Wildebeest Sighting

Wildebeest sightings involve watching the amazing wildebeest migration adventure as you view various four hoofed wildlife animals wander through the Masai Mara and Serengeti ecosystem annually. The adventure is one of the most unique experiences on earth, including various wildlife animals that traverse the Mara and Grumeti Rivers annually as they head from the Masai Mara to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.

Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest, thousands of zebras, and gazelles traverse through the Masai Mara and Serengeti Ecosystem looking for new grounds for grazing as well as safe places to nurture their calves. The movement also includes searching for new water resources as well.

The migration follows a continuous clockwise route and is dictated by seasonal rains. Timing and location are everything when it comes to witnessing this natural wonder.

Seasons of the Wildebeest Migration Safari

Calving Season (January to March)

The calving season happens in the months of January to March in the Southern part of the Serengeti. In this region, the wildebeest give birth to around 500,000 calves in a few weeks, attracting various predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

Western Corridor (April to June)

When the rains start to decrease, the herds start to transfer to the North West through Serengeti’s western corridor. This part includes river crossings, especially the Grumeti River, where crocodiles lie in wait to catch prey.

Mara River Crossing (July to September)

Perhaps the most dramatic wildebeest sighting occurs at the Mara River, where thousands of animals leap into the water in a frantic rush. The sheer scale, the risk of drowning, and the predators make this one of the most intense natural spectacles on Earth to watch annually.

Return Journey (October to December)

After grazing in the Maasai Mara, the herds slowly head back south to the Serengeti, completing the cycle and starting anew.

Best places to see the Wildebeest Migration

Here are the best places to see the migration, broken down by location and time of year.

Ndutu Region

The Ndutu Region is exceptional for watching the great wildebeest migration. It is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Best Time to visit is during late January, February, or March. You shall watch various herds of wildebeest giving birth to over 500,000 calves born in 2-3 weeks. On these safaris, many predators wait to catch prey, and these include lions, cheetahs, and hyenas that target the vulnerable newborns. On your tour, view the open plains too.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is ideal for watching the great wildebeest migration. This happens in the Southern and central parts of the park. During this time, calving and early migration stages take place. The best time to watch these is from January to March.

Grumeti Game Reserve

Grumeti Game Reserve is located close to the prominent Serengeti National Park and is known to have many wildlife animals wandering around their natural habitat, but is prominently known to offer the best wildebeest migration experiences. The Best time to watch the Great Wildebeest Migration is from May to June.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Being the most popular safari destination in Kenya, the Masai Mara National Reserve offers remarkable wildebeest sightings of all time as you watch herds of four hoofed wildlife animals traverse the Mara River annually to get to the Serengeti.  The Best time to watch the great wildebeest migration here is during the months of July to September.

Northern Serengeti

While on a Wildebeest Migration Tour in Tanzania, travelers can watch the great wildebeest migration in the Northern part of the Serengeti. The region is so ideal for all travelers, and the best time to watch the natural wonder here is from July to October. Watch thrilling Mara River Crossings, Massive herds and predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, etc lying low in the grass waiting to catch prey.

Loliondo and Eastern Serengeti

Loliondo and the Eastern Serengeti are awesome to explore while on a wildebeest migration tour in Tanzania. This adventure takes place in the eastern part of the Serengeti, where you watch the wildebeest traverse the various Rivers searching for greener pastures. The Best Time to visit to watch the great wildebeest migration in the Eastern part of the Serengeti is during the months from November to December. The region is less crowded and more distant, offering clients remarkable encounters.

Migration Route Overview (Month-by-Month)