When is the best time to see the great wildebeest migration in Africa?
While the period between July and October is considered the best time to see the great wildebeest migration in Africa when the herds cross the crocodile-infested Mara River between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara, the journey is not a single event, but rather a circular, multi-regional movement that takes a year to complete.
The wildebeest migration is a natural, chaotic, and unpredictable occurrence. The herds sometimes move forward, sometimes backward, sometimes they move as one group, but more often split up into smaller herds and disperse across the vast plains. This makes timing incredibly important which depends on seasonal rainfall patterns as the ungulates follow the rains for fresh pasture.
To better understand the best time to see the wildebeest migration, let’s have a quick look at the migration route by seasons.
When to see the Wildebeest Migration: A seasonal guide
January to March: Calving season
The mega-herds congregate on the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti and the rich, fertile Ndutu plains in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to give birth. Approximately 500,000 calves (roughly 8,000 per day) are born during a two- to three-week window in February.
Nevertheless, more calves means more predators are drawn, eager to prey on the vulnerable newborns. Ndutu hosts gut-wrenching, awe-inspiring predator action during January and February, making it the prime time to see predator-prey interactions.
From the above observation, January to March is the best time to see the wildebeest migration calving season.
April to June: Migrating north and the rut
It is the rainy season, and the herds begin their trek, with some scattering northwest through the Maswa Game Reserve toward the grassier central Serengeti plains. Mating season begins, and the male wildebeest compete for the rights to mate. Throughout the rut, roughly a quarter of the herds will head into the Western Corridor (Grumeti region), facing the Grumeti River, the first big obstacle of their journey.
July to October: River crossings
July to October is when the wildebeest migration’s dramatic river crossing occurs. While it’s often considered the most exciting event of the Great Migration, timing all depends on the rains. The herds move to the Northern Serengeti and congregate at the Mara River, while others cross into Kenya’s Masai Mara. However, not all the action takes place in a single day. Rather, the crossings can happen over a number of days, with herds crossing the Mara back and forth.
From the above observation, July to October is the best time to see the wildebeest migration river crossings.
November to December: ‘Green season’
The short rains begin, rejuvenating the grasses of the Serengeti and drawing the herds to graze. November sees the herds lingering around the northern Serengeti regions of Kogatende and Lamai before heading south. They congregate on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, marking the beginning of a new cycle of life and death.
Summary of When to see the Great Wildebeest Migration
- From July to October is the best time to see the wildebeest migration’s dramatic river crossings in northern Serengeti and Masai Mara.
- From February to March is the best time to see the wildebeest migration’s calving season in the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu plains.
In conclusion, the best time to see the wildebeest migration depends on which particular event or season you are interested in visiting, or the time of year that best suits your travel plans. It allows your safari to be tailored according to your desired migration highlight. Otherwise, the Great Wildebeest Migration is a constant movement which you can see at any time of year.
Sample wildebeest migration safaris
