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While the dramatic river crossings of the Great Wildebeest Migration often capture the world's imagination, there's so much more to this great spectacle. Far beyond a single chaotic moment, this year-round journey offers a wealth of extraordinary encounters. Here, we delve the intricate details of this natural phenomenon—exploring the timing, the terrain, and how best to position yourself for an unparalleled migration safari experience.
What is the Great Migration?
The great migration is an annual phenomenon where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate across the plains of East Africa for water and fresh grazing. The migration begins in Tanzania in December and continues through Kenya in July and August, where the herds spend the rest of the year. The migration also serves an important ecological function in the Serengeti ecosystem by replenishing the grasslands and sustaining predator populations.
Where Does the Great Migration Take Place?
The great migration occurs 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 the wildebeest are thousands of zebras and gazelles, forming one super herd. Zebras are often found alongside wildebeest as they have a symbiotic relationship. Zebras feed on the longer, tougher grass stems, which helps prepare it for the wildebeest who are better suited for grazing on shorter grass because of their broader muzzle.
Contrary to popular belief, lions and other carnivores don't migrate with the grazing animals. They instead hunt and feast on the grazing animals when their paths cross.
How Many Wildebeest Migrate Every Year?
Approximately 2 million wildebeest with thousands of zebras and gazelles migrate every year.
Why Do Wildebeest Migrate?
Simply put, the animals are following the rains to find fresh, lush grass. They take advantage of the strongly seasonal conditions in East Africa, spending the wet season on the plains in the southeast and the dry season in the woodlands of the northwest. The animals themselves play a role in shaping their environment to their needs by the sheer weight of their numbers.
The 800 km pilgrimage is an ongoing cycle of movement and dispersal. The migration isn't continually in forward motion. The wildebeest need to drink daily and their movement is primarily driven by the availability of water. Interestingly, the animals seem to have a sixth sense of following the storms!
This epic journey has no real beginning or end. The life of a wildebeest is an endless pilgrimage, as they constantly search for food and water. However, this journey comes with its perils. Each year over 250,000 wildebeest die as a result of injury, exhaustion, or predation.
When is the Great Migration in Africa?
This is a year-round spectacle, there is no real right or wrong time to visit East Africa to see the migration as each season offers its own highlights. It is, however, important to be in the right area at the right time of year. We’ve created a full breakdown of when to witness the great migration.
Navigating The Iconic River Crossings
The famous spectacle of the crossing at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers has been well documented by filmmakers and photographers. Forced on by the power of the herd, the wildebeest have no choice but to take a suicidal plunge into the crocodile-infested waters often drowning in their thousands. As a result of the sheer number of animals involved in the crossing, it is essential you choose an ethical tour operator to travel with. Too often, a good sighting or a good photograph means that we prioritise proximity over sustainability, however, this is not the case when travelling with Mahlatini. It is immensely important to us that we consider the wellbeing and longevity of this unique ecosystem when visiting. At Mahlatini, we only partner with lodges and camps that keep both our clients and the wildebeest’s safety top of mind.
Where to Stay to Go on a Great Migration Safari?
Wondering where to stay to witness the great migration? There is a huge selection of accommodation options in Kenya and Tanzania. We’ve curated a list of our top 10 places to stay to see the great migration.
Mahlatini offers everything from luxury lodges and classic tented camps to simple mobile bush camps designed to put you in the best place to catch all the action. The key is speaking to an expert who has visited the camps and knows the locations well. At Mahlatini, we have travel experts that have seen the wildebeest migration first hand in different countries and at different times of the year. They will ensure that you will be best placed to catch the herds on the move.
Planning a trip of this magnitude can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. As African safari specialists with over 20 years of experience, we know how to create a seamless and stress-free planning experience. Ready to see the Great Migration in ultimate luxury? Connect with one of our specialists to start planning your dream safari holiday.
