May 18, 2012
NEWS
The Great Wildebeest Migration
| January 18,2012
Wildebeest Migration
Annually, about 1.5 million wildebeest and hundred thousand other herbivores that feed on grasslands migrate from one area to another in constant search for green and lush lands and abundant water source around Serengeti and Masai Mara. This Great Migration is considered as the greatest wildlife display in Tanzania and Kenya and probably nature’s most magnificent phenomena ever seen in the world.
The numbers of the wildebeest and other herbivores that migrate such as the Thomson’s gazelle, zebra, eland, topi, impala, African buffalo, Grant’s gazelle, kongoni, giraffe, warthog, waterbuck, and elephant are so overwhelming that other meat-eating predators take advantage of this migration. Mostly lions, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, jackals, and wild dogs follow the migration path of the plant-eating animals waiting to have their part of the feast.
If you are deciding to witness this wonderful phenomenon of nature and picturesque safari, it is best that you ensure your schedule will be in accordance with the calendar of the wildebeest migration. The general wildlife migration relies on the rainfall pattern every year, and this serves as their guide in searching for abundant water source and newly sprouted grass.
December, January, February, March, and April
The herd of wildebeest and other animals are between the south of Serengeti and northwest of Ngorongoro. The display of wildlife in the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area during these months is one of a kind. What is more, by February about 8 out of 10 wildebeest will give birth to wildebeest calves adding up to their already massive herd. On the other hand, by April the herd of wildebeest will mostly be concentrated in the center of Serengeti National Park.
During these months, the best places for accommodation include the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Olakira Camp near Lake Ndutu, Ndutu Safari Lodge, Sayari Camp, and Kusini Camp
May and June
In May, the grassland becomes depleted, as the food growth is less for the massive number of animals. For this reason, the herds of herbivores will move north-west of Serengeti. Consequently, by June, the graze lands on the north-west of Serengeti will have been depleted by then. For this reason, the wildebeest and other animals will migrate farther north. In addition, the Mara Triangle and Lamai Wedge breeding takes place within these months.
These months are intermediary between rainy and dry weather. The best places to stay are in Grumeti River Camp, Sabora Tented Camp, Sasakwa Lodge, Faru Faru Lodge, Olakira Camp, Sayari Camp Kusini Camp, and Kirawora Camp.
July and August
By July, the massive numbers of animals travel towards the Mara River, their last hop before reaching the luscious graze land in Masai Mara. This is mostly where the food chain of the animal kingdom may be witnessed. The rivers are infested with predators drowning their prey and regulating the population of the herd.
It is important to note, however, that due to the varying schedule of rainfall, the number of wildebeest passing the Mara River may vary. In times of drought, hardly any wildebeest or any other animals will be seen crossing the Mara River.
Sayari Camps along the stretch of the Mara River is the best place to stay. Nevertheless, the chances of spotting the herd are still high if you are in Grumeti River Camp, Sabora Tented Camp, and Sasakwa Lodge.
September and October
Finally, by September some of the animals will have grazed the lands of Masai Mara. Accordingly, by October majority of the wildebeest and accompanying animals have reached Masai Mara.
During this time, there are a lot of tourists taking their chance to witness the breathtaking Great Migration. The best place to see these animals are in Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Naibor Camp, Rekero Camp, Mara Intrepids, and Mara Explorer. However, keep in mind that these camps and lodges are packed, so there are alternatives to these places. Consider Sayari Camp and Migration Camp for a less populous accommodation.
November
The herd will have been migrating down south by this month. Intermittent rain showers will lead them back to the south of Serengeti.
During this month, it is best to stay in Klein’s Camp, Suyan Camp, and Olakira Camp.
The Great Migration is a natural occurrence and it differs every month, as well as year. It’s a wonder that you cannot miss!
