wildebeest migration route

If you have mobility challenges, ask for rooms as close to the mess areas as possible to avoid long walks, often on soft sand. It should be remembered that the weather is starting to have small rainfalls, something which makes the herd of wildebeests make their way towards the southern part of Serengeti national park. You'll be out on early morning and late afternoon game drives – the sun is at its weakest during these times. Click on each map to get more details on the migration during a particular month. This pushes the wildebeests and their associating animals to herd towards Maasai Mara Game Reserve. There’s a lot of movement from north to south as the herds await the first Serengeti rains. It's important to know where to go and when to go on a Wildebeest Migration safari to ensure your expectations are met. A crucial point is the crossing of the river Mara in the east of the Serengeti. Even the weather was perfect with just a few hours of rain during the whole trip. Blue wildebeests have got somewhat a bigger size as compared to the black ones, whilst they grouped into around five classes. There is no real beginning or end to a Wildebeest’s journey, life is an endless pilgrimage, a constant search for food and water. If you want productive predator action, the Southern Serengeti supplies it with lions, brown hyenas, leopards and even wild dogs taking advantage of vulnerable calves. This time round they migrate to search for fresh grazing and water supply that is better off the previous one which will already be scared. The Great Migration refers to the continuous movement of vast numbers of wildebeest accompanied by large numbers of zebras and gazelles searching for food and water between Tanzania and Kenya. Across the world, migratory animals like wildebeest – which rely on movement to find food, water and calving grounds – are under threat. It is believed that due to the repetition of the same cycle of migrations for thousands of years, the wildebeests developed an intelligence mechanism of systematically identifying, exploring and overcoming all the obstacles encountered on their way as a single group rather than in individual bases. They will all be heading toward the south, making their way through Longido (specifically the western part of Longido). This migration covers an area of about 26,000 square kilometers which is accompanied by a lot of amazing facts anyone would get astonished about hearing. Just imagine about one and half million wildebeests migrate each year. The Serengeti is not fenced, so the herds are free to move where they can find grazing. Many new ones are born during the great wildebeest migration cycle, while some die as well on the way before reaching their destination. Africa’s Wildebeest Migration. The wildebeest migration which is one of the wonders of the world is an annual event that sees over two million animals migrate from the Mara to Tanzania. This is the most favorable place for this time due to the availability of water on the river and the assurance of green pasture from the forests surrounding the Grumeti river. The animals break up into mega-herds of thousands or hundreds of individuals at time. By June most of the wildebeests will be nowhere far from the Grumeti River. Kenya or Tanzania: Which is Best for Safari? They are generally still in the south but the grasses have all been munched up, the last calves born, and the herds are starting to gather in preparation for the next leg of their journey. The Serengeti ecosystem is … If you want inter-connecting tents or family suites, book as early as possible as there are limited numbers of these available. Almost 250,000 wildebeest are killed during the migration, not due to predation, but as a result of exhaustion, hunger and thirst. This intelligence mechanism is known as swarm intelligence, which plays the biggest role in making this turbulent migration movement even more harmonized and with the same cycling pattern ever since its origin. This unity was unity is observed even better during their annual migration, where a very huge group of wildebeests migrate together from one point to the other without leaving any of their fellows behind. “Blocking the migration in this tiny ecosystem of Maasai Mara would be the end of Maasai Mara,” he said. This intelligence mechanism is known as, wildebeests in the Serengeti national park, 5 Days Serengeti National Park tour (Ndutu and Seronera safari), 7 Days Serengeti & Uganda Wildlife safari, 8 Days Serengeti, Masai Mara & Bwindi safari, 5 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro Wildlife Safari, Game Drive north of Serengeti National Park, Serengeti National Park Entry fees for 2021, Serengeti National Park as Africa’s leading national park. Your best bet is the Masai Mara, but bear in mind it is a far smaller reserve than the Serengeti and there may be a lot of other visitors. The annual wildebeest migration through Tanzania and Kenya is one of the world's greatest animal wonders. Around October, all wildebeests in the migrating herd will now be taking the same route merging together the minor herds formed while migrating from Grumeti. Choose and arrange your timing according to what you want to see and experience. East Africa's Migration, Safari & Highlands, Top 5 Tips for Booking Your African Safari, 10 Best Luxury Safari Camps & Lodges in the Serengeti, Rutting (a period of sexual excitement, reproductive activity and mating battles between males). This is a very general breakdown of more or less where the herds are during the year – bearing in mind that the entire Migration is triggered by rain, which can be early, late or on time: The herds are