Guide to 2024 wildebeest migration

Guide to 2024 wildebeest migration : The annual wildebeest migration, which takes place in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, which includes Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, is one of the world’s natural wonders and the only wildlife migration that can be seen in its entirety.

On search of lush pastures and water, millions of wildebeests travel annually between the Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve in a circular route. This migration is one of the last large-scale terrestrial wildlife movements.

Most people across the world have the dream of witnessing the yearly wildebeest migration, and below is a guide to the migration In 2023.

The annual wildebeest migration frequently asked questions.

Can the annual river crossing of the migration be predicted?

No, the yearly wildebeest migration cannot be predicted. In fact, the wildebeests themselves do not know when they will cross; some arrive at the Mara River’s waters and swim over right away, while others stay for a few days feeding. Additionally, some herds arrive and depart before turning around. I would like to conclude by saying that the wildebeest migration movement cannot be predicted.

Where does the Great Wildebeest Migration begin each year?

The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, which includes the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, is home to over 2 million animals (wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles) that migrate annually. The annual wildebeest migration has no set beginning or ending sites. The Gnu Migration is brought on by rains in East Africa, and the herds travel along a well-worn path in search of new grass and water.

The yearly wildebeest migration is a long trek, with the herds traveling from the Maasai Mara plains in Kenya to the Serengeti in Tanzania and the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater before making a clockwise round.

Why do wildebeest move around?

The annual migration of wildebeests is mostly determined by how the animals react to the weather, and they migrate after the rains and the emergence of new grass. Although there is no scientific evidence to support it, some experts believe the wildebeests are triggered by distant lightning and thunderstorms. The migratory herds typically travel according to a natural inclination to hunt food as a method to stay alive.

Monthly breakdown of the  wildebeest  great migration movement

The length and frequency of the long and short rainy seasons in both Tanzania and Kenya are not completely predictable, which makes the big wildebeest migration exceedingly unpredictable. The yearly wildebeest migration is broken down into its several phases and times in the table below.

January

Since Serengeti is not fenced, the herds travel freely as they search for green grass to feed. They go south from the north-east and into the region surrounding Lake Ndutu in the Serengeti national park.

January – March

Over 8000 wildebeest calves are born every day during this time, which is calving season for the yearly wildebeest migration. Visitors should be prepared to see a lot of wobbling newborns as well as predators like lions, wild dogs, leopards, and cheetahs pursuing them.

The migration is worth watching because of the action drama.

April

The herds typically move toward Moru and Simba Kopjes in the northwest as the long rains begin in April and last through May. During this time, the animals go through the action-packed rutting (breeding season), which includes testosterone-fueled jousts between males competing for the right to mate with receptive females.

May

The wildebeest funnel up into the center Serengeti during this time, and the gigantic migrating herds walk in enormous columns up to 40 kilometers long. The calves are now stronger, and the herds move a little more quickly.

June

The migrating herds are typically seen in the central Serengeti, where they are about to enter the most difficult phase of their journey. The herds may split up because some of them have already crossed the Grumeti River.

July

By now, the big wildebeest migration has made it to the Grumeti region and the northern Serengeti national park, where the animals are now meticulously inspecting the Mara River’s waters as they prepare to cross into Kenya.

It is very difficult to predict when the wildebeests will cross the river because it depends entirely on the rains and the unpredictable wildebeests themselves. To experience the great wildebeest migration, you must make safari reservations in advance. The best place to stay is a mobile safari camp because it is located close to where the migration herds stay.

August

When the animals cross the crocodile-infested Mara River from Serengeti National Park to Maasai Mara National Reserve, it is thought that August is the optimum time to see this most dramatic chapter of the migration.

September

Less than half of the wildebeests remain in the northern Serengeti region during this time when the migrating herds split into smaller groups and some do not travel into Kenya’s Maasai Mara national reserve. Although there are fewer wildebeests in the Serengeti this month, Maasai Mara is still the finest site to watch the migration.

