Complete Guide to Wildebeest Migration Experience

Complete Guide to Wildebeest Migration Experience : An incredible natural phenomenon, the Great Wildebeest Migration, also referred to as the Gnu Migration, Serengeti Migration, and Masai Mara Migration, brings thousands of tourists to Kenya and Tanzania each year for a Migration safari, especially in the middle of the year. It is a monument to the strength and unpredictable nature of nature and one of the last large-scale terrestrial wildlife movements on the planet.

Even though timing is crucial for the Migration, it is impossible to predict with certainty the precise movements of antelopes, zebras, and wildebeest. Nobody knows exactly when the rain will cause them to move on to new grazing, or when they will cross the Mara River. A large portion of what makes witnessing the Wildebeest Migration so thrilling and captivating is its unpredictable nature.

At Focus East Africa Tours, we have been organizing Wildebeest Migration safaris in Africa. Thousands of travelers have benefited from our experience and local knowledge in finding the best deals and locations at the ideal times. You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re seeking for professional planning guidance for a safari during the Wildebeest Migration. We’ve put together all of our expert advice in this beginner’s guide to help you get the most out of this amazing natural spectacle.

Can one forecast where the wildebeest will cross rivers during the Great Migration?
Regretfully, no. Even the wildebeest are unsure of their crossing time. While some animals will swim across the river as soon as they get there, others might graze for days before doing so. Some might even go in the opposite direction. Although it would be ideal, it is just not possible to predict the crossings. For this reason, if you want to maximise your chances of seeing this amazing spectacle, make sure you have enough time on safari.

When does the Wildebeest Migration occur?
The Wildebeest Migration is not restricted to the months of July through October, despite what is commonly believed. Approximately two million animals travel in a circular fashion throughout the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem every year. Even though the river crossings are a highlight and frequently take place from June to October, when safari travel is at its busiest, there are other equally exciting events that happen all year long.

The Great Migration starts where?
The Great Migration is a fluid and never-ending movement without a clear beginning or end. The animals travel a well-worn path in search of clean water and new pasture after being triggered by the rains in East Africa. The wildebeest eventually make a clockwise circle, travelling across the Kenyan plains of the Maasai Mara and south into Tanzania’s Serengeti.

What causes wildebeests to migrate?
The wildebeest’s reaction to the weather largely determines the course of the Great Migration. After the rains, they follow the growth of new grass and move in search of food to survive. There is no scientific evidence to support the theory held by some experts that distant lightning and thunderstorms are what cause the wildebeest to move.

The once-regular and predictable long and short rainy seasons in Tanzania and Kenya have become erratic due to climate change. The wildebeest migration could be delayed due to the timing of the rains. For this reason, extending your safari will improve your chances of seeing the migration. The way that nature operates does not permit a quick visit to take in the spectacle.

The following provides a general overview of the herds’ annual whereabouts. Remember that rain can fall early, late, or on schedule, and that rain is what causes the Serengeti Migration.

The herds are heading south in January, leaving Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park in the northeast and entering the region around Lake Ndutu. The animals group together in mega-herds, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or thousands.

During the calving season, which runs from February to March, over 8,000 wildebeest babies are born every day. Big cats are the primary predators in the Serengeti, but hyenas and wild dogs also contribute to the drama.

The herds stay in the southern plains until March if the brief rainy season (November to December) offers excellent grazing. When the long rains start in April, the herds usually head northwest towards the Moru and Simba Kopjes. Males are fighting for the right to mate during the rutting season.

As the calves gain strength in May, the herds begin to move more quickly, and as they approach the central Serengeti, enormous columns stretching up to 40 kilometres (25 miles) in length can be observed. In the middle of the Serengeti by June, the wildebeest are getting ready for the most difficult stretch of their journey. Grumeti River may have already been crossed by some.

The herds have arrived in the Grumeti region in July, and they are staring at the dangerous Mara River that they will have to cross in order to get to Kenya. Predicting river crossings with any degree of accuracy is impossible due to the erratic behavior of wildebeest and rainfall. It is advised to reserve a Wildebeest Migration safari up to a year in advance and select a mobile safari camp that moves with the Migration to improve your chances of seeing this spectacle.

The spectacular river crossings from the northern Serengeti into the Maasai Mara are thought to be best seen in August. Visit the private conservancies that border the Maasai Mara National Reserve for a more exclusive safari experience. The reserve is accessible to the general public. Note that a passport is required to cross into Kenya, but the wildebeest are exempt.

September: Since not all of the wildebeest migrate into Kenya, during this month the herds begin to divide into smaller groups. The remaining animals move to the Maasai Mara, with less than half staying in the northern Serengeti. In the Serengeti, wildebeest can still be spotted, but not in the large herds that have been observed so far this season. Nonetheless, the Maasai Mara is generally advised for seeing the Migration in September.

October: Though this reserve is smaller than the Serengeti and can get crowded, the Maasai Mara is still the best spot to see the wildebeest Migration in October. Alternatively, the nearby private conservancies support the Maasai communities and provide less crowded viewing options. Additionally, visitors can partake in non-permitted safaris activities like walking safaris, night drives, and off-road game drives within the national reserve.

November: Usually, November heralds the beginning of the brief rains that drive the wildebeest back to the rejuvenated Serengeti from the now-depleted Masai Mara grasslands. The herds can be spotted in the northeastern Serengeti, where they may split up into smaller groups to travel south, but the timing of the rains is erratic.

Advice: Although Africa is known for being a hot continent, rain can significantly lower the temperature there. Game drives in the early morning and late afternoon are very popular during this season because of the waning light. Bring a fleece or waterproof jacket, at least one pair of trousers and closed, mud-resistant shoes.

December: In search of new grazing, the wildebeest travel southward during this month to the northern and eastern Serengeti. For the wildebeest, this is a critical time as they get ready for their arduous 3,000 km (1,900 mi) journey ahead.