Great Wildebeest Migration Safari Tanzania, Kenya 2025.
THE MIGRATION OF SERENGETI WILDEBEEST
Every year, over 2 million wildebeests and other animals, including Thomson’s gazelles, Grant’s gazelles, impalas, zebras (more than 200,000), elands, and others, migrate from the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya.
This is known as Africa’s great migration. Their migration is predictable since they travel 1,800 kilometers a year in a circular direction. Their primary motivations for migrating are fresh grazing meadows and improved water quality. More than a million wildebeest go on an annual migration safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Park.
The Great Wildebeest Migration’s Animals
One of the most incredible occasions that one should never miss is the wildebeest migration. Nothing is more exhilarating than witnessing these animals in large numbers sprint across rivers and up and down grasslands; it’s an experience that will never be forgotten in the wild.
The animals that participate in this migration are listed below:
The wildebeest
The antelope family includes wildebeests, which are mammals. It is believed that 1.5 million wildebeests participate in this migration. The Western-bearded wildebeest, which migrates within the Serengeti and Masai Mara, the Eastern white-bearded wildebeests, which are found in Tanzania and Kenya east of Gregory Rift, and the Blue or brindled wildebeests, which are found south of the River Zambezi, are among the various species of wildebeests that are native to Africa. Wildebeest are also known as “Gnu.” They are herbivorous mammals that primarily inhabit open forests and savannah grasslands, where they obtain their food.
Millions of wildebeests
Over 250,000 wildebeests typically perish on the long journey from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara. Some of them perish from tiredness, hunger, and thirst, while others are devoured by predators.
Various antelopes, including zebras
An estimated 250,000 Burchell’s zebras and roughly 300,000 other kinds of antelopes, including Thomson’s gazelles, Grant’s gazelles, impalas, and elands, participate in this migration.
Predators
Large cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as hyenas and crocodiles that prey on river crossings, are among the many predators that the large moving herd provides with plenty of prey.
One of the most incredible occasions that one should never miss is the wildebeest migration. Nothing is more exhilarating than witnessing these animals in large numbers sprint across rivers and up and down grasslands; it’s an experience that will never be forgotten in the wild.
THE BEST TIME AND PLACE TO VIEW THE MIGRATION
January, February, and March (the season of Calving)
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to numerous herds of zebras and wildebeests during this season. The grass in the Southern Serengeti plains is rich and short, thus the majority of pregnant wildebeests choose to stay here.
Approximately 600,000 calves are born during the calving season, which runs from the end of January until the middle of March. Compared to those born early and in small numbers, they have an easier time surviving predators since they are born in big numbers.
Mobile camps offer comfortable viewing of the wildebeest migration from January to March. However, most mobile camps have fly problems, so those who are camping are encouraged to choose Lake Masek Tented Camp.
Midway travelers can choose Ndutu Lodge to watch the migration. Mwiba Lodge, which is a few kilometers from the Ndutu area, is a good choice for those looking for luxury accommodations. The lodge offers private vehicles to transport guests to the area so they may watch the migration.
April through May
Due to Tanzania’s significant rainfall, the end of March to the beginning of May is regarded as an off-season for seeing wildebeests and other animals in the wild. During this period, the grass grows extremely tall, and the slick soils make it difficult to drive on the roadways.
Since there is already less grass in the beginning of May due to the large animal population, they decide to migrate in search of new grass. When there is enough water and longer grass in these locations, the majority of zebras and wildebeests migrate north through Seronera and west along Lake Victoria and the western corridor of the Serengeti.
There is a chance to see the migration in April, and Kusini Camp would be a preferable spot to stay. However, because of the high number of tsetse flies, Ndutu Safari Lodge is an alternative. Serengeti Kati Kati Camp, Osupuko Tented Camp, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, and Serengeti Wildlife Lodge are additional amenities.
In general, we do not recommend that you travel in April or May.
June
Since there isn’t enough food where they are, the wildebeests begin to migrate westward in early June. They frequently relocate to the River Grumeti, which is encircled by a forest with many elephants, buffaloes, and hippos as well as large crocodiles that are eager to devour the wildebeests who come to drink the water.
