The best time to see the Wildebeest Migration : The crossing of wildebeest usually happens at Mara River around late July to August with parts of September and again on their return South and around last two weeks of October through early November. Thus, the best times to track and see the annual wildebeest migration in Masai Mara.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in the plains of East Africa ranks of one of the world’s most remarkable activity, intriguing and spectacular displays of wildlife behavior. Fact is that, Masai Mara national reserve is a great location of the wildebeest migration due to its famed Mara River crossings, and this has led to some misunderstandings about the migration itself. The Mara migration is a great movement of animals that takes place all year round.
The migration happens within an area that is known as the ‘’ Serengeti ecosystem’’. The 40,000 square mile area is defined by Masai Mara National Reserve in the north and in the south, Ndutu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Maswa Game Reserve in Tanzania. More so, the park comprises the central, eastern and western areas including Grumeti Reserve, Loliondo, the official Serengeti National Park including the part of southern expanse of Kusini and many other protected areas.
In a dry year, the first wildebeest can access the Mara River ‘’a permanent source of water in the ecosystem ‘’ happens as early July. Then, in a wet year, it may occur as late as mid-August. If the weather is conducive – grass and water can be plentiful- the herds can spread-out all the way from Seronera to the Mara River.
The best time to plan your safari bucket list – Great Migration trip is during the summer. However, it is important to visit during the peak season of July, August and September. One to secure your preferred lodgings and operator, we advise you to book in advance before the dates to your safari. You can opt to visit the reserve in the month of October, when school aged kids are out of the boundary.
The Great Migration in October and November;
Remember, the migration is fluid and enduring.
The best time to See the Wildebeest Migration is in October and November. During this period of the year, the migration starts to move its way south into Tanzania, it can be a great time to watch plenty of wildlife roaming in famous safari destinations like the Kenya’s Southern Maasai Mara and in northern Tanzania.
‘’The Migration as a whole need not all pass into Kenya ‘’ – Some stay behind or cross and re-cross the border areas. This carries on till October and November when they begin thinking of heading back.
January to March; Calving season
The start of the new year sees the mega -herd congregation for calving season in the diverse, fertile Ndutu plains, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the southeast of the great Serengeti National Park.
By Mid -January, about 8,000 calves can be born each day. However, more calves mean more predators – Ndutu is home to various gut-wrenching, quite rewarding predator action during January and February. However, it is the best time to see wildebeest and big cats in Tanzania.
At the end of March tend to receive the long rains, leaving the ground muddy and slippery. During this time, wildebeest mega -herds disperse, heading north through the Maswa Game Reserve and spreading out to the east and west.
April to June; Migrating North;
April sees the long rains of the year, with it the scattering of the wildebeest herds although the Serengeti. Time the mega herd splits in search of fresh green pasture and by the month of May, the journey north begins with the perfect aim of accessing the Mara River. During this time, expect to watch huge columns of wildebeest ‘’can even goes up to 40km in length’’ barreling their way up the Serengeti.
By June, over quarter of the wildebeest herd will be in the western Grumeti region facing the Grumeti rivers.
Unfortunately, heavy rain tends to be received where the herds seem to turn to next thus making this season a challenge to safari goers. While, travelers who tend to visit in June to encounter a herd, can look forward to rutting season, with male wildebeest clattering horns to secure the best adventure around the watering holes, which attracts female species.
Get started to visit the heart of Africa ‘Kenya’’ and get to enjoy the world’s ultimate m Migration Wildebeest event.
