Discover and explore more about wildebeest migration with Maus safari.
The great Serengeti wildebeest migration is the movement of vast numbers of the Serengeti’s wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, eland and impala. These move in an annual pattern which is fairly predictable. They migrate throughout the year, constantly seeking fresh grazing and, it’s now thought, better quality water.
Why do the Wildebeest migrate?
Wildebeest are grazers that need good quality grasses to survive and reproduce. The Serengeti is a huge area and rains fall at different times in different areas producing nutritious grasses. Serengeti Animals must follow this rainfall to find enough food to eat. So, the large herds are constantly on the move to find food and water.
When and where is the Great Wildebeest Migration?
From December till April the wildebeest migration is in the southern part of the Serengeti, in the Ndutu area. In February half a millions calves are born on these southern plains. You can also see a lot of predators at this time, who are all waiting for the change to get an easy prey. Around April the herds head for the central and western part of the Serengeti, in search of fresh long grass. The rains start and the mating season begins.
In May/June the wildebeest migration head further north and get ready for the dangerous Grumeti River crossing. The survivors continue their journey and have to face another challenge: the Grumeti River full of giant crocodiles.
From July till September you will find the herds around the Mara River. The sights are impressive as well as dramatic around this time. The fast flowing water and crocodiles make this crossing extremely dangerous for the herds. The last 2 years almost two-third of the migration did not cross the Mara River since there was enough fresh grass left in the northern Serengeti.
From October till December the wildebeest migration leaves the North-Serengeti and make their