Best Time for Wildebeest Migration in Kenya & Tanzania
Planning for the wildebeest migration experience and caught between the best time for the experience? Well, superfine Safaris Limited brings you an ultimate guide on the best time for wildebeest migration in kenya and Tanzania month by Month. The great wildebeest migration in kenya and Tanzania is one of the iconic wildlife experiences in Africa. This wild wonder experience is undeniably one of the dreams come true for most travelers on Kenya and Tanzania Safaris. The experience takes place in the wilderness parks of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and is known for attracting the highest of travellers from all parts of the world. Travelers enjoy to se millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move in a continuous cycle driven by rainfall and the search for fresh grazing.
The wildebeest migration follows a circular route across northern Tanzania and southern Kenya. The animals are constantly on the move searching for fresh grass and drinking water. Therefore, the best time is rated depending on what the travellers see, whether calving, movement, river crossing or return, the wildebeest migration is generally a not miss!
Month By Month Pattern of Wildebeest Migration
January to March
This is yeh calving season best in southern Serengeti National Park. For those of you who want to see the calves, this is the best time for you to visit. Thousands of Wildebeest gather in the Ndutu area in the southern region of Serengeti National Park where they give birth from. The open savannahs of the park in this period attract numerous predators such as Lions, Chetahs, and leopards which are seen actively hunting the vulnerable new born babies. This season is best for watching newborn babies, predators actively hunting and also large herds of wildebeests concentrated in one area. Wildlife viewing and photography is best in this season
April to May
April to May is the best season for greenery and migration movement. The season is characterised by rainfall which makes the landscape green. Also, the animals begin to move north westward to the central and western parts of the country. The migration is less concentrated and more spread and the landscapes are beautiful with less crowds. Travelers are remined to expect some rainfall during this time. The season is best for travellers seeking less crowded experiences
June
June is the beginning of the dry season where wildebeests begin to form large groups preparing to move northwards. The rain is minimal and is the best time for the start of mating season. This season reward travellers with chance to witness intense competition among male wildebeests fighting for dominance and mating rights with females. June is characterised by increased animal activity, large animal herds and the start of the long-distance movement
July to October
Characterized by river crossing and peak migration, July, August, September and October is undeniably the most famous and dramatic phase of the migration. The herds reach the northern Serengeti and cross into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, facing one of their biggest challenges: crossing crocodile-infested rivers such as the Mara River. The crossings are unpredictable and can happen at any time of day. Animals gather at riverbanks, sometimes for hours or even days, before suddenly plunging into the water in a chaotic and dangerous rush. July is best time to see massive herds of wildebeest in both Kenya and Tanzania, the magical mara river crossing and also high predator activity especially the crocodiles and big cats
November to December
November to December is the season for wildebeests to return to the southern Serengeti. The season is characterised by short rains, fresh grasses, fewer visitors, beautiful rejuvenated landscapes and also a less crowded wildlife viewing
Choosing the Best Time for Your Safari
The “best time” depends on what you want to experience:
July to October is best for dramatic river crossings
January to March is best for calving and predator action
April to May and November is good for fewer crowds and green scenery
June is best for large herds gathering
Conclusively, each phase of the great wildebeest migration offers something unique, and there is no wrong time to visit. The key is to match your travel goals with the right season.