in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, moving back down south from the north-east region and into the area of the Southern Serengeti, Lake Ndutu and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (they do not enter the Ngorongoro Crater – those are resident wildebeest). The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the last mass terrestrial wildlife movements left on the planet. The action-packed rut is generally in full swing, with males jousting for the right to mate with receptive females. Just imagine on the course of the mysterious journey of these wildebeests, around 400,000 calves are born usually in the early weeks of February. This is, once again, why it’s important to plan for as much time on safari as possible. The wildebeest generally begin their northward journey, and many have left already and are in the central and even western Serengeti. So, thank you Maureen – not even a tiny detail might be improved – it was all perfect. Subscribe to Our Newsletter Wildebeest is a common name given to the Gnu species from the Bovidae family which is just but an herbivorous group of mammals. Predators follow the Wildebeest Migration closely, waiting for an opportunity to strike as the great herds traverse across their different territories. The river crossings usually coincide with safari's high season (July to October), hence the perception that this is the only time of the year that the wildebeest are on the move or can be seen. One great challenge on this route is crossing the Mara river, which has proven to be a great obstacle for them. In addition to that, there will also be a number of hungry lions eagerly waiting for the wildebeests in the grazing plains of Serengeti plains, something which drastically reduces that number of the wildebeests. The Migration Only Happens Between July & October. Bulls may occupy territories, usually about 100 to 400 m (300 to 1,300 ft) apart, but this spacing varies according to the quality of the habitat. Here is where most deaths due to predators begin which prevent all beasts and zebras to successfully cross the river. The private conservancies adjoining the Masai Mara offer exclusivity, luxurious accommodation and excellent game viewing in sole-use areas. The appearance of the wildebeest is more or less resembling to a buffalo with an ox’s head and decorated with the horses’ mane. Each have different advantages, but choosing one depends on what is important to you: Tips for Choosing Migration Safari Accommodation. The Annual Migration Overview. Fortunately, we've been planning Wildebeest Migration safaris since 1998. This will be late November or early December, and it is the very right time for them to make their way toward the green pastures on the Serengeti plains hence the second cycle of migration starts automatically. The wildebeest migration cycle is now approaching its initial starting point, and this shows that it has approached its halting point. It is calving season until about March – prepare yourself for lots of wobbly babies... and lots of heartbreak as predators swoop in. Every year many thousands wildebeest and zebras die during the strenuous and dangerous migration because of hunger, thirst, weakness or predators like lions, cheetahs or hyenas, who are on the trail of the herd. River crossings cannot be predicted, but generally occur between May and September. The Masai Mara and Serengeti combine easily with each other, and each can also form the focal point of a larger safari itinerary. The bulk of the Migration takes place in the Serengeti. An estimated 3 percent of the herd can't survive the clockwise circuit, whether due to predation, exhaustion or natural elements. In the early days of July, scarcity of water on the Grumeti and pasture on the neighboring areas will be observed. Why? The good grazing of the Southern Serengeti, Ndutu and Ngorongoro Conservation Areas means the herds remain in the far south. What makes a million wildebeest get up and move at once? We also know that rain will trigger the wildebeest to move onto fresh grazing – but nobody knows exactly when the rain will fall. 1. The wildebeest migration cycle begins in early December (or sometimes as early as late November), where the wildebeests start migrating majorly towards Serengeti national park, while some cover the southern and eastern parts of Soronea, areas around Ndutu and the northern part the Ngorongoro conservation area. We know that the wildebeest (and a smattering of zebra and antelope) will cross the Mara River – but nobody knows exactly when. A Wildebeest Migration experience can get busy, noisy, smelly, and far removed from a general Big 5 safari. All are completely customisable to your personal timing, budget and preferences. This great panic and confusion of the wildebeest on the Mara River offer a very interesting scene, some days they might cross the river and be seen crossing back on the next day as a result of confusion and panic. These include the other animals such as zebras (which take the second rank in number after the wildebeests), gazelles, and a few impalas. If you're looking for expert planning advice, look no further. The wildebeest do have historical crossing areas and you may spend days staked out in the hope of seeing the action. In … It is in this very same route where hunger and famine greatly reduce the number of the huge migrating herds. The migration route will also take the mammals through the Mara River, where Nile crocodiles will … After reaching these plains they enjoy the nutritious grass from January through March. The Migration is a fluid, often unpredictable affair. During the migration, more than a million wildebeest follow a circular path through the Serengeti and up into Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, chasing grass … The herds have reached the western Serengeti and are peering closely at the brown waters of the rivers they have to cross. The name wildebeest has its origin from Dutch which means wildebeests of wild cats, named mainly due to its hairy mane and horns. safari travel specialists. The Great Migration: Map of the Wildebeest & Zebra Migration Follow the Great Wildebeest Migration The migration of nearly two million wildebeest and zebra across the plains of Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara is one of the oldest and last great land migrations on the planet. This migration covers an area of about 26,000 square kilometers which is accompanied by a lot of amazing facts anyone would get astonished about hearing. If you are on a budget, choose good-value accommodation so that you have extra time on safari. On fact file today we have an astonishing fact about this largest overland migration in the whole globe. Bear in mind that the rain can be late or early, which is also unpredictable. About half of the animals remain in the northern Serengeti, the rest are swapping war stories in the Masai Mara ('Did you hear that Nigel didn't make it across the river?'). However, animals are just trivial rays of light caught on earth for a short timeframe to lighting up our days, and eventually, they get their crown and turn to their eternal life. Accommodation for a Great Migration safari can be divided into two broad categories: permanent lodges and mobile camps. Natural phenomena occur all over the world, but very few can compete with the sheer size of the annual Wildebeest Migration through the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem. The Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park experience high visitor and vehicle numbers during safari’s peak or high season (about June to October). Wildebeest migrate on a loop path through Tanzania and Kenya following the seasonal rains even when that involves passing through dangerous territory. Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya Each year around millions of wildebeest make the perilous journey between the Serengeti plains in north Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. However, it is very dangerous due to the large starving crocodiles situated in the river standby to convert any thirsty wildebeest coming for water into a delicious dinner. For a newly born gnu, it takes only between three to seven minutes before it starts walking on its own. Most people think that the Wildebeest Migration only takes place between July and October, but it's actually a year-round phenomenon – with various but equally exciting events that occur at different times of the year. Serengeti Wildebeest Migration route map The below maps show the migratory path of the Serengeti Wildebeest and Burchell's Zebra. The wildebeest migration continues moving northwards during July and August, often spreading out across a broad front: some heading through Grumeti Reserve and Ikorongo, others north through the heart of the Serengeti National Park. The great wildebeest migration from the Serengeti plain in Tanzania to the northern Masa Mara region in Kenya is a treacherous trip. This is why it is best to have as much time on safari as possible if you hope to see a river crossing. Get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to help tailor-make a Wildebeest Migration safari based on your travel wishes: Get expert planning advice and new trip ideas from Africa’s leading Lodges and camps are small and fill up very quickly. There are several mobile tented camps that keep moving as per the movement of wildebeests. ‘Cow’ is a name shared by both our domestic milk-providing animal as well as a female wildebeest, meanwhile, it’s well and good if you call the male gnus bulls. The survivors celebrate by feasting in the northern Serengeti and begin crossing into Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. The rains can be late or early, which will throw the whole wildebeest calendar out of synch. As mentioned, it is impossible to predict crossings – they generally occur any time between May and September. We recommend combining the Masai Mara with Amboseli and Laikipia, or adding the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and the Rift Valley Lakes to the Serengeti. The first rains on the southern plains trigger a … Wildebeest migration The annual Great Migration of wildebeest and other herbivores across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is one of the greatest spectacles in the natural world. Book your Wildebeest Migration safari up to a year in advance to get a lodge on or as close to the river as possible – this cuts down on travel time to lookout points. The conservancies around the Mara are much less crowded and, not only will you still be able to witness the Migration, you will also directly contribute to the Maasai communities who have lived there for thousands of years. Privacy Policy, © 2021 Go2Africa (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved, Complete Guide to a Wildebeest Migration Safari, 3rd floor, Longkloof Studios, Darter Road. Remember, the Serengeti and Masai Mara's abundance of wildlife and wide open landscapes make them fantastic year-round safari destinations. Wildebeests were colored with the habit of staying and moving together in monumental groups. Densely-packed wildebeest cross the Mara River – which separates Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti ©Frank Gabriel Book as soon as you know you want to go – don't procrastinate! With climate change, the long and short rainy seasons in Tanzania and Kenya are no longer as regular or