To witness the Great Migration, visit between December and July when the wildebeests and zebras are on the move. The precise timing can vary each year.

• • If your primary goal is to witness the Great Migration of wildebeests and zebras, you should plan your visit between December and July. During this period, the herds move through the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing land, with calving season occurring from January to March in the southern Serengeti.

• • The exact timing of the migration can vary each year, so it’s essential to keep updated with the latest information from local guides and park authorities.

The Wildebeest Migration by Numbers:

Determining the exact number of migratory animals in the Serengeti is challenging, but estimates suggest an astonishing population of:

• • Over 1.4 million wildebeests

• • More than 350,000 zebras

• • Over 300,000 gazelles (including Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles)

• • More than 6,000 acres

Why the Serengeti Migration Occurs—The Purpose of Wildebeest Migration:

The Serengeti migration is a fundamental survival strategy for these animals. It revolves around several key factors:

1. 1. Green Pastures and Water: The migratory animals follow the path of rainfall and lush vegetation. They migrate to find greener pastures and access to water sources, which are vital for their survival and sustenance.

1. 1. Mineral-Enriched Plains and Short Grass: During the calving season, these animals move to mineral-enriched plains in southern Serengeti and northern Ngorongoro. These areas provide essential minerals for their bones and bodies while they give birth and nurture their newborns. The short grasses in these regions are strategic, allowing them to spot predators more easily.

1. 1. Western and Northern Corridor: When the dry season sets in, the animals move to the western and northern corridors of Serengeti. Unlike the open plains, these areas have trees and bushes that are less affected by drought, providing some respite during harsh conditions.

Why Migration Animals Move Together:

The great wildebeest migration involves wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and elands moving together. While they share a common goal of finding green pastures and water, their alliance has other benefits:

• • Wildebeests possess a keen sense of smell and instincts for following rain patterns, aiding other animals in locating fertile areas.

• • Zebras and other species have better vision, helping alert the herds to potential dangers posed by predators. This collective vigilance enhances their chances of survival.

Best Time to Witness the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration 2021-2022:

The great wildebeest migration is a spectacular annual event, and travelers often debate the best time to witness this natural wonder. The migration is marked by several highlights:

Calving Season (December to March):

• • During this period, wildebeests, zebras, and other migratory animals give birth and nurture their newborns.

• • This takes place in southern Serengeti and northern Ngorongoro, particularly in the “Ndutu” area.

• • This region is mineral-enriched with short grass, making it an ideal place for calving and attracting predators for live hunting sightings.

Choosing when to visit the Serengeti depends on the specific experiences you seek, whether it’s witnessing the birth of new life or observing dramatic predator-prey interactions during other phases of the migration.

Why does the Serengeti migration occur, and why does the wildebeest migrate?

The wildebeest migration encompasses the vast landscapes of the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Ngorongoro, Maswa, and Loliondo regions out of necessity. This migration is not just a spectacle; it’s a fundamental aspect of their survival. These resilient animals consume a staggering 4000 tons of vegetation daily, which necessitates their constant movement and feeding. They follow the lead of the wildebeests, whose acute sense of smell and instinct can discern the presence of rainfall.

Their migration serves the purpose of seeking out ecosystems that are favorable for their survival. This journey is driven by the pursuit of:

1. Green Pastures and Water: The migratory herds are perpetually in search of lush, green pastures and accessible water sources, both of which are essential for their sustenance. Their nomadic lifestyle ensures they always find fresh feeding grounds.

2. Mineral-Enriched Plains and Short Grass: During the calving season, these animals venture into the mineral-enriched plains of southern Serengeti and northern Ngorongoro. Here, they obtain crucial minerals vital for the development of their bones and overall health. The presence of short grass in these regions is strategic, aiding them in detecting potential predators, especially when vulnerable young are being born and nurtured.

3. Western and Northern Corridor: As the Serengeti region dries up, the herds instinctively move towards the western and northern corridors. Unlike the expansive plains, these areas offer the advantage of trees and bushes, which remain more resilient during times of drought. It’s a strategic move that ensures their survival in challenging conditions.

In essence, the wildebeest migration is an epic journey that revolves around the basic needs of these animals: food, water, minerals, safety for calving, and adaptability to changing environmental conditions. It’s a testament to the remarkable strategies that nature has crafted to ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures in the heart of Africa.

