The Great Wildebeest Migration
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The Great Wildebeest Migration 2025 — Best Time, Route & Tips
What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most amazing wildlife events in the world. Over 1.5 million wildebeests, along with zebras and gazelles, move in a big circle between Tanzania and Kenya.
They go in search of fresh grass and water. This journey is full of danger, excitement, and beauty. It happens every year and covers over 1,800 miles.
If you love animals, nature, and adventure—this is something you must see!
Why is it Called “Great”?
It’s called “Great” because:
It’s the largest land animal migration on Earth.
It includes millions of animals.
You can see dramatic river crossings and predator hunts.
It happens every year, without fail.
Where Does the Migration Happen?
The migration mainly happens in two countries:
Tanzania – Home to the Serengeti National Park
Kenya – Home to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Most of the migration takes place in Tanzania, around 70% of the time.
Month-by-Month Migration Calendar
Here is a simple guide to help you understand where the wildebeests are each month:
January – March (Calving Season)
Location: Southern Serengeti (Ndutu area)
What to See: Wildebeests give birth. About 500,000 calves are born.
Why Visit: Great time to see baby animals and predators like lions and hyenas.
April – May (Start of the Move)
Location: Moving towards Central Serengeti
What to See: Long columns of wildebeests walking
Why Visit: Fewer tourists and green scenery
June – July (Grumeti River Crossing)
Location: Western Serengeti
What to See: Wildebeests cross the Grumeti River (crocodile danger!)
Why Visit: Action-packed crossings
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August – October (Mara River Crossing)
Location: Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara (Kenya)
What to See: Most dramatic river crossings at Mara River
Why Visit: Best time to see the famous migration scenes
November – December (Return to Serengeti)
Location: Back to Southern Serengeti
What to See: Herds return for calving season
Why Visit: Calmer season, fewer crowds
Best Time to See the Great Wildebeest Migration
The best time depends on what you want to see:
Calving (baby season): January – March
River crossings: July – September
Less crowded safaris: April – May or November
Want to see the famous river crossings? Visit in August or September.
Wildebeest Migration Route Map
The migration forms a loop. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Start in Ndutu (South Serengeti)
Move to Central Serengeti
Cross Grumeti River (West)
Head North to Mara River (Serengeti/Kenya border)
Enter Kenya’s Maasai Mara
Return back to South Serengeti
Wildlife You Can See During the Migration
It’s not just wildebeests. You’ll also see:
Zebras (over 200,000)
Thomson’s gazelles
Lions
Cheetahs
Hyenas
Leopards
Crocodiles (especially during river crossings)
Elephants and giraffes nearby
Why Do the Wildebeests Migrate?
They migrate to:
Find fresh grass
Look for water
Follow rain patterns
It’s nature’s way of survival. And it’s amazing to watch!
Best Parks to See the Migration in Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
Most of the migration happens here.
You can visit all year round.
Best areas: Ndutu (south), Seronera (central), Grumeti (west), Kogatende (north)
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Great for calving season in January – March
Nearby the Ndutu area
Safari Tips for Watching the Migration
🧭 Plan Early: Book your safari at least 6 months ahead.
⛺ Stay Near the Action: Choose camps close to migration routes.
📸 Bring a Good Camera: You’ll want to capture every moment.
👚 Pack Light Clothes: But also bring a jacket for chilly mornings.
⏱ Wake Up Early: Wildlife is most active in the morning.
Types of Safari Experiences
🛻 Game Drives
Most common safari type
Morning and evening drives
🏕️ Mobile Camps
Move with the migration
Basic but close to nature
🎈 Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Fly above the herds
Amazing views at sunrise
What Makes the Great Migration Special?
It’s natural – animals are not controlled or fed
It’s massive – millions of animals involved
It’s dangerous – predators and rivers create drama
It’s predictable – happens every year in a loop
Fun Facts About the Migration
🐾 Wildebeests can run up to 50 km/h
🍼 Calves can walk within minutes of birth
🦓 Zebras help wildebeests find water (they have good memory!)
🦁 Lions follow the migration for easy hunting
🌧️ The migration follows rainfall, not seasons
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Plan Your Dream Safari with Sursee Safari Tours 🐘
At Sursee Safari Tours, we know the migration like the back of our hand. Whether you want to see the river crossings or the baby wildebeests, we’ll take you there.
Let our expert guides show you the best of the Serengeti—safely, comfortably, and with care.
🌍 Let us make your migration safari unforgettable.