Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania
Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania is one of the most sought-after experiences for wildlife and nature enthusiasts travelling to Africa. The Great Migration is an ever-moving circular migration of over a million mammal grazes across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem due to a long round trek of drier lands. The constant movement of columns of wildebeest are usually joined by the zebras and gazelles following an age-old route in search of fresh pastures and water. The Migration usually starts in the southern plains of Tanzania after the calving season near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The mammal grazers move northwards through the vast Serengeti National Park until when they cross over to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
The migration is in a clockwise direction towards the Masai Mara in Kenya where they spend the last part of the year, before returning to Serengeti. As the large herds of mammals migrate, there is always high drama, as thousands of animals are taken by predators and thousands more are born, replenishing the numbers and sustaining the circle of life. The Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania is a must see during your Tanzania holiday safari tour/Tanzania Wildlife safari.
What makes the wildebeest to migrate? – The Origins of the Migration
Although not well known, the Wildebeest Migration is believed to be driven by the seasonal changes necessitating the mammal grazers to search for fresh grazing areas and water. The migrating mammals usually follow an ancient cycle dictated by the rains. The Migration begins in the southern Serengeti plains near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (although not in the crater its self) after calving, between January and March. After the birth of thousands of calves, these animals start their movement northwards to the central part of Serengeti in a clockwise direction in search of greener pastures and water.
From the central areas of Serengeti, the animals will continue with their movement north words, crossing over to the nearby Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The migrating animals will then stay in Masai Mara National Reserve for some time before starting their trek back to Tanzania and by March, the cycle will repeat itself again.
Do the wildebeest have specific routes they follow while migrating?
The Migrating mammals are guided by survival instinct and each wildebeest will cover 800 to 1,000km on its individual journey along age-old migration routes. They are usually followed by hungry predators including lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, wild dog and crocs that make sure only the strongest survive during the migration. As the rains continue to fall in the northern part of the Serengeti into Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, it enables the growth of nutritious grass suitable for wildebeest and their entourage. The migrating mammals will fallow the rains and pastures all the way to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
The animals travel across the Serengeti’s vast grasslands, crossing rivers and navigating through treacherous terrain before finally reaching Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve where they will stay for a few month before starting their trek back to Serengeti.
Between July and October, there are high chances of witnessing the spectacular river crossing and large herds of wildebeests start to Arrive in Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is an oasis of sustenance for these animals – teeming with unique ecosystem that provides the abundant grasses and water that can support large herds. After spending the latter part of the year grazing in the Masai Mara, the wildebeests begin their return journey south in October, trekking back either through the same route or other routes to Serengeti National Park and by late February, large herds start arriving in Southern Serengeti where the cycle will repeat again.
How do these mammal grazers migrate? – Which groups lead the way?
The three groups of migrant grazers (Wildebeests, Zebras, and Gazelles) have different grass-eating habits: The first group eats the top of the tallest grass, the next group will eat away some of the medium-height grass, and the last group eats up completely the last parts of the grass, and then the herds start to move. Each group sticks to their own kind of grass with only a small overlap in their distributions.
It is still unclear how the wildebeest know which way to go, but it is generally believed that their journey is dictated primarily by the weather especially rains that influence the growth of nutrient-rich graces necessary for the growth of the mammal grazers. Some experts have however established that the wildebeest react to lightning and thunderstorms in the distance. It is believed that wildebeest can locate rain more than 50km away – this therefore triggers their movement.
Best time to see Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania
Although wildebeest migration can be witnessed all year round, the best time to visit Tanzania for wildebeest migration safaris largely depends on the specific phase of the journey you wish to witness during Tanzania Safaris. If you are fantasizing about witnessing the dramatic river crossing, July to August is the best time to visit Serengeti National Park for wildebeest Migration Safaris.
For those craving to witness the birth of new calves, January to March are the best month to visit Serengeti for wildebeest migration Safaris.
Regardless of when you visit, it is important to plan ahead, as the migration is a highly anticipated event that attracts tourists from around the world. We recommend making early bookings to ensure that you secure your spot especially during the high season for safaris in Tanzania between June to October and December to February.
Witness one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomena unfold in Tanzania’s vast wilderness, witness the spectacular wildebeest migration, and create everlasting memories of Africa. We also offer other Tanzania Safari experiences including mountaineering in Tanzania, Wildlife safaris in Tanzania, and Beach Holiday Safaris to Zanzibar among others. Our multi-border crossing packages will also take you to other East African countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for remarkable safari adventures. Explore Africa with us today – let us help you plan your dream African safari tour.