Where is the Best Place to See Wildebeest Migration?
Where is the Best Place to See Wildebeest Migration? The Wildebeest Migration also known as the greatest show on earth is an annual migration of mega herds of almost two million wildebeests, zebras and gazelles continuously moving thousands of kilometers in a clockwise direction from the Southern Serengeti, north into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, and back again.
The Wildebeest Migration is one Africa’s classic safari experiences, drawing millions of visitors year round to witness this breathtaking spectacle.
Along the way, the herds experience the full circle of life, from mating, calving, to death – often in the jaws of their many predators – the crocodiles and big cats – lions, leopard and African wild dogs who are themselves sustained by Mother Nature’s beautiful – brutal cycle.
This endless journey see herds splitting and reforming, retracing their steps before heading onwards again and other variations that can make the whole journey more chaotic than it might seem at first. And though the herds generally follow the rains, it is not an exact science as to when they will arrive at each point. The timing and routes of the Great Migration differ from year to year, making the precise location for a migration safari which makes it a bit tricky to predict.
To get a good chance of catching the migrating herds, stay at a mobile safari camps as these properties are moved each season to follow the migration route. If you have time, aim to stay at two or three safari camps in different locations in the Serengeti or Masai Mara National Reserve, depending on when you travel.
The dramatic River Crossings (Mara and Grumeti Rivers) are the most coveted sights, but it is risky to plan your whole Wildebeest Migration trip around this as the crossings are so unpredictable and it is far from guaranteed that you will be in the right place at the right time.
Where is the Best Place to See the Wildebeest Migration?
Ndutu Plains & Ngorongoro Conservation Area – For Calving and Carnage
The Ndutu Region and Southern Serengeti become the birthing grounds for hundreds of thousands of calves between January and March. It is a time of renewal and intense predator activity.
The wildebeest migration passes through the Ngorongoro and Ndutu Plains region between January to March which is a calving season.
The Ndutu Plains is ideal for witness the mass calving events, high concentrations of predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas attracted to the area by the presence of the vulnerable calves. The nearby Lake Ndutu hosts flocks of lesser flamingoes.
Also, Ndutu Plains is situated adjacent to Maswa Game Reserve which acts as a Buffer Wildlife Zone from encroachment and is a key conservation zone.
Central Serengeti & Seronera Region – For Year – Round Wildlife Sightings
As April rolls in, the wildebeest herds pushes North into the Central Serengeti and the Seronera River Valley. The area has permanent water sources that draws both migrating herds and resident predators.
At a heart of Serengeti National Park lies the Seronera River and the surrounding valley. The Seronera is a perennial river, providing a good habitat for wildlife year-round with resident lions, leopards and cheetahs. Due to the availability of habitats and the permanent availability of water, an abundance of herbivores, such as zebras, Bohor reedbuck and Grant’s gazelles are found in this area through the year.
In Central Serengeti and Seronera Region, expect to see resident big cats including leopards, cheetahs and lions, pink flamingoes at the nearby Lake Magadi and iconic kopjes like Simba Kopjes and Moru Kopjes boasting panoramic views and Maasai Rock Art.
The Western Corridor & Grumeti River – For River Crossings
In May and June, the herds starts moving westwards towards the Grumeti River which is their first significant obstacle on their annual journey. The river crossing here, while smaller and less famous than at the Mara are filled with drama.
During this time of the year, there are a few visitors in this region thus a more private and intimate wildebeest safari experience.
Northern Serengeti & Kogatende – For the Iconic Mara River Crossings
The bulk of the herds of wildebeests, gazelles and zebras push north through the Ikorongo Reserve to Kogatende and Lamai from July to October. Reaching the Mara River – Home to the Migration’s most thrilling moments.
In this region, you will witness the daily river crossings as wildebeests plunge into crocodile-filled waters, presence of predators including a resident lion pride and dramatic scenery, with fewer crowds than the Masai Mara.
Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya, For the Northern Stage of the Great Wildebeest Migration
Between July and October, the migrating herds cross the border to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. Expect to witness the chaotic Mara River Crossings, denser crowds especially in Peak Month and excellent opportunities to see all the Big Five in one game drive.
The herds typically pass through the Mara between June and October. The Mara River running through the centre of the reserve, and this is prime river crossing territory. During these months the herd will be criss-crossing the river in a chaotic mass of activity, desperately avoiding the crocodiles lurking beneath the waterline.
Though more compact than Serengeti National Park, Masai Mara’s rich biodiversity and photoworthy landscapes keep it a perennial favorite.
Eastern Serengeti 7 Gol Kopjes – For Big Cats Central
The migrations turns to move south again in October and November; the herds pass through Eastern Serengeti, where the vast grasslands meet acacia – studded savannah and rocky outcrops like Gol Kopjes.
In this stage of the Great Wildebeest Migration, expect to see the herds reform before their return to Ndutu.
Loliondo and Lobo—Remote Wilderness Trails
Along the return journey, the herds pass through the Loliondo and Lobo, a quiet, untapped areas offers a glimpse into traditional Maasai life and untouched wilderness.
The Return South: Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai
As the Migration nears their full circle, many herds pass near Lake Natron – a stunning soda lake and a breeding site for pink lesser flamingoes. Nearby lies the Oldoinyo Lengai—The Mountain of God, a Sacred Maasai volcano adding to a magic touch to your Great Migration Safari.
