THE GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION 2022
The Great Wildebeest Migration 2022 (Serengeti national park & Maasai Mara National Reserve): The great wildebeest migration is one of the natural phenomenal enjoyed by several travelers on a Kenya and Tanzania safari since the migration is seen in 2 beautiful protected areas one being the Maasai Mara national reserve in Kenya and the other one in Serengeti national park Tanzania. This The Great Wildebeest Migration is movement of different animals as they migrate from one destination to another in search of fresh and greener pasture following the pattern of rainfall. This Great Wildebeest Migration involves over 2 million of Wildebeests, several thousands of Gazelles, Elands, Zebras and other animals as they team up to migrate from one place to another within the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem where they migrate from Serengeti national park to Maasai Mara national reserve and back to Serengeti to complete the circuit and the migration repeats itself annually since it is a continuous movement.
Several tourists planning their Africa safaris to Kenya and Tanzania usually wish to experience this magical Wildebeest Migration, however, they aren’t aware of the best time to watch this great migration. Well, this article includes the movement pattern of these wildebeests month by month which will help several people out there to plan appropriately for their wildebeest migration safari in Kenya and Tanzania.
Below is the Great Wildebeest Migration pattern month by month;
The Great Wildebeest Migration in January: In the month of January, the great wildebeest migration is seen around the Ndutu area as the animals gather within the southern plains of Serengeti national park where the migration starts from. In this month of January, tourists may be rewarded with sighting of early calving though the best calving time is in February. During this month of January, tourists are encouraged to be prepared for some little rainfall at any given period of time since January marks the beginning of the short dry season in East Africa. Therefore, ensure that your back pack includes in a rain jacket and warm sweater.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in February: Without any doubt, February is an incredible month in the pattern of wildebeest migration. During this month of February, tourists are in position to witness Calving. At this point, there is a baby boom as several thousands of wildebeests are being born within Ndutu area. February is strictly a dry month and one of the best months to plan your Kenya Safari and Tanzania safari for the great wildebeest migration. Be sure to watch abundant of these wildebeests as the babies are trying to make their first steps amidst hungry predators also targeting their next fresh meal. Be sure to spot plenty of carnivores like lions as they feast on the baby wildebeests.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in March: March marks the end of the calving season in the wildebeest migration pattern. The animals are still teaming up in Ndutu area still in the southern plains of Serengeti national park as they feast on the fresh vegetation.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in April: As the country receives rains, the wildebeests are almost done teaming up as the wildebeests are joined by zebras, elands, topis, gazelles and many other animals. The animals feast on the vegetation in the south and yes it’s time to move since the vegetation here is no longer fresh.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in May: Finally it’s time to move from the Southern plains heading Northwards via the Moru Kopjes. The migrations proceeds as these animals head towards the western corridor. Keeping in mind that May is a rainy month, keep your rain jackets closer to you at all the time. Due to rain, the vegetation is very fresh and tall offering best photography for tourists who love to take beautiful pictures of nature. However, the vegetation in the western corridor gets less nutritious due to too much rains thus forcing the wildebeest migration proceeds northwards though there is a challenge of river crossing through a crocodile infested Grumeti River.
The Great Wildebeest Migration June: June marks the start of dry season and at this time, the great wildebeest migration is seen exiting the western corridor and the Grumeti reserve via the crocodile infested River Grumeti and the migration proceeds North wards attracted to the fresher and nutritious pasture.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in July: During the month of July, the vegetation cover in the Northern Serengeti national park is getting dries and yet the vegetation on the other side of Maasai Mara national reserve is fresh and tempting. However, to get to these fresh vegetation, the wildebeest and other animals on movement have to cross are more deadly Mara River that is full of hungry crocodiles but since there is no other way to get to Maasai mara, the migration must continue and this month of June sees the wildebeests preparing and gathering to start the Mara-River crossing. At this time, the wildebeest migration is seen in the extreme northern part of Serengeti national park and this is the best time to plan your combined Kenya and Tanzania safari basically Maasai Mara and Serengeti safari.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in August and September: I have to combine the month of August and September reason being that these 2 months are best time to sight the magical Mara river crossing and witness several thousands of animals being killed and feasted on by the lurking crocodiles in the mara river. Regardless of the difficulty in River crossing, there is completely nothing that can stop the migration process. Those that survive proceed to Maasai Mara national reserve where mating season takes place before they cross over back to Serengeti national park for calving season. This time of the year is known as the peak season in tourism industry in East Africa thus while planning your wildebeest migration in this month, there is a need to ensure that you book your accommodations in advance since this time Maasai Mara national reserve receives the highest number of tourists interested in watching the magical river crossing.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in October: October marks the end of Mara River crossing as the animals are seen crossing back to Serengeti national park southwards towards Lobo valley and Grumeti River getting back to their calving grounds.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in November: During the month of November, animals are scattered in the central Serengeti though some remain in the north.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in December: By the end of December, all animals are seen throughout the central Serengeti plains. Some in Lobo area and Ndutu getting ready for calving season in the Southern part of Serengeti national park and the migration pattern continues.
Important to Note
Wildebeest migration is an annual movement of animals and yes the migration follows the rain pattern thus if there is a change in climatic conditions, the wildebeest migration pattern is likely to change. Therefore, it is always important to get in touch with your experience tour consultant to plan your wildebeest migration safari.
