The Great Wildebeest Migration isn’t a single, quick event, but rather a continuous, year-round cycle. So, to answer the question of “how long does it take,” the most accurate answer is: It’s a perpetual, year-long journey. While specific parts of the migration, like the river crossings, are condensed into certain months, the wildebeest are always on the move.
The Key Stages of the Wildebeest Migration
1. Calving Season (Late January – March): Southern Serengeti, Tanzania
- Duration: Approximately 6-8 weeks.
- Description: This is a crucial time for the wildebeest. Over 80% of the wildebeest are born within a few weeks of each other. This coordinated birthing strategy overwhelms predators, improving the survival chances of individual calves. The area is lush with nutritious grasses, providing mothers with the energy needed for milk production. Expect high concentrations of wildebeest and zebra in the Ndutu and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Key Features: Abundant newborns, high predator activity, green pastures.
2. The Migration Begins (April – May): Central Serengeti, Tanzania
- Duration: Roughly 2 months.
- Description: As the southern plains dry out, the wildebeest begin their northward trek towards the greener pastures of the central Serengeti. This is less of a “stampede” and more of a gradual movement, with smaller groups merging into larger herds. The pace is dictated by rainfall and the availability of grazing.
- Key Features: Long columns of wildebeest moving north, grazing along the way.
3. The Rutting Season (May – June): Central and Western Serengeti, Tanzania
- Duration: 1-2 months.
- Description: The mating season coincides with the migration. Dominant males establish temporary territories and engage in fierce competition to win the right to mate with females. The herds are often strung out across long distances, with the heaviest concentration in the Western Corridor near the Grumeti River.
- Key Features: Male competition, breeding activity, Grumeti River crossings (smaller scale).
4. The Grumeti River Crossings (Late May – July): Western Serengeti, Tanzania
- Duration: Variable, spanning several weeks as the herds gather and cross.
- Description: The first major obstacle of the migration is the Grumeti River. While not as dramatic or perilous as the Mara River crossings, the Grumeti still presents challenges – crocodiles! This is more of a series of smaller crossings at various points along the river.
- Key Features: Crocodile predation, smaller river crossings, chaotic scenes.
5. The Mara River Crossings (July – October): Masai Mara, Kenya
- Duration: Spanning multiple weeks, with intermittent crossings.
- Description: This is the most famous and dramatic phase of the migration. The wildebeest face the formidable Mara River, teeming with crocodiles and other dangers. The crossings are unpredictable – herds gather on the banks for days before crossing, and then suddenly surge across in a frenzy. The timing and location of crossings depend on rainfall and grazing availability.
- Key Features: Large-scale river crossings, crocodile attacks, dramatic scenes, the Masai Mara.
6. Grazing in the Masai Mara (August – October): Masai Mara, Kenya
- Duration: Approximately 3 months.
- Description: The wildebeest spend several months grazing on the lush grasslands of the Masai Mara. This is a time of relative plenty, but predators are always present. The animals spread out across the Mara, making for excellent game viewing.
- Key Features: Abundant grazing, concentrated wildlife viewing, the Masai Mara.
7. The Return South (October – December): Serengeti, Tanzania
- Duration: 2-3 Months
- Description: As the short rains begin in the southern Serengeti, the wildebeest begin their return journey south. They are drawn back to the nutrient-rich plains where they will calve once again. The move south isn’t as concentrated as the move north.
- Key Features: Wildebeest moving slowly back south into Tanzania.
8. Early Rains (December – January): Southern Serengeti, Tanzania
- Duration: 1 Month
- Description: The wildebeest graze on the short grasses that have sprouted with the early rains, preparing for calving season again.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a never-ending cycle, constantly driven by the search for food and water. The wildebeest travel approximately 2,900 kilometres in a year, constantly moving. Trying to pinpoint the precise location of the herds at any given time is difficult, as the timing and route are influenced by unpredictable factors like rainfall patterns. That’s part of what makes witnessing this natural wonder so exciting!
Tours From a Local Guide Is Highly Recommended
While it’s possible to experience parts of the Wildebeest Migration independently, especially with a self-drive safari in the Serengeti or Masai Mara, having a local guide significantly enhances your experience and offers several key advantages
- Expert Knowledge of Animal Behaviour: Local guides have an intimate understanding of animal behaviour, migration patterns, and the local ecosystem. They can interpret animal tracks, recognise subtle signs, and anticipate where the herds are likely to be.
- Navigation and Access: Guides know the best routes to take, including off-road tracks, to maximise your chances of seeing wildlife. They are also familiar with the local terrain and can navigate challenging conditions.
- Improved Wildlife Spotting: Experienced guides are skilled at spotting animals that you might easily miss, even with binoculars. They know where animals tend to hide and can identify them from a distance.
- Safety: Wildlife encounters can be unpredictable. Guides are trained to handle potentially dangerous situations and ensure your safety. They also have knowledge of local hazards and can advise you on how to avoid them.
- Cultural Insights: Many guides are from local communities and can share valuable insights into their culture, traditions, and way of life. This adds a deeper dimension to your safari experience.
- Communication: If you don’t speak Swahili or the local language, a guide can act as a translator and help you communicate with local people.
- Support of Local Economies: Hiring a local guide contributes to the local economy and supports sustainable tourism practices.
- Maximising Time: A guide ensures that your time is spent efficiently, maximising your opportunities to witness the migration. Without a guide, you could spend a significant amount of time searching for animals without success.
- Real-Time Information: Guides are often in contact with other guides in the area, providing them with real-time information about animal sightings and migration movements. This helps them to adjust their routes and strategies to give you the best possible experience.
- Respectful Wildlife Viewing: Guides are trained to respect wildlife and follow ethical viewing practices, minimising disturbance to the animals.
Contact the team at Destinations Africa, John Mitchell-Adams and his team are experts in safari trips and delivering personalised experiences. They really are your local African Safari Specialists.
