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Tanzania & Kenya Wildebeest Migration

The wildebeest migration covers a huge area of the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem, and the exact route of the migrating herbivores depends on the weather and where the grass is greener, be it in Kenya or Tanzania. However, the migration does tend to follow the same, or a similar, pattern year after year, which means that you can have a good idea of where to locate yourself. Each area is good at different times of the year, the Serengeti seeing the migration for around nine months and the Mara for just three.

The river crossing are hugely exciting to witness; thousands of wildebeest battling with each other, and the crocs, to move on to the best grazing plains. The first of these crossings is that of the Grumeti River in Western Serengeti, which happens around mid-May to June. The second, and perhaps the most famous, is that of the Mara River during August and September. However, the mass herds move through the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem throughout the year, and therefore travelling at any time of the year will provide viewing of vast amounts of game.

Month by Month Breakdown: The Wildebeest Migration

Throughout January and February, following the rains, the migration moves onto the Serengeti plains in the south, where the newborns graze along with the herds. This is also the time for the predators to fatten up. With thousands of young, it’s easy pickings for cheetahs and lions, and the hyenas make the most of this abundance of food by picking up what remains of the cats’ kills, as well as picking off their own fresh meals. At this time of year, being located in the Ndutu area will give you the best access to the migration.

Where to Stay

Olakira Migration Camp

A mobile tented camp which moves through the Serengeti, staying close to the Great Migration. Wildlife viewing from the camp itself can be spectacular, and game drives offer one of the best opportunities to see the migrating herds.

Singita Faru Faru Lodge

Set on the riverside gives the lodge access to great wildlife viewing. Its location, on a slope with elevated viewing decks overlooking a watering hole, means that you can simply sit back, relax, and watch the game without even leaving the comfort of the lodge.

Sayari Mara Camp

Sayari sits in a beautifully peaceful area of the Serengeti surrounded by hills and rolling plains, with fantastic views if you can see past the migrating herds.

Rekero Camp

A seasonal camp, set up between June and March and providing some of the best game viewing during that period with fantastic access to the crossing points on the river. Owned and run by Gerard Beaton and Jackson of Big Cat Diary fame, this camp is renowned for its unbeatable guiding.