Experts Ideas and Ways to Track the Great Wildebeest Migration

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of nature’s most extraordinary events, featuring over 1.5 million wildebeests, 550,000 zebras, and countless gazelles as they traverse the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in search of food, water, and calving grounds. This spectacular migration is a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast. Here’s how you can experience it at its best.

1. Wildlife’s Take Part in Great Wildebeest Migration

The Great Wildebeest Migration is a massive, ongoing journey involving over 1.5 million wildebeests, 550,000 zebras, and numerous gazelles. This annual trek begins in the southern Serengeti and travels to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. The wildebeests typically give birth to around 400,000 calves during the migration, with an astonishing average of 8,000 newborns per day.

The migration also attracts predators such as crocodiles, lions, and hyenas, which target the vulnerable calves during river crossings.

2. Best Locations and Timing for Viewing the Migration

To maximize your experience, understanding the migration’s seasonal movements is key:

• January — February: Calving season occurs in the southern Serengeti, near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This period is ideal for witnessing newborns and observing predator-prey interactions.
• March — May: The herds move towards Lake Victoria and the Grumeti River. This phase provides opportunities to see wildebeests with their young ones and enjoy the lush landscapes of the Serengeti.
• June — August: The dramatic river crossings take place at the Mara River, where crocodiles and other predators lie in wait. This is a thrilling time to witness the herds braving the river’s dangers.
• September — December: The migration starts its return journey from the Maasai Mara back to the southern Serengeti. This period offers a chance to see the herds moving south as the cycle begins anew.

3. Best Viewing Methods for the Migration

There are several ways to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration:

• Hot Air Balloon Safari: This provides a bird’s-eye view of the migration and is perfect for capturing stunning aerial photos with a clear perspective.
• Camp Safari: Staying in well-placed camps allows you to observe the migration from a higher vantage point, often with spectacular views of the herds.
• Road Safari: Traveling in a 4x4 vehicle lets you follow the migration closely, providing an immersive experience as you move alongside the herds.
• Customized Tours: Tailor your safari to focus on specific aspects of the migration, such as river crossings or calving, based on the time of year.

4. Where to Stay During the Migration

There are several excellent lodges and camps within 100 km of the migration routes. These accommodations offer luxurious stays with breathtaking views of the migration, ensuring you’re close to the action and can enjoy the spectacle in comfort.

5. Predator Encounters

Predators play a crucial role in the migration, controlling the population and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Lions, leopards, and wild dogs often lie in wait along the migration route, targeting weaker individuals and calves and providing dramatic and thrilling scenes.

6. Capturing the Migration

The Great Wildebeest Migration offers limitless opportunities for stunning wildlife photography. Whether from a vehicle, a hot air balloon, or a camp, be ready with your camera to capture the epic river crossings, vast herds, and dramatic predator interactions. This is a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.

During the whole year when the Great Wildebeest migration takes place in the different parts of Serengeti National Park, making and opportunity to click the best pictures of these wild animals in their habitat. You should be ready with your camera and photography kit and skill, you can have an unlimited scene which you will want to make as a part of your memory.

The Best Time to See the Great Wildebeest Migration is from November to January when the herd starts moving toward the southern part of Serengeti National Park. This is the time when the young wildebeest grew into a big wildebeest and start grazing and migrating with their mothers.

Sumbi Extra Miles Safari offers various Tanzania Safari Packages throughout the year in different places of Serengeti National Park making it easier for you to view them. Prepare for an unforgettable journey and witness the awe-inspiring drama of the Great Wildebeest Migration firsthand.