Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and Kenya

WHERE DOES THE MIGRATION TAKE PLACE?

The Great Migration is the largest animal migration in the world involving millions of game animals; often described as ‘the greatest show on Earth’. The wildebeest migration takes place, in a clockwise direction, over a wide area across Kenya's Maasai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. These parks are one continuous ecosystem divided by an invisible man-made border.

IS IT ONLY WILDEBEEST WHICH MIGRATE?

No. Together with approximately 2 million wildebeest, there are roughly 800,000 zebra and gazelle forming one super herd. Zebra are often found together with wildebeest as the zebra tend to feed on grass together. Contrary to popular belief, lions and other carnivores do not migrate with the grazing animals but feast on them when their paths cross.

WHY DO THE ANIMALS MIGRATE?

The herds are following the rains in search of lush new grass and better quality water. The wildebeest are spending the wet season on the plains in the south-east, and the dry season in the woodlands of the north-west. The animals themselves, however, play a role in shaping their environment to their needs just by the sheer weight of their numbers.

The 800 km pilgrimage is an endless cycle of movement and dispersal that is not continually in forward motion but follows the constant search for food and water. The wildebeest need to drink daily, and their movement is very much dominated by the accessibility of water, and they seem to have a sixth sense in following the storms. This epic journey comes with perils, as each year over 250,000 wildebeest will die because of injury, exhaustion, or predation.

THE RIVER CROSSINGS

The famous spectacle of migration river crossing at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers has been well documented by natural history film makers and photographers. Forced on by the power of the herd the wildebeest have no choice but to take the dangerous plunge into the crocodile infested waters, often drowning or succumbing to attack.

HOW CAN I WITNESS THE MIGRATION?

There is no right or wrong time to visit East Africa to see the Great Migration which is a year-round spectacle but each season offers its own highlights. It is, however, important to be in the right area at the right time of year. For example, July and August are usually prime months to witness the animals crossing the Mara River as they head north into Kenya.

WHERE TO STAY

There is a huge selection of accommodation styles to choose from in Kenya and Tanzania. From luxury lodges and classic tented camps to experiential mobile bush camps. Check out our blog for the best places to stay to witness the migration. The key is speaking to a travel expert who has visited the camps and will know the locations well. Many of the Mahlatini team have first-hand experience of the migration and can offer expert guidance in choosing the best locations aligned to the time of year you will be travelling.