Wildebeest Migration Tanzania

The Great Wildebeest Migration is the world’s largest land mammal movement, involving 1.5–2 million wildebeest, joined by zebra and gazelles, on 800 km circular journey through Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara. It is driven by seasonal rainfall and the search for fresh, nutritious grass.

Key Notes

The migration involves 1.5+ million wildebeest, plus zebras and gazelles

It is a continuous circular movement, not a single event

Exact locations depend on rainfall, not fixed dates: Movement varies yearly—rainfall decides, not dates

River crossings are unpredictable

Serengeti offers excellent game viewing year-round

January – February | Southern Serengeti & Ndutu

Wildebeest gather on the short-grass plains (Ndutu, Kusini, Gol Kopjes)

Calving season (over 500,000 calves born)

Excellent predator action (lions, cheetahs, hyenas)

Best for photography and dramatic wildlife scenes

📍 Best areas: Ndutu, Southern Serengeti

March – April | Southern to Central Serengeti

Herds begin moving northward

Long rains start (lush landscapes, fewer crowds)

River crossings are rare but possible

📍 Best areas: Southern & Central Serengeti (Seronera)

May – June | Central & Western Serengeti

Migration moves through Seronera toward the Western Corridor

Start of Grumeti River crossings (crocodiles!)

Large columns of wildebeest on the move

📍 Best areas: Central (Seronera), Western Corridor, Grumeti

July – October | Northern Serengeti

Iconic Mara River crossings

Peak safari season

Dramatic crossings with crocodiles and big cats

📍 Best areas: Kogatende, Lamai, Mara River

📍 Note: Some herds cross into Kenya’s Maasai Mara

November – December | Return South

Short rains trigger movement back to Central and Southern Serengeti

Fresh grass draws herds south

Fewer crowds, excellent value safaris

📍 Best areas: Central Serengeti → Ndutu