The Great Wildebeest Migration is an annual natural spectacle that occurs in East Africa, primarily in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

It's important to note that the exact timing of the migration can vary due to factors like rainfall and the availability of food. If you plan to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, it's a good idea to check with local tour operators or wildlife authorities for the most current information on the migration's location and timing in the year you plan to visit.

Migration seasons of antelopes

The timing of the migration can vary slightly from year to year, but it typically follows a general pattern:

Calving Season

The migration starts in the southern Serengeti, usually in late January to early February. This is the calving season when hundreds of thousands of wildebeests give birth to their young.

Grassland Feeding

After giving birth, the herds feed on the fresh grass in the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. They stay in this region until around April or May.

Northward Movement

As the dry season progresses and the grass becomes scarcer in the south, the wildebeest start their northward migration. They move through the central and western Serengeti around June and July.

Crossing the Grumeti River

In the western Serengeti, the wildebeest must navigate the Grumeti River. This river crossing is a significant part of the migration and can occur between June and July.

Entering the Maasai Mara

By August, the wildebeest herds start entering the Maasai Mara in Kenya. They continue to graze in the northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara until September or October.

Return South

After spending several months in Kenya, the herds begin their return journey to the southern Serengeti. This return migration usually happens between October and November.

The Best Time to Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration

For those eager to witness this grand spectacle, the ideal time to visit is from July to October, when the herds gather in the Maasai Mara. The river crossings are particularly mesmerizing, but one must be patient, as nature does not adhere to a strict timetable.