The Epic Journey of the Wildebeest – The Great Migration
- Pablo
- Oct 20
- 3 min read
What Is the Great Migration?
Each year, one of the natural world’s most awe-inspiring spectacles unfolds across East Africa: the movement of more than a million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, through the sprawling Serengeti National Park in Tanzania into Kenya’s Masai Mara and back again.
This grand migration is a continuous, circular quest for fresh grass and water, driven by instinct and nature’s rhythms.
Why It’s So Remarkable?
It is the largest mass-movement of land animals on Earth — up to an astounding density of 1,000 animals per square kilometre at peak times.
The route spans 800–1,000 km per wildebeest, as they navigate predator-rich terrain, rivers, and changing seasons.
It is dramatic and raw — predators such as lions, hyenas, crocodiles and wild dogs lie in wait, while calves are born and others fall along the way.
The Route and Key Seasons
January–March: Calving Season
In the early part of the year, the herds move into the southern Serengeti’s short-grass plains. Here, roughly 400,000 calves are born within a two-to-three-week period — about 8,000 each day.
The vulnerability of the young draws predator activity and makes this one of the most intense wildlife experiences.
April–May: Moving Through Central Serengeti
After calving, the herds drift northwest toward richer pastures in the central Serengeti. By May, they gather in large numbers near the Moru Kopjes and begin the mating ritual (“the rut”) which energises this leg of the journey.
June–July: River Crossings Begin
As the dry season advances, the migration heads toward the Western Corridor and the dangerous crossing of the Grumeti River. By July, the herds reach the Mara River — a dramatic highlight where thousands attempt the leap into crocodile-infested waters to reach Kenya.
August–October: In the Masai Mara
August and September see the herds dispersed in the Masai Mara and northern Serengeti. The river crossings here are arguably at their most intense.
By October into early November the bulk of the herds begin their return journey south as the short rains begin.
November–December: East & South Serengeti
Returning into Tanzania, the herds move through the eastern Serengeti’s lush plains as grassy fresh growth awaits them. The cycle completes and readies for another year’s calving.
Why the Migration Happens
The driving force is grass and water — wildebeest follow the rains and freshly grown grass, which is essential for their survival.
The journey is deeply rooted in instinct and ancient routes — although the exact mechanisms (such as whether they sense thunderstorms or lightning from afar) aren’t fully proven, some theories suggest they can detect rain up to 50 km away.
The grazing process is efficient: successive groups of herbivores strip vegetation in tiers, enabling balanced use of the ecosystem.
Why It’s a Must-See Experience
For nature lovers and photographers, witnessing giant herds thundering across plains, plunging into torrents, evading predators — it’s as close to wild, unfiltered nature as you’ll find.
The scale is astonishing — the sheer mass of animals moving as one is humbling.
It exemplifies renewal and survival in the natural world: birth, death, predator and prey in a cycle that has played out for millennia.
Planning Your Visit
Timing matters: depending on what you want to see — calving, river crossings, or migration in the Masai Mara — your visit window may differ.
Choose camps or lodges positioned along the migration route to maximise your chances of witnessing the action.
Be ready for varied terrain and weather: while the wildlife is spectacular, conditions can be rugged, unpredictable and remote.
At Nturo Safaris, we craft unforgettable experiences across Tanzania and Kenya, ensuring you witness the migration at its most spectacular moments.
Whether you dream of seeing a river crossing, a calving season, or a panoramic Serengeti sunset, our expert team will make it happen.
👉 Book Your Great Migration Safari Today
Experience the power, beauty, and magic of the African wilderness with Nturo Safaris — your trusted partner for authentic safari adventures.