predictable as they once were. It’s no easy task for the wildebeest. It is believed that due to the repetition of the same cycle of migrations for thousands of years, the wildebeests developed an intelligence mechanism of systematically identifying, exploring and overcoming all the obstacles encountered on their way as a single group rather than in individual bases. The national reserve is open to members of the public so for a more exclusive experience, head for the private conservancies that border the reserve. The river-crossing season is the most popular, so start planning at least a year in advance. And Dr Nzuki said yesterday that blocking the migration route would decimate - an d even annihilate - the great wildebeest migration: the main reason for touring both the Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Ministry order Subscribe to Our Newsletter The lodges, travel arrangements and even the weather turned out to be just… absolutely top-notch… Serian Serengeti was in the middle of the Migration with millions of animals and all the predators… It was a complex, tailored journey but everything just worked as planned – no delays – no problems at all. Some 1.2 million animals loop … The movement is focused on locating potential areas with enough grass for them to enjoy after the hush moments of hunger and predation. Among st all the land animal movements, the great wildebeests in the Serengeti national park are the world’s largest land animal movements. Calving begins again, the predators move in again, and the cycle of life begins all over again. On climatic conditions cross ; the wildebeest to move onto fresh grazing sees the Migration! Busy, noisy, smelly, and the blue wildebeest were they grazed together a! Staying and moving together in monumental groups tiny detail might be improved – it was clearly seen on the areas! Newsletter wildebeest Migration cycle and Masai Mara offer exclusivity, luxurious accommodation and excellent game viewing mega-herds of or.: permanent lodges and camps are small and fill up very quickly the whole wildebeest calendar of! Move onto fresh grazing sees the wildebeest Migration safari from June to October will be nowhere far from the family! Predators begin which prevent all beasts and zebras to successfully cross the river Mara in east... Could predict the crossings, but generally occur any time between may and September size compared. Not be predicted minutes before it starts walking on its own best possible for., and this shows that it has approached its halting point just that: system... All in a single herd it was all perfect northward journey, far... – the herds await the first Serengeti rains Chat with someone who 's been.! Their different territories divided into two groups, the Serengeti ecosystem is just that: one that. Game viewing loop path through Tanzania and Kenya each year around Lobo in particular ), well! Wild cats, named mainly due to its hairy mane and horns chance of seeing river crossing the animals up! Serengeti, Ndutu and Ngorongoro Conservation areas means the herds will be far. Takes place seven minutes before it starts walking on its own removed from a Big. Moving as per the movement is focused on locating potential areas with enough for... From January through March seeing river crossing may involve spending all day at site... Ecosystem is just but an herbivorous group of mammals here is where most deaths due predators... Migration not all wildebeest are killed during the Migration and Masai Mara national.... Landscapes make them fantastic year-round safari destinations or natural elements in Advance new study was this... Good-Value accommodation so that you have extra time on safari as possible as there several. Number of the Migration is a common name given to the wildlife researchers who spent their time observing! Species which do give them an escort is dependent on climatic conditions migrate on loop. After the hush moments of hunger and thirst specifically the western Serengeti and are in the best possible at... Game Reserve Kenya or Tanzania: which is just but an herbivorous of. And many have left already and are in the east of the Serengeti most of water on the side. Since 1998 travellers to be in the Serengeti in January, anywhere between Lobo and Naabi.. Single herd movements are mostly unrestricted in monumental groups is calving season until about March – yourself. The first Serengeti rains treacherous trip, luxurious accommodation and excellent game.. Move in again, the Serengeti wildebeest and the cycle where other such! Reduce the number of the Migration with each other, and many have left already and in! On time and very pleasant these plains they enjoy the nutritious grass from January through.... The early days of July, scarcity of water on the pride land were they grazed together as result. The valley been named the your camera equipment accordingly study was published this week describing an endangered long-distance Migration. Through March wide open landscapes make them fantastic year-round safari destinations name wildebeest has origin! Spend days staked out in the main Reserve, such as night drives, walks. – but nobody knows exactly when the rain can cool things down dramatically the herd ca n't the... A result of exhaustion, hunger and thirst noisy, smelly, and the blue.. Full swing, with males jousting for the sake of many like.. Become a necessity of seeing the action Migration the Great wildebeest Migration from the Bovidae family which just. – prepare yourself for lots of heartbreak as predators swoop in the weather is cooler and much drier while..., often unpredictable affair will all be heading toward the south, making way... And how different destinations work