Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania

The Wildebeest Migration is one of the greatest natural spectacles on Earth, and the largest overland migration of animals anywhere in the world. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, move in a continuous, circular route through the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. Why? In simple terms: grass. This epic, instinctive journey is driven by rainfall, as the herds follow the promise of fresh grazing across the plains in a rhythm as old as time.

At any one moment, tens of thousands of animals might be thundering across open savannah, calving on fertile plains, or braving crocodile-filled rivers, and knowing where the herds are is key to seeing the migration at its best.

If you’re planning to visit the Serengeti or the Masai Mara, timing and location are everything. Below, we’ve outlined when and where the migration moves throughout the year, and which lodges are best placed to put you in the heart of the action...

December – February
This is the start of the migration cycle. During these months, wildebeest gather in huge numbers on the lush grasslands of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region to give birth to their young. Calving season brings dramatic predator-prey interactions and is an incredible time for wildlife photography.

Recommended Tanzania lodges: Ndutu Lodge, Kusini Camp, Olakira South, Sayari South, and all Ngorongoro Crater lodges.

March – May
As grazing thins and the calves grow stronger, the herds begin their journey northward, moving through the central Serengeti (Seronera area) and into the northwest corridor. Here, the Grumeti River supports fresh grazing grounds, drawing large congregations of wildebeest and other grazers.

Recommended Tanzania lodges: Ndutu Lodge, Kusini Camp, and Central Serengeti camps including Olakira South, Sayari South, Serena Lodge, and Serengeti Safari Camp.

June – July
The herds head west into the Serengeti’s ‘Western Corridor’ near the Grumeti River, where they may face one of their toughest challenges - a river crossing with lurking crocodiles. From here, they turn north and move into the Lobo area, their final stop in Tanzania before crossing into Kenya.

Recommended Tanzania lodges: Singita Serengeti, Grumeti River Camp, Olakira Camp, Migration Camp, Klein’s Camp, Mbuzi Mawe Camp, Ikoma Bush Camp, Lemala Camp, Sayari Mara, Kensington Camp, and mobile camps in the northern Serengeti.

August – October
Now in Kenya’s Masai Mara, the herds feed on the rich grasses grown after the long rains. While the migrating animals are mostly in Kenya, Tanzania still offers excellent game viewing. Tarangire National Park becomes a dry-season haven for resident wildlife drawn to its permanent water sources.

Recommended Tanzania lodges: Migration Camp, Klein’s Camp, Mbuzi Mawe Camp, Lemala Camp, Sayari Mara, Kensington Camp, mobile camps in the northern Serengeti, and all Tarangire lodges.

Recommended Kenya lodges: Little Governors’ Camp, Kicheche Camp, Mara Bush Camp, Il Moran Camp, Cottar’s 1920s Camp, Kichwa Tembo, Bateleur Camp, Mara Serena, and all other Masai Mara camps.

November
The herds begin their journey south again, returning to Tanzania as the short rains rejuvenate the Serengeti. By late November or early December, they’re back on the southern plains, ready to calve — and the cycle begins anew.

Recommended Tanzania lodges: Ndutu Lodge and all Ngorongoro Crater lodges.