One can stay in a variety of locations and witness the migration. In addition to watching the migration, visitors can enjoy off-road drives, wildlife viewing walks, and night drives at these opulent resorts, which include Sasakwa Hill Lodge, Faru Faru River Lodge, and Sabora Plains Tented Camp. Kirarwa and Grumeti River Camp are additional lodging options where you can witness the migration; however, you are not permitted to take nighttime or off-road excursions while you are there.
August, September, October, and July
By this point, there is no more grass or water in Grumeti or the Western Corridor, so wildebeests begin to migrate in search of additional grassland. Therefore, there are opportunities to see migration in the vicinity of the Singita Grumeti reserve in July, but these opportunities diminish as the month draws to a close.
Between the end of July and the middle of October, the herds of wildebeests split up into smaller groups and live in the Masai Mara and the northern Serengeti. If it’s a dry season, the wildebeests congregate near bodies of water, especially the Masai River, which is also home to hungry crocodiles that are ready to devour those that come to drink.
Short rains in mid- to late-October cause the wildebeests to begin migrating south of Kenya’s Masai Mara. Therefore, even though the Masai Mara is a smaller reserve than the Serengeti, it is currently the finest spot to see the migration. You can visit the surrounding Maasai communities, who have lived here for a long time, in addition to witnessing the migration.
You can stay at various hotels and camps during this time to witness the migration. Since the majority of herds are found in the northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara, it is advised to stay there. The Sayari Camp, which is only a short distance from the herds of wildebeest, and Singita’s Mara River Tented Camp are also suitable for visitors seeking an opulent experience. Other lodging options include Governor’s Camp (located in the Mara), Olakira, Serian, Kimondo, Lemala Kuria Hills, and Nomad’s Lamai Camp.
November through December
The wildebeests continue to migrate east and south as a result of the rains that persist throughout November. By December, they begin returning to the short, rich grasses of the Southern Serengeti. The majority of herds arrive by the end of December or early January, signaling the end of that cycle.
It is challenging to see wildlife in other parts of the Serengeti due to the dense grass that grows quickly. Therefore, it is not recommended that you travel during this time of year, particularly if you are interested in game safaris.
Staying at Namiri Camp during this time of year gives you the opportunity to witness the migration, which is an extra bonus because the area is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions and cheetahs. However, it’s important to note that there aren’t many herds of wildebeests in this area due to these predators. Additionally, although Klein’s camp includes some tsetse flies, it might be a better place to watch the migration.
When the female wildebeests give birth to a large number of calves, the migratory cycle restarts.
Decide on a combination tour.
Although the Great Migration is a breathtaking and unforgettable event for all visitors, you have the option to combine it with a regular safari. This includes a number of activities, such nighttime game drives in the Serengeti, cultural exchanges with Maasai tribes, hot air balloon rides in the Serengeti, touring stunning sand beaches close to the water, and many more.
Let us help you plan your adventure! The Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, and even climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are some of the other well-liked safari locations in Kenya and Tanzania that can be coupled with this trip.
Masai Mara National Reserve: How to Get There
It is simpler to plan your safari with tour companies, particularly during the Great Migration, as it may be difficult to determine where to find the herds, where to stay, what you need, and many other details.
Whether you want to see the migration in the Masai Mara or the Serengeti will therefore determine how to get there. Make sure you have everything you need before you leave, including the necessary visas and immunization cards.
Simply wait for that day after making your safari reservations in advance with a reputable travel agency or company! In order to witness the migration from Kenya’s Masai Mara, you will need to travel into Nairobi, the country’s capital, and then board a scheduled flight into the Mara Reserve. Alternatively, you can drive to the reserve.
Accommodations for Tanzania’s Great Wildebeest Migration
Staying in one of the Serengeti mobile camps is the most recommended kind of lodging when on a Tanzania safari to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, which involves around two million animals. Depending on the movement and location of the migrating herd, these mobile camps are pitched or set up in specific spots (perhaps two or three) throughout the year to give visitors the best views of these creatures.
Staying at the mobile camps has the benefit of allowing you to follow the herd and get up close and personal with the animals. The Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp and Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas are two of the most well-known mobile campgrounds in the Serengeti.
Other mobile camps like Kimondo Camp, Alex Walker’s Serian, Ubuntu Migration Camp, and Olakira Migration Camp also provide excellent lodging between July and November and between December and March.
However, you should be aware that these camps are typically closed in April, May, and June, so bear that in mind when making your safari reservations. Those who are less daring, however, can opt to stay at any of the Serengeti’s permanent lodges, which will also allow you to glimpse the massive herd.