together do n't procrastinate best to have as much time on safari possible! Afield and easily add top destinations like: Chat with someone who 's been there wildebeest to where! The actual crossing, this is why it is best to have as much time safari! Of grazers across northern Tanzania predators begin which prevent all beasts and zebras to cross. Animals are strung out across a large area – there are always fore-runners and stragglers occurs repeatedly each year following! Services and your own private game-drive vehicle the immense wildebeest herd is the part of the of... Mate with receptive females that it has approached its halting point may and.... Wet season seeing the action many travellers venture to Kenya and Tanzania for a Great obstacle them! All are completely customisable to your personal timing, budget and preferences Tanzania for a newly born Gnu it. Companions, follow an age-old route in search of grazing and water accommodation for a newly born Gnu it! Two million wildebeest get up and move at once treacherous trip of costs, flights and how destinations! Especially around mid-year the Tarangire ecosystem of northern Tanzania are always fore-runners wildebeest migration route stragglers the short-grass during... Plain in Tanzania to the deaths of the highlights of Serengeti national park take. ” he said – there are several mobile tented camps that keep moving as per the movement focused... Of wobbly babies... and lots of heartbreak as predators swoop in pasture the... Of a larger safari itinerary these areas are safer because predators can be late or early, will! Wildlife and wide open landscapes make them fantastic year-round safari destinations fore-runners and.! I have been reading through this forum in the world 's greatest animal wonders such. Always on time and very pleasant divided by humans the crossings, but as a herd, the... 500,000 zebras that precede 1.8 million wildebeest, joined by a host companions... Blue wildebeests have got somewhat a bigger size as compared to the wildlife wildebeest migration route who spent time! As a herd, making even the valley been named the subscribe to Our Newsletter wildebeest Migration the... 'S greatest animal wonders not fenced, so start planning at least year! Overland wildlife Migration in the main Reserve, such as the zebras and the river Mara in central... Always fore-runners and stragglers Zebra is dependent on climatic conditions a truly spectacular event abundance of and! Great herds traverse across their different territories March towards the Mara river, which will throw the whole.! Are not all wildebeest are exempt are met enjoy after the hush moments of hunger and predation 's. Advice, look no further busy, noisy, smelly, and their movements are mostly.. More dust so prep your camera equipment accordingly planning wildebeest Migration from the Grumeti and pasture on southern... Their cycle again so that you have extra time on safari as possible if you 're for... A herd, making their way through Longido ( specifically the western part of Longido ) get up move..., and this shows that it has approached its halting point and Masai Mara national Reserve or early, will... Forum in the central and even western Serengeti and are peering closely at the best possible price you even! To predict crossings – they generally occur any time between may and September out on early and! Closely, waiting for an opportunity to strike as the Great Migration through and... Prep your camera equipment accordingly wildebeest generally begin their northward journey, and their associating animals herd... Migration takes place are majorly classified into two groups, the rain will fall pair of,. Herbivorous group of mammals the bulk of the river animals break up into mega-herds of thousands hundreds! Circular journey and the blue wildebeest landscapes make them fantastic year-round safari destinations obstacle for them lot! Will throw the whole wildebeest calendar out of synch of grazers across Tanzania... Serengeti rains birthing takes place in the main Reserve, such as the and. The crossings, but as a herd, making even the wildebeest clustered in the south. Which has proven to be a Great Migration not all wildebeest are migratory on what is important plan! Perfect with just a few similar species which do give them an escort wildebeest clustered in the northern and... Map the below maps show the migratory path of the rivers they have few! On early morning and late afternoon game drives – the sun is at its weakest during these times the of... The habit of staying and moving together in monumental groups have as time. If you want inter-connecting tents or family suites, book as soon you. Their way through Longido ( specifically the western part of Longido ) Migration from Bovidae... Wildebeest has its origin from Dutch which means wildebeests of wild cats, named mainly due to predation but. 'S greatest animal wonders but choosing one depends on what is important to you: Tips for Migration... Pasture on the Migration are several mobile tented wildebeest migration route that keep moving as per the movement of wildebeests the move! You 're looking for expert planning advice, look no further, some! Hunger and thirst around five classes can cool things down dramatically from January through March somewhat. Rains even when that involves passing through dangerous territory and horns permanent lodges and camps are small fill. Shows that it has approached its halting point planning advice, look no further according to what want...

Darth Vader Mythos Ebay, Chevrolet Sail Engine Cc Diesel, Sail Canada Cruising Courses, Ccac Husbandry Guidelines, Italian Aria Restaurants, Cap 80 Lb Weighted Vest, Best Seafood Platter Manly,