When does the wildebeest migration happen?
Posted on November 16, 2021
Regarded as the 7th wonder, wildebeest migration is a natural phenomenon happening between Kenya masai mara and Tanzania Serengeti parks. However, many questions arise such as; When does the wildebeest migration happen? Where to see wildebeest migration in Kenya? When is the best time to see the migration in Serengeti? When is the best time to see wildebeest migration in Masai Mara?
These questions will form the bases of when to book safari in Kenya and Tanzania if prime reason is to witness the wildebeest migration. Nevertheless, it’s important to note even though from mid-June typically is when migration happens heading to Masai mara from Serengeti; the migration happens throughout the year. Between July – October is when they move in large herds, hence it’s the known best season to visit Kenya and Tanzania.
When is the best time to see wildebeest migration in Serengeti?
When does Wildebeest migration happen? Unknown to many, wildebeest migration in Serengeti is an all-year event as they move from one area to another. In addition, when choosing accommodation and which part of Serengeti to stay at should be informed by this in mind. However, as mentioned earlier, its between Mid June through to July when migration happens in larger herds towards Masai Mara in Kenya. Thus the best time to witness the wildebeest migration in Serengeti as it happens in millions.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
A World Heritage Site and recently proclaimed a World Wide Wonder, Serengeti National Park is undoubtedly one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The park is located some 320 km to the northwest of Arusha, lying in a high plateau between the Ngorongoro highlands and the Kenya/ Tanzania border. And extending almost to Lake Victoria to the west, covering a total area of 14,763 square kilometers. Named “endless plains” by the Maasai people, is vastness as you enter the southeastern plains of the park from Ngorongoro.
Declared a protected area in 1921 and gazetted as National Park in 1951 Serengeti is the oldest National Park in Tanzania. The principal features of the Serengeti are the short and long grass plains in the south and east. The acacia Savannah in the central areas. The hilly and densely wooded areas in the north and the extensive woodland in the west. There is a variety of scenery, which include the plains, lakes, hills and the rock outcrops called kopjes.
The main game drive areas in the Serengeti are the Seronera Valley, the Western Corridor, and northern Serengeti. The Seronera valley in central Serengeti, endowed with permanent surface water, attract a large concentration of wildlife throughout the year. Common animals that can be seen here are lions, buffaloes, impalas, hippos, waterbucks, elephants. Cheetahs, the leopard, and over 400 species of birds. Serengeti provides sanctuary to the highest concentration of plains animals in the world.
When is the best time to see wildebeest migration in Masai mara?
As illustrated in the map above and below, the best time to see wildebeest migration in masai mara is between mid July to September/early October. This period when wildebeest migrate into masai mara in millions. To answer the the question when does wildebeest migration happen in Kenya masai mara, see the map below.
As matter of fact, wildebeest breed in Serengeti, give birth in Kenya masai mara; suggesting the reason they spend less time in Masai mara. Thus most of the migration happens in Tanzania with masai mara more so being place they give birth. Wildebeest migration in masai mara is famous due to the crossing of mara river. This is where larger herds on wildebeest, zebras and few antelopes cross the crocodile infested mara river. Here, most are eaten by crocodiles while others are eaten by big lions waiting across the river for easy target.
Which is best itinerary to see wildebeest migration?
This will depend on factors such as your timing or availability to do the safari, number of days and interests. However, below find links to 3 best itineraries that can be tailored without your schedule and experience the best of wildebeest migration:
- 3 days Masai mara safari tailored either by road or flying from Nairobi or from any beach hotel in the cost
- 4 days masai mara and Lake Nakuru safari starting and ending in Nairobi
- 6 days Serengeti safari combining with Ngorongoro crater and lake Manyara national parks
- 10 days Kenya and Tanzania safari following the wildebeest migration routes with 2 night Amboseli National Park
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