The Great Migration Safari

Wildebeest Migration

The Great Wildebeest Migration

Why Visit the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania?

~ The Serengeti, the most famous safari park in Africa, is the stomping ground of the two million strong wildebeest great migration, as well as hosting the largest concentration of predators anywhere.

~ The stunning, endless acacia-studded plains offers class ‘out of Africa’ scenery.

~ The Serengeti is also home to the famous ‘Serengeti mobile camps’.

Choosing your camp and understanding the Wildebeest herds’ movements is critical to making the most of a trip to experience the Great Migration.

Take your seats for the greatest wildlife show on Earth. The 'Great Migration' is one of the planet's most amazing wildlife events. Vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles migrate from the southern Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya's Maasai Mara in their constant search for fresh grasses. The Serengeti is the mother of all safari parks, its endless open plains are not only the stomping ground of the Great Migration but also home to the highest concentration of predators anywhere in Africa.

The Great Migration is a cyclical event that takes place all year. Travelling to the right area of the Serengeti in any month guarantees sightings of the herds. Below, we give a summary of the herds’ movements and the best camps at different prices.

If you want to know more about the Great Migration or discuss planning a safari in the Serengeti, Tanzania, you can give us a call at +255 (0) 684 930 850 or send our safari experts a message here.

December – March: Predators of the Serengeti & Wildebeest Calving Season

These months see a huge build-up of predators in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains. This is probably the best time of year to see cheetah anywhere in Africa! February is calving season for the herds – approximately 500,000 wildebeest are born this month.

Location: southern Serengeti, Ndutu
Camps: Esirai, Ndutu Kati, Infinite camp-Zebra ($), Lake Masek Tented Lodge ($$), Serengeti Safari Camp ($$$)

April & May: Wildebeest herds move towards central Serengeti

With all the newborn wildebeest, this is a time when the herd size is especially high. Central, southern Serengeti is the place to be as the herds amble northwards, getting ready for the big push towards Lobo and the far north.

Location: central Serengeti
Camps: Serengeti Kati Kati ($), Serengeti Serena,Kubu Kubu ($$), Melia Serengeti, Four seasons ($$$), Singita Faru Faru ($$$$)

June: Wildebeest herds cross the Grumeti River

June often sees the herd split up into two large groups. Some start to move directly north, whereas the largest ‘mega’ herd sweeps round to the western corridor. This is a major migration month as the herds push north. It is also the time of year when the herds cross Grumeti River.

Location: Western Serengeti corridor
Camps: Naona Moru ($),Kilawira Serena ($$), Simbavati Migration Camp ($$$), Singita Faru Faru ($$$$)

July – October: Daily Herd Crossings of the Mara River

This is a superb time of year for the river crossings of the Mara, which continue almost daily throughout this period. It is a quiet region with a few camps, making for an exclusive game-viewing area that is arguably the best in the whole park.

Location: Kogatende (the north)
Camps: Esirai, Mara Kati Kati,Intimate camp ($), Mara Under Canvas,Simbavati Migration Camp ($$), Serengeti Lamai, Kuria Hils,Sayari Camp and Kleins Camp ($$$)

November: Unpredictable Wildebeest Herd Movements

This is a fairly difficult time to predict the movement of the herds as they push south. Some move east to Loliondo, others move through the heart of the park.

Location: central Serengeti, Loliondo, south central Serengeti
Camps: Kati Kati ($), intimate Camp, Serengeti Serena, ($$), Lemala Nanyukie ($$$) or Lemala Mara ($$$)

For the complete guide on where the Great Migration is at each month, take a look at the below. Alternatively, contact us for the most up-to-date information about special offers and the current location of the herds.