Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most sought-after safari experiences for nature and wildlife enthusiasts on Kenya safaris. This stunning wildlife spectacle describes the ever-moving circular Migration of over millions of animals (especially wildebeests, accompanied by gazelles and zebras) across the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem. The continuous movement of over 1.5 million wildebeests, joined by a host (about 500,000) of companions (especially gazelles and zebras), follows an age-old course in search of fresh pastures and water.

Following a period of calving in the Serengeti’s southern area, close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the wildlife moves through southern Tanzania in a clockwise direction, up and around, towards Kenya’s Masai Mara. They then return once again near the end of the year. A lot of drama and wildlife activities occur along the way, including several animals being taken by predators, thousands of calves being born to replenish the numbers and sustain the circle of life, as well as the dramatic river crossings.

What is the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya?

The Wildebeest Migration is one of the largest herd movements of wildlife on Earth, and Kenya is one of the places you can experience the fullness of this dramatic show. The numbers are breathtaking, involving over 1.5 million wildebeests, over 300,000 zebras, along with gazelles and Topis, totaling approximately 200,000 individuals that move in a continuous cycle through the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem. These animals do not just move for the fun of it, but rather to search for nutritious pastures and fresh drinking water. Guided by survival instinct, each of the animals will move between 800 and 1000 kilometers on its individual Journey along the same routes.

Along the way, hungry predators such as lions, wild dogs, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles are waiting to grab them; hence, only the strongest survive in this spectacular natural spectacle, which is referred to as the “Greatest wildlife show on Earth.”

This cycle starts from Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Southern Serengeti, through the sprawling plains of Serengeti National Park, and across into Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve, and back again. The 800-1000-kilometer-long journey is beset with several dangers, including young and weak calves being snatched by predators, brave beasts breaking legs on steep River slopes, weak and exhausted animals drowning during river crossings, and crocodiles taking their share of the stragglers.

Month-by-month breakdown of the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya

January, February, and March

At the start of the year, the Wildebeest Migration is finalizing a southward trek, with animals moving along the Eastern edge of Serengeti National Park and into Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As the savannah plains flourish with nutritious grass, the herds are provided with the best conditions for raising their newborn calves. Much as there is no real start or end to this migratory circle, expect birth and death, the months of January, February, and March are the “birthing season” to mark the beginning of the migration.

In the first two months of the year, the herds occupy the short-grass plains found on the lower northern slopes of Ngorongoro Crater highlands as well as around Olduvai Gorge. Here, at least 8000 calves are born each day (totaling 400,000 Calves in a period of 2-3 weeks). This means that there’s not much activity in Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve in as far as the wildebeest Migration is concerned.

Kenya Wildebeest Migration in April and May

Having given birth to calves in February and March, wildebeest herds begin drifting northwest towards the fresher grasslands of central Serengeti around April, hence drawing with them thousands of zebras as well as smaller herds of antelopes (Topis and gazelles). Columns of wildebeests stretch for several kilometers by May and begin congregating by the Moru Kopjes near Dunia Camp. This makes it one of the few Safari Camps in Serengeti offering incredible migration experiences during this time of the year.

Towards the end of May marks the beginning of the mating season, with male wildebeests battling head-to-head. Slowly, the migrations begin gathering momentum as herds move towards the Serengeti’s western Corridor. This is also the period when herds cross the River Grumeti in large numbers, as the sight might not be as breathtaking as the Mara River crossings.

It is also plausible to say that there’s not much activity in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, as far as the wildebeest migration is concerned.

Kenya Wildebeest Migration in June and July

June marks the start of the dry season, with huge numbers of wildebeests in the western Serengeti as well as on the southern banks of the River Grumeti. This means each migrating animal will face the hurdles of crossing the crocodile-infested river, which is the first of making life-threatening and tense river encounters. Towards July, hundreds of thousands of wildebeests and zebras proceed northwards along the western edge of Serengeti National Park towards an even riskier barrier- the Mara River, which is just north of the Park. River crossings are undeniably one of the most unforgettable migration events, and this begins at the onset of the dry season in July. However, it is worth noting that only Mother Nature can dictate the timing.

Huge herds are typically in the Northern Serengeti Plains in July, where staying at Asilia’s Migration Camps and Sayari Camp can provide breathtaking views. Later in July, herds that successfully crossed the River Mara will be in the Masai Mara Game Reserve with guests at Rekero Camp enjoying river crossings from the comfort of their main decks.

Kenya wildebeest Migration in August, September, and October

By August, animals have already experienced the hurdles of crossing the River Mara and now start spreading through the northern side of Masai Mara, while several others remain in the Northern Serengeti. River crossings come with challenges that include crocodile ambushes in the river, as well as large predators such as lions and leopards patrolling the river banks, ready to ambush any animal that makes it to the other side.

The main chaos usually ends by September and October, and migrating columns slowly move eastwards. There is still a challenge of facing the heavy waters of the River Mara while returning on the southward journey. The best places to stay during these months are Governors’ Camp and many others.

Kenya wildebeest Migration in November and December

At the onset of the short rains in late October and early November, migrating herds begin moving down from Kenya into the eastern limits of the Serengeti National Park past Namiri Plains. This area is popular for its phenomena of cheetah sightings. Animals spread throughout the eastern and southern reaches by December, and the cycle starts all over again with calving in January, February, and March.

Where to stay to see the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya

Some of our recommended accommodation options to see the wildebeest Migration in Kenya are Mara River Tented Camp, Sanctuary Olonana, Angama Mara, Rekero Camp, Mahali Mzuri, Sala’s Camp, and many others.