The Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris

The Great Wildebeest Migration - the annual migration of gigantic herds of grazers across Northern Tanzania and Kenya is a really remarkable event. Over two million wildebeest, supplemented by hundreds of thousands of zebras and several other antelope species like gazelles, move through Southern Serengeti area of Ndutu and Maasai Mara ecosystems in search of green pasture, in a regular pattern. This is certainly one of the greatest wonders of the natural world.

The wildebeest calving season begins (December-March), along with the river crossings, this is a real highlight of the wildebeest’s 3, 000-kilometre (1 900-mile) of death-defying journey and a fabulous time to see the herds congregate on the dramatic sweeping plains of the south. February is the only time of year when, you are almost guaranteed to see the big herds all together as they always come south for calving season. It is also an opportune time for predators such as leopards, cheetahs, lions, and even hyenas to pick off weak and confused calves.

When the rains end in April/May, the zebra begin the process of heading north towards the Maasai Mara. The huge herd crosses the Grumeti River in June/July and the Mara River between August and November, and it is at this time that some of the most spectacular photographs and video footage can be captured. The swollen rivers sweep away members of the herd; predators harry the stragglers, and the opportunistic Nile crocodiles have a feast as animals venture into the water seeking to cross. It is a bloody, amazing display of the food chain at work.

Once the crossings are complete, the herd settles in the Maasai Mara in southern Kenya. After remaining in the more fertile Maasai Mara for the duration of the dry season, the migration heads south again in preparation for the calving season in the New Year.