The Wildebeest Migration – Serengeti to Masai Mara
The River crossings:
This is the most impressive as well as dramatic part of the wildebeest migration which attracts thousands and thousands of tourists into the Serengeti. The migration normally crosses River Grumeti in June as well as early July; and then River Mara in August and October. during this time there are several tourists who are likewise interested in watching this phenomena wildlife occurrence, however in order to have the best views, we recommend that you follow the migrating herd for about 3 to 4 nights staying in the remote areas of Serengeti. You will see the hungry crocodiles on river Mara hunting down the wildebeests.
The Calving Season:
The female wildebeests drop their wildebeest-calve in the Serengeti from end of the month of January to towards the end of the month of February. This is another exciting wildlife occurrence worth watching as a big heard of thousands and thousands of female wildebeests are calving at that time. Fortunately the grass in the Serengeti plains is also short which makes game viewing very good. On the other hands, the predators are not resting; they are up on their game hunting here and there.
Here is a guide to follow if planning to visit Serengeti National Park that will offer you great views of the different wildlife as well as great chances of catching up with the wildebeest migration.
From December to April
during this time the southern part of Serengeti which includes the Ngorongoro Conservation area and Serengeti National Park has short grass, and the main attraction is the wildebeest calving which starts at the end of the month of January up to the third week of the month of February, however, also in the month of April, Game viewing is good.
Recommended accommodation: Kusini camp, Ndutu Lodge and Masek camp
In the month of May:
In this month, the migration herd is moving northwards and westwards filling up the western wilderness sector as well as the Moru Kopjes.
Recommended accommodation: Kusini Tented camp Sopa Serengeti Lodge as well as camping within the Rongai and Moru areas
From June to July:
During these months the migration herd in the western corridor has continued through the Grumeti Game Reserve and start entering the northern part of the Serengeti. The herd crosses River Grumeti between end of June and start of July.
Recommended accommodation: Mbalageti Tented lodge, Serengeti Under canvas, Kirawira Tented Camp, Grumeti River Camp,as well as Soroi Tented camp.-
From August to October:
At this time the great herd has spread across the northern part of the Serengeti national parks as well as to the adjacent Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya. Because its after the rains and there is plenty of food the herd moves fast between the Serengeti and Masai Mara. By mid – October the Zebra herd moves earlier southwards to the Seronera area (central Serengeti). it is during this time that the herd will cross River Mara; offering very amazing wildlife views.
Recommended accommodation: Olakira camp, Serengeti Bush tops, Sayari Camp as well as camping within the Mara area.
From November to December
At this time the herd proceeds south along the eastern border of Serengeti National Park to Piaya and back into the park. The animals spread across so visiting the eastern and central parts of the park will offer you very rewarding views if wildlife, however don’t forget that at this time the herd is moving at a high pace.
Recommended accommodation: Klein’s camp and Mbuzi Mawe, however all the lodges in the central valley are also fine during this time.