The Masai Mara’s Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya
Since you would never get to witness so many creatures traveling in unison over such a vast distance and time, many people consider the wildebeest migration to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The competition, known as the World Cup of Wildlife, takes place between Tanzania and Kenya. After traversing the Mara River, they leave Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and travel to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
The Masai Mara is also known for having a high density of lions. When wildebeests migrate there, they are hunted down by predators, particularly large cats, which lowers the number of wildebeests that return to the Serengeti.
Every year, wildebeest migrate between Tanzania and Kenya during this migration. About 1.5 million animals travel between the Serengeti National Park and the Masai Mara in Kenya. Of these, an estimated 200,000 zebras, 350,000 Thomson Gazelles, and several other hoofed creatures are among them.
One million wildebeests can be seen during the great migration, which has been dubbed one of the most breathtaking scenes that one cannot afford to miss. The majority of these creatures move in search of pastures and water.
We will examine the birthing process and how the wildebeests come to life to begin the arduous journey across the plains in order to gain a clear understanding of what the migration will be about. Over 300,000 to 400,000 calves are estimated to be born during the birthing phase, which occurs between January and February. These calves are primarily born on the Serengeti’s slopes, the huge plains surrounding Olduvai Gorge, and the slopes of the Ngorongoro crater mountain.
When so many calves are born, many predators, such as lions and leopards, emerge to hunt the young, who are barely able to survive on their own. These predators murder a lot of people, especially those who don’t have older animals to protect them. Even if a large number of people are murdered in infancy, others develop and join the annual mass exodus.
Since these animals follow the weather and the dry season begins at the end of March in Serengeti National Park, they are thought to be traveling in a specific direction. They are traveling to the Masai Mara, where there is enough grass for all of the animals and plenty of rain, and they always band together when traveling.
During this wildebeest migration, the creatures wander for miles on end. A clear view may be obtained by visiting the two parks where the migration occurs, although reservations are required in advance because the area can get very busy. You may also be able to witness other local animal and bird species during the migration. As they roam from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara and back, the animals in the Serengeti National Park can cover an area of almost 26,000 square kilometers.
Since the Serengeti is where the great wildebeest migration begins, we will be examining how the migration occurs and develops month by month.
Because the rains begin in November and December, the herds begin to arrive in the Serengeti. They made their homes in the Seronera region, which is south of the Serengeti, and the Ndutu area, which is north of Ngorongoro. After remaining here from January to March, the animals disperse throughout the Serengeti Park. They begin to make their way to the park’s northern section in April.
In May, the animals begin to migrate north, with some heading west to find pasture and water. Herds of animals traveling in big columns to the Moru Kopjes and the Seronera region to the north are readily seen to tourists.
The season of rutting
Many of the herds are observed moving toward Simba and the koppies when the rains begin. The rutting season, which occurs between May and June, is when many animals mate and are found along the beaches of Lake Victoria and the western corridor of the Serengeti. The animals travel to Kenya’s Masai Mara after departing the western corridor. The herds are observed migrating to the Western corridor close to the Grumeti River in June.
For a while, the herd gathers south of the river to wait for the others who were abandoned. They cross the River in great numbers after they are all inside. The Grumeti River is well-known for its many crocodiles, who continue to eat the animals as they pass through, as well as its several channels, yet this does not deter the animals from crossing and moving north.
After traversing the Grumeti River in July and August, the wildebeest migration then moves northward. The herds split up during these months, with some moving to the Grumeti Reserve and Ikorongo and others to the central region of Serengeti National Park. Many animals perish while crossing the river because of the predators there and the untamed currents.
The crossing of the Mara River
The herds go to the northern region of Serengeti National Park, which stretches to the Mara River, in September. Some animals can be seen straining to cross the rushing waters of the Mara River, which is one of the most difficult rivers to traverse. When you visit the Serengeti National Park, you should not miss this breathtaking view. Within a few days, these creatures can be observed making their way back south.
During the rut, males that are territorial or powerful engage in seemingly ferocious fighting, yet there is typically little real violence or significant harm. Despite these intense battles, the males have little influence over the mates they choose because the ladies make the final decision.
