The Serengeti wildebeest migration is indeed a remarkable pilgrimage, often considered one of the most impressive natural events in the world. The Serengeti is a vast ecosystem that spans northern Tanzania and extends into southwestern Kenya, and it is home to a diverse range of wildlife.

The wildebeest migration is an annual event that involves the movement of over a million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and other herbivores, in search of fresh grazing and water. The migration is a continuous, circular journey covering approximately 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometers) throughout the year.

To witness the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, the timing of your visit is crucial. The migration is a year-round event, but the location and behavior of the herds vary depending on the season. Luitours and Safaris operate on both seasons and help you get to see the remarkable pilgrimage at different times of the year.

The migration is driven by the need for the animals to follow the rains and find greener pastures. It is a cyclical pattern that includes the calving season in the southern Serengeti, where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves are born within a few weeks. This event is a feast for predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

  • Calving Season (December to March): The wildebeest gather in the southern Serengeti for the calving season. This is a time of abundance for predators as they target the vulnerable young calves.
    • Best time to visit: Late January to February.
    • Location: Southern Serengeti.
    • Highlights: Witness the wildebeest giving birth to their calves. This period offers excellent opportunities to see predators in action as they hunt the vulnerable young.
  • Grumeti River Crossing (May to July): As the dry season progresses, the herds move westward towards the Grumeti River. The river crossings during this period are dramatic and perilous, as crocodiles lie in wait for the wildebeest attempting to cross.
    • Best time to visit: Late May to June.
    • Location: Western Serengeti.
    • Highlights: Experience the dramatic river crossings as the herds navigate the Grumeti River, facing the danger of crocodile-infested waters.
  • Mara River Crossing (July to October): The herds continue northward to the Mara River, which forms the border between Tanzania and Kenya. The river crossings here are perhaps the most famous and challenging. Wildebeest must navigate through swift currents and face crocodile-infested waters.
    • Best time to visit: July to September.
    • Location: Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara (Kenya).
    • Highlights: Witness the iconic river crossings at the Mara River, where the wildebeest face both swift currents and hungry crocodiles. This is often considered the most dramatic phase of the migration.

The migration is a stunning display of nature’s rhythms and the cycle of life and death. It attracts tourists and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world who come to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle. Conservation efforts are crucial to preserving the Serengeti ecosystem and ensuring the continued success of the wildebeest migration.

Additionally, while the migration is a key attraction, the Serengeti offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year. The dry season (June to October) is also a good time for general game viewing as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot.

Visit our website for various packages and bookings