Why do the migration animals move together?

The great wildebeest migration unites various species, including wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and elands, in a remarkable display of cooperation. Their shared objective is simple yet crucial: finding greener pastures and water sources. However, beyond this common goal, these animals form a strategic alliance.

For instance, wildebeests possess an extraordinary sense of smell and innate instincts that guide them in tracking rainfall patterns. This ability significantly benefits other animals, as they can follow the wildebeest to locate fertile grazing lands. Meanwhile, zebras and other members of the alliance contribute with their exceptional vision, serving as the sentinels of the group. Their keen eyesight allows them to detect potential threats posed by predators, ensuring the safety of the entire herd.

In essence, this collaboration among different species exemplifies the synergy of nature, where each animal’s unique strengths and abilities complement those of the others, ultimately enhancing their collective chances of survival in the challenging African wilderness.

The Serengeti wildebeest migration cycle & Map

The remarkable Serengeti wildebeest migration unfolds year after year, following a well-known path or cycle. While the general sequence of this migration can be predicted, precise timings may vary due to weather-related factors. Nonetheless, it typically falls within a particular time range.

December to March: During this period, the migration witnesses a substantial concentration of herds in the southern Serengeti and northern Serengeti regions, notably in the renowned Ndutu area. This is the season of calving, where many wildebeest give birth. However, some herds may also be found in scattered locations such as Naabi, Olduvai, and Gol, which are situated in the south Serengeti and north Ngorongoro areas.

April to July: Starting in late March, the herds commence their journey from the south Serengeti to the central Serengeti, specifically the Seronera region. Here, they establish their presence before gradually progressing towards Kirawira and Grumeti in the western Serengeti by late May. A striking spectacle occurs when they cross the Grumeti River, which typically takes place from mid-June to July.

July to September: In July, the herds shift to the northern reaches of the Serengeti, including Kogatende and Lobo. Some herds continue their migration across the Mara River and into the Masai Mara in Kenya. This northward movement often extends into early October.

October to November: During this phase, the last herds usually arrive in the Masai Mara, where they graze until November. Subsequently, they embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti.

The Serengeti wildebeest migration is a cyclical masterpiece of nature, a perpetual quest for sustenance, and a symbol of the enduring rhythms of life on the African plains. While exact timings may fluctuate, the grand spectacle of this migration is a testament to the timeless wonders of the natural world.

Key Insights into Migration Tour Packages:

When considering a migration tour package, here are essential details to keep in mind:

1. Diverse Itinerary: While the primary focus of this tour is the awe-inspiring migration, it also encompasses visits to other must-see attractions, including the iconic Ngorongoro Crater.

2. Varied Accommodations: Expect to stay in a range of accommodations that enhance the safari experience. This may include tented lodges, mobile camps, seasonal tented lodges, and traditional lodges. Customization is possible based on your preferences.

3. Private Tours: These tours are private, ensuring an exclusive and personalized experience. Travelers are not grouped together, as the accommodations are not budget-oriented, and the nature of the safari can be challenging and risky.

4. Tailor-Made Experiences: Flexibility is a hallmark of these tours. Clients have the option to tailor their experience by incorporating add-on features and customizing aspects to align with their unique preferences and interests.

Fascinating Facts about the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration:

When witnessing the Serengeti wildebeest migration, consider these astounding facts:

• • This migration ranks as the largest animal migration on Earth, featuring over 2 million animals in motion.

• • The migrating herds collectively consume an astonishing 4000 tons of food every day as they traverse the savannah.

• • Unlike traditional animal migrations, there is no single leader guiding the way. Instead, it’s a collective endeavor driven by instinct.

• • During a span of just a few weeks, approximately half a million newborns are welcomed into the world amid the migration.

• • These resilient newborns can walk and run within minutes of their birth, showcasing nature’s remarkable adaptation.

• • The migration covers a staggering distance, forming a circular route spanning over 1000 kilometers. This continuous journey is a testament to the endurance and tenacity of these remarkable animals.

Embarking on a migration tour offers not only a chance to witness this remarkable spectacle but also an opportunity to be part of the untamed rhythms of the Serengeti, where nature’s grandeur unfolds before your eyes.