October

The migrating herds (wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles) are in the Maasai Mara national reserve, but the wildebeests also disperse to the nearby private conservancies, which are less congested and make it easier to observe the migration in the plains of Maasai Mara.

November

By November, brief rains had started, causing the wildebeest and other migratory herds to depart the Maasai Mara National Reserve’s now-depleted grasslands and return to Serengeti National Park’s revitalized grassland plains.

It should be noted that rain might fall at any time of day.

Herds are often in motion in November, but they can be seen plainly in the Serengeti national park’s northeastern regions. The herds may divide into smaller groups while in this area to continue their trek south.

December

The herds that migrate southward spread over the northern and eastern Serengeti region; they are drawn to these areas by the new grasses. Wildebeests gorge themselves on the fresh green grass as they get ready for their 3,000 km trek.

Time of year to go on a wildebeest migration safari is ideal.

Knowing the ideal time to go on a wildebeest migration safari is made simpler because you are already familiar with how the great wildebeest functions. The ideal time generally relies on an individual’s interest in the migration stage they want to watch.

Note: The profusion of wildlife in the Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve make them ideal all-year-round safari destinations.

Due to the unpredictable nature of river crossings during the wildebeest migration, the dates shown in the above table are simply a rough guide. The migrating herds may pass four times each day or may stop for two weeks at a time.

Key things to know about the great wildebeest migration

The crucial information to keep in mind about the wildebeest migration is provided here.

• Serengeti National Park is where the migration is at its most significant.
• The annual and circular wildebeest migration lasts for several months.
• Although it cannot be forecast, river crossings often take place between May and August.
• They are always fore-runners and stragglers in the migrating herds, which are always dispersed across a wide area.
• Spending a whole day at the location where the wildebeest and other migratory herds have gathered is the greatest way to witness the absolutely breathtaking wildebeest migration. If you are an avid photographer, the ideal times to visit may be around midday, when the sun and glare are at their worst. Make sure your plans and schedule take this into account if you’re going on a safari to see the wildebeest migration.

THE BEST PLACES TO STAY WHEN GOING ON A WILDBEEST SAFARI

Permanent hotels and mobile camps are the two primary kinds of lodging available for wildebeest migration safaris. Each of these lodging options has distinct benefits and drawbacks that can help you select the finest wildebeest migration lodging.

HOW TO SELECT THE BEST TRAVEL SAFARI ACCOMMODATION

Here are some suggestions to help you select the ideal safari resort for your stay on your safari to see the wildebeest migration:

Start making plans for your wildebeest migration safari at least a year in advance because hundreds of tourists travel to both Kenya and Tanzania during the river crossing season, which is the most popular episode of the Migration.

When compared to the number of tourists travelling on a wildebeest migration safari, there aren’t enough hotels and camps to accommodate travelers, so reserve your migration safari as soon as you know you want to go.

Interconnecting tents and family suites are in limited supply, so if you want to stay in one, make your reservations as soon as you can.

If you have mobility issues, kindly request a room close to the dining areas to minimize long walks.

The greatest options to take into consideration if you are traveling with young children include fenced accommodations, babysitting services, and renting your own private game-drive vehicle.

If you’re on a tight budget, pick a place to stay that offers good value so you may extend your wildebeest migration safari. You are more likely to see births, deaths, and river crossings as a result.

OUR RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION FOR WILDBEEST MIGRATION

The Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park, where you will conduct your wildebeest migration safari, are the ideal lodging locations for you, according to Kenya Wildlife Tours.

within the Maasai Mara Biological Reserve

among others, Sanctuary, Olonana Encounter, Mara Mara River Tented Camp, Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri

in the Serengeti nat. park

Serengeti Kichakani camp

Kusini Namiri grasslands, Serengeti Under Canvas Sanctuary

Among others, Mwiba lodge, Sanctuary, Kichakani, and Serengeti camp