Wildebeest Migration: The Complete Guide

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Would you like to see one of the fascinating natural phenomena of our time? Then follow the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti with this complete guide. A unique spectacle.

An African legend says that God assembled the wildebeest from leftover parts. That sounds harsh. But personally, I think that their slightly odd look just makes them endearing.

Of course, they are not the beautiest of all animals of the Serengeti, but imagine, wildebeests as far as the eye can see in the Savannah landscape? That’s pretty cool. Apart from Wildebeests we are certain that you are interested in knowing more about the big 5 in Africa. We gathered the Best places to see the Big 5 or All about Africa for you!

Key Points:

The fact that the wildebeest of the Serengeti are still circling in millions today like they have done for ages, is a phenomenon. 

In this article, you learn about the famous Wildebeest Migration. You can read the whole article from the beginning or jump straight to the most relevant chapter for you:

What is the Wildebeest Migration? 

Their migration is one of the largest ungulates on earth. And they are not alone, around 400,000 antelopes and 200,000 zebras join them. A journey of around 3,000 kilometer. 

Wildebeests eat almost exclusively grass, and when a grazing ground is eaten, they move on. 

They follow an eternal cycle. 

Quick Facts on Wildebeest Migration

• In total, more than two million animals move during the wildebeest migration Serengeti: more than one million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras and Thomson’s gazelle.
• In January / February more than 500,000 wildebeests are born, about 8,000 per day.
• Each animal travels a thousand kilometres during migration.
• Wildebeests and zebras need each other during the migration: wildebeests are good at finding water sources and zebras know the way of the migration.
• Wildebeests and zebras can travel together peacefully because they both eat a different part of the same grass.
• Every year, almost 250,000 wildebeests and 30,000 zebras die during the strenuous and dangerous migration.

Getting to Know the Wildebeest

When is the Wildebeest Migration? 

In February and partly in March the wildebeest find rest and give birth to their calves in the in the grassy plains of the highlands of Tanzania. Around half a million calves are born within a few weeks. 

In April the animals follow the rain and move to the west of the Serengeti and then they migrate step by step  northwards through the centre of the Serengeti towards the lush ground in the Masai Mara in southern Kenya. 

At the end of the year, with the beginning of the rainy season, it goes back again to the highlands of Tanzania. 

Every wildebeest migration is different

The route of the animals varies every year and is therefore impossible to predict. The Serengeti is also a vast area, so herds are sometimes difficult to find. 

So seeing the Great Migration is partly a matter of luck. A good safari guide is also essential.

Wildebeest Migration Monthly Calendar

Where is the Wildebeest Migration?

The hike is periodically clockwise between the pastures of the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya – a distance of almost 3,000 km.

Main Locations of the Wildebeest Migration

• Serengeti, Tanzania
• Maasai Mara, Kenya

The Serengeti and Masai Mara belong to the same ecosystem. The animals, however, naturally know no national borders and move to those places where they find food and water.

They often migrate in groups of up to several thousand animals, which travel together along the migration route. However, it is also quite normal that some groups deviate from the “normal” route.

What is a Wildebeest (Gnu)?

When you think of antelopes, you usually see small, slender animals. Like the lightning-fast Thomson’s gazelle, for example. But also the big, strong wildebeests belong to the antelopes.

Wildebeests form large herds in which several thousand to one hundred thousand animals live. In the community they have a greater chance of survival.

For example, if they want to cross a large river where crocodiles live. The more animals swim across together, the more difficult it becomes for the crocodiles to clearly recognize a single animal and to snap at it.

In many animals there is a big difference between male and female animals. For example, the male is often larger and more colourful, but sometimes also the female. With the wildebeest it is different.

You can hardly see any difference, because both males and females are similar in size and carry both horns. But there is a trick to distinguish the animals: The forehead of the males is usually black, in females it’s a rusty colour.

