Discover the Overwhelming Numbers of Wildebeest, Zebra and Gazelles, including Thomson’s Gazelle, Elk and Impala!
Each year follows a predictable pattern of movement through the vast Serengeti territory. This is the migration of animals in constant search, for fresh grass and better sources of water.
In November, the drops of the short rainy season begin to fall.
In December, the great herds of wildebeest reach the short grass plains of the Serengeti. These vast plains are dotted with wildebeest and zebra, feasting on the fresh, nutritious grass. They stay here until March, when most wildebeest calves give birth, often in a short period around February (sometimes up to 1,000 per hour, amounting to half a million young animals). This location was strategically chosen because of the abundance of minerals in the grass, essential for the health and strength of young calves, a gift from Mother Nature herself.
Around May, the migration now really begins their great migration north.
After passing through the western part of the Serengeti, the wildebeest set course for Kenya. A portion of the migration moves just north of Seronera, while the majority usually continues to move westward. By June, the wildebeest often reach the southern banks of the Grumeti River. This river has some channels that slow or block migration north.
In July and August, the migration continues northward, often spreading over a wide front. Some wildebeest migrate through the Grumeti Reserve, while others make their way north through the heart of Serengeti National Park. In September, the herd spreads across the northern Serengeti, where the Mara River is a major obstacle to migration. It is rare but not unusual to see confused herds crossing this river northward within a single day, only to move southward again a few days later.
October marks a period of more coordinated movements, with the wildebeest herds moving south together. They traverse the western Lobo area of the Serengeti National Park and return to the lush green grass plains that follow the rain in the southern Serengeti by November.
And then the whole Serengeti Wildebeest migration starts all over again …
We emphasized in the introduction that migration follows a “fairly” predictable pattern, but each year brings its own surprises.
The course of migration is highly dependent on climate. In 2020, for example, the Mara River crossing was still in full swing in November. But this year, unlike previous years, the first animals began showing up as early as mid-June.
At JADORE SAFARIS, we constantly keep our finger on the pulse, thanks in part to updates in our private Facebook groups. We always know where this impressive migration is located.
However, it is essential that you reserve several days in the Serengeti when planning your trip, as it is a vast expanse.
