The best time to visit Serengeti National Park for the Great Migration depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet. It’s a never-ending cycle of movement, as over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate across the African savannah in search of food, water, and breeding grounds.
The Great Migration is driven by the availability of food and water. The wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles follow the rains, which bring forth the lush grasses they need to survive. This cycle of movement is repeated every year, as the herds migrate between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya with the herds moving in a clockwise direction. The route takes them through Tanzanian’s Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Fun Facts about the Great Migration
Largest Wildlife Spectacle
The Great Migration is the most massive and awe-inspiring land migration on the planet, showcasing the incredible resilience and adaptability of the animal kingdom.
Epic Journey
Every year, wildebeest migrate over an astonishing 1,200 miles (1,900 km), traversing the African savannah in search of greener pastures and more favorable breeding grounds. This arduous journey tests their endurance, navigating through treacherous terrain, raging rivers, and predators lurking in every shadow.
Mind-Boggling Numbers
The Great Migration boasts an incredible cast of characters, featuring over 1 million wildebeest, their numbers stretching as far as the eye can see, 200,000 zebras, with their black and white stripes glistening in the sunlight and about 300,000 gazelles, their agile bodies bounding effortlessly across the plains
Thrilling Speed
When threatened or during their frantic river crossings, wildebeest can reach heart-stopping speeds of up to 50 miles (80 km) per hour. This remarkable velocity allows them to outrun predators and navigate the challenges of their epic migration.
Key Events in the Great Migration
Calving Season
The calving season, occurring from February to April, is a pivotal period in the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest are born in the southeastern Serengeti’s Ndutu area. This region’s nutrient-rich grasslands provide sustenance for pregnant females and newborn calves. Within the first hour of birth, wildebeest calves can stand and walk, allowing them to quickly follow their mothers. The peak calving period, usually in late February to early March, sees up to 500,000 wildebeest calves born, making this event crucial for population growth, ecosystem balance, and a spectacle for tourists, supporting conservation efforts.
River crossings
The river crossings, occurring from June to July, are a thrilling and treacherous event of the Great Migration, where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave the waters of the Grumeti and Mara rivers. The Grumeti River, known for its strong currents and large crocodile population, and the Mara River, with its fast-flowing waters and slippery rocks, pose significant dangers, including crocodile attacks, drowning, and injuries. Despite these risks, the wildebeest and zebras gather at the riverbanks, waiting for the perfect moment to cross, creating a chaotic and intense spectacle that attracts tourists and supports conservation efforts.
Predator-Prey Interactions
The Great Migration attracts numerous predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, who prey on the vulnerable wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. Lions use coordinated attacks, leopards employ stealth and camouflage, and cheetahs utilize their speed to hunt their prey. The predator-prey cycle is a delicate balance, influenced by the availability of prey and competition among predators. Prey species have evolved adaptations to avoid predators, such as migration patterns and social behavior. Witnessing these interactions is a thrilling experience, best seen during the peak migration months (June-October) with guided tours that support responsible tourism and conservation efforts.
Breeding Season (August-September)
The breeding season, occurring from August to September, is a critical period in the Great Migration, where wildebeest and zebras mate in the Maasai Mara’s lush grasslands. During this time, males engage in intense competition for dominance and mating rights, ensuring genetic diversity and population growth. The females become pregnant after mating, with a gestation period of approximately 8-9 months for wildebeest and 12-14 months for zebras, before giving birth during the calving season. Witnessing the breeding season is a unique experience, best seen in the Maasai Mara from August to September with guided tours that support responsible tourism and conservation efforts.
The Great Migration Pattern
The Great Migration is not only a breathtaking display of nature’s resilience but also a crucial attraction for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers, offering unparalleled opportunities to witness one of the last great terrestrial migrations on planet. The migration follows a predictable pattern.
January-March – Calving Season
The wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles congregate in the southeastern part of the Serengeti, near Ndutu, to give birth to their young. This region provides a safe haven with abundant food and water, allowing the vulnerable newborns to grow and strengthen.
April-May – The Big Move
As the rains cease and the grasslands begin to dry, the massive herds embark on a northwesterly journey through the Serengeti. During this period, the wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles disperse across the park, searching for fresh grazing grounds and water sources.
June-July – River Crossing
The wildebeest migrate to the western Serengeti, where they face one of the most treacherous obstacles: crossing the Grumeti River. This perilous endeavor requires immense courage and strength, as the herds must navigate raging waters and avoid lurking predators.
August-September – Border Crossing
The herds continue their northwesterly trek, entering Kenya’s renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve. This picturesque landscape provides a verdant oasis, teeming with life and offering a temporary reprieve from the arduous journey.
October-December – The Return Journey
As the seasons change and the rains return to the Serengeti, the wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles begin their southerly migration, re-entering the Serengeti. This marks the beginning of another cycle, as the herds seek out the familiar grazing grounds and water sources of their birthplace.
Best Time to Visit.
The Great Migration is a year-round spectacle, but certain periods offer more dramatic and unforgettable wildlife experiences. The best time to witness this natural wonder depends on the specific events of the migration cycle, such as calving season, river crossings, or large-scale herd movements.
From January to March, the southern Serengeti hosts the calving season, attracting predators in search of easy prey. Between June and July, the herds face the perilous Grumeti River crossings, while the famous Mara River crossings occur from July to September. As the short rains begin in November, the herds start their journey back south. Each phase of the migration offers unique opportunities to witness this incredible wildlife phenomenon in Serengeti National Park.