serengeti with tourists, the Central Serengeti is serviced by the Seronera Campsite . While this is definitely a rustic camping experience, there’s something to be said for sleeping out under the stars and experiencing Africa’s wilderness as countless explorers have before you. All camping safaris with Moonlight Tours Expedition include camping equipment and the services of a private chef, so you’re not left to fend for yourselves!
Medium Lodges in the Central Serengeti
Seronera’s popularity means that it provides the broadest variety of accommodation options, with both tented and lodge facilities to be found in abundance. For those wanting their Wi-Fi and comforts from home, the Central Serengeti lodges provide this in spades.
Luxury Lodges in the Central Serengeti
The best and most extravagant luxury lodges in the Serengeti can be found in the Central Serengeti. From the glitz and glamour of the Four Seasons Safari Lodge to impressive tented camps like Pioneer’s Camp and Serengeti Under Canvas, the Central Serengeti is the perfect place to splurge on your luxury safari.
Kubu Kubu Tented Camp
Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp
Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge
Serena Serengeti
&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas
Nimali Centra
Serengeti Pioneer’s Camp
Lemala Nanyuki
Namiri Plain
Serengeti Melia Lodge
Embalakai
Sue Nos De Africa
Serengeti Safari Lodge
Angata Serengeti Camp
Kenzan Matawi Camp
Tanzania Bush Camp
Heritage Luxury Camp
Acacia Central Camp
Tips for Planning Your Migration Safari
Browse our recommended Wildebeest Migration safaris below, or get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to help you tailor-make an itinerary based on your travel wishes:
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