Masai Mara National Reserve arrival
The herds travel north to Kenya’s Masai Mara from the western Serengeti. Before arriving at the Masai Mara Game Reserve, the wildebeests traverse the Mara and Grumeti rivers. Sometimes the rivers are easy to cross, but other times they turn violent and kill a lot of wildebeests. Many of the wildebeests are killed by the crocodiles that wait for the animals as they cross the rivers, especially the Grumeti.
Because of the dense foliage along the rivers, which may conceal predators, animals are unable to alter their trekking routes and must use the rivers despite their fear of both water and predators. Nevertheless, it is impossible to overlook the sight of these rivers crossing.
The animals congregate at the Mara River, wait for the herds to grow, and then cross simultaneously. Every year, the animals’ crossing sites change, which could lead them to select a suicidal location where hundreds of animals will drown.
The migration cycle’s closure
The wildebeest migrate south in October, across the southern portion of Loliondo to the Lobo region in the Serengeti Park, and then return to the Serengeti in November, marking the start of the great migration once more.
Every year, the various animals that trek go through a cycle known as the wildebeest migration. This is one location you should not overlook while organizing a safari. Because it is difficult to locate them when they have altered their routes, animals follow the weather and have instinctive paths.
Where to Stay in Kenya’s Masai Mara During the Great Migration
Vacationers can choose from a wide range of lodging options in Kenya while taking in this amazing animal show. These include high-end facilities, mid-range facilities, and low-cost facilities. Here are a few of the more well-liked ones.
The Royal Mara Safari Lodge is located close to two significant locations where the animals cross the Mara River, following the path used by the migratory herd. It features eight (8) exquisitely designed suites.
Another fantastic choice is the Kichwa Tembo Camp, which is situated in the center of the Masai Mara Game Reserve and provides visitors with forty (40) opulent tents. For vacationers who are visiting the reserve for the first time, this is the most highly recommended spot to stay.
Situated near a large water hole, Little Governor’s Camp is an exceptional camp that offers seventeen (17) opulent tents with private bathrooms.
With seventy-four (74) stunning accommodations, the Mara Serengeti Safari Lodge provides some of the greatest lodging options in the Mara reserve while you take in views of the migration.
The Great Wildebeest Migration Safari’s price
The cost of seeing the Great Migration will vary depending on how many days you want to spend on safari, which other places you want to visit, and the kind of lodging you want to utilize. View the detailed cost of a Tanzanian safari.
The projected costs for a two-person safari are shown in the table below, along with the number of days spent on safari, the locations visited, and the total cost.
Wildebeest Migration Safari Cost 2025
| Safari Duration | Safari Destinations | Accommodation Type | Safari Cost per person |
8 Day Migration Safari |
Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Arusha National Park | Mid Range lodges | $2780 – $ 3,050 |
8-Day Camping Serengeti Migration |
Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Highlands & Crater, Tarangire NP, Arusha | Camping & budget Lodge | $2,050 – $2,150 |
7 Day Tanzania Migration Safari |
southern Serengeti, Arusha & Serengeti National Park | Luxury tented camps | $3,820 – $5,150 |
6 Days Wildebeest Migration |
Northern Serengeti, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha | Mid Range Lodges | $ 4,150 – $4,750 |
5 Days Tanzania Migration Safari |
Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Highlands & Crater, Arusha | Luxury Lodges | $2,900 – $3,250 |
4 Days Kenya Migration Safari |
Masai Mara National Park, annual migration | luxury | $1,050 – $1,550 |
4 Days Kenya Migration Safari |
Masai Mara National Park | Mid-range | $950 – $1,190 |
The Botswana Wildebeest Migration
Another little-known wildebeest migration comprises zebras primarily as they go over Botswana’s country to the Namibian border. This is the longest animal terrestrial migration in Africa and is documented as the wildebeest migration in Botswana. From Chobe, Kwando Lenient, and the Okavango, the animals can be seen migrating along the river systems in search of more pleasant and greener wet weather.
Although the pattern was only reported in 2012, the migrations have been known to occur in Botswana since time immemorial. It was observed that these animals go across Botswana all the way to the Namibian border. In Botswana, the migration occurs across various national parks, primarily consisting of zebras that are observed traveling in unison in pursuit of food and water.
In Botswana, the animals march through the Makagdikgadi and Nxai national parks. Additionally, when they move from one location to another in search of pastures and water from water sources, these animals also follow the dry and wet seasons of the weather.