But what makes them go on this long adventure? They follow the rain, the fresh grass. Studies show that wildebeests can locate precipitation from 50 kilometres away. Do they follow lightning or clouds? Do they hear the thunder? Do they smell the water?

Scientists have not yet found the answer. But not only the wildebeest, the entire ecosystem benefits from their migration: they produce 420 tons of dung per day. This fertiliser and the grazing of the grass allows the vegetation to grow faster.

Impact of Climate Change

The wildebeest migration is also an example of how animals live together peacefully and complement each other: Wildebeests are good at finding water sources and zebras know the way of the hike in both eat a different part of the same grass.

However, the influence of changing rainy and dry seasons sometimes change the cycle by several weeks. The route ist also changing a little bit each year.

A Journey with Many Dangers

The great migration is a continuous process that returns every year. However, not without danger! 

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. 

A crucial point is the crossing of the river Mara in the east of the Serengeti. The bank is steep, the current strong. There are also crocodiles lurking in the water, the biggest in the world. Not seldom panic breaks out among the animals.

Humans are also a danger. On one side by poaching. On the other side by cutting down the forests and through farmers use the land for agriculture and irrigate it artificially. 

The rivers carries less and less water. The wildebeest grazing grounds are becoming drier and cattle are grazing them.

Best Places to Book your Wildebeest Migration Safari

Multiple operators are offering amazing Wildebeest Migration Safaris.

Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and Trip Advisor):

Kenya Safaris

1. Kenya Bush Safaris
2. Perfect Wilderness Tours
3. Bencia Africa Safari
4. Dala Safari
5. Simba Paka Safaris

Tanzania Safaris

1. Serengeti Safari 
2. Wildebeest Safaris
3. Adventure Backpackers
4. Africa Sky

Best Time to Visit the Serengeti

If you want to see the most spectacular part of the Great Trek, it is best to travel to the north of the Serengeti or to Masai Mara during the period from June to September. 

The days of travel in the north of the Serengeti are long, so it is recommended to stay for a few days in one of the mobile camps. This increases your chances of seeing the crossing.

If you would like to experience the wildebeest’s annual baby boom, January / February is a great time to travel to the south of the Serengeti.

Best Time to Visit Maasai Mara

The climate in the Masai Mara is determined by its location in the Kenyan highlands and by the occurrence of two rainy and dry seasons. Although you’ll have an amazing time whenever you go, I can highly recommend going when it’s not rainy season as this might restrict your activities (and who likes getting wet?)

Dry season in this case does not mean that there is no rainfall at all (as for example in some areas of South Africa), it is just much less frequent than during the rainy season.

The big rainy season in Kenya starts around the end of March and lasts until the end of May. A second, smaller rainy season is usually in the period from early November to mid-December, although there may be shifts as usual. 

Rainy season in Kenya usually means only short, sudden but very productive showers. Safaris are usually still possible at this time.

Follow the Wildebeest Migration

Thousands of tourists visit the migration every year. No wonder, the view is unique. Animals up to the horizon.

If you want to know on which region the wildebeest are currently are, you can follow it on the website discoverafrica, who provides an App with photos, videos and information about their wildlife observations. 

The whereabouts of the herds are marked on Google Maps.

Do you enjoy reading about Wildlife?

Another spectacular natural event which we totally recommend and you might not have heard of is the Sardine Run. Go and check it out!

We also have more articles on the beauty of Mammals or learn about Antelopes.

• About
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Chris Weber

Co-Founder at Animals Around The Globe

Chris is the co-founder of 'Animals Around The Globe' and a fervent wildlife enthusiast with extensive travels across diverse ecosystems worldwide.

From exploring the marine wonders in the Azores and witnessing the vast savannas of Kenya, to delving deep into the rich biodiversity of South Africa and traversing iconic landscapes in Australia and the US like Yellowstone, Chris's experiences are vast.
With a penchant for diving alongside sharks, the ocean holds a special place in his heart.

Through his academic insights, he champions wildlife conservation, striving with 'Animals Around The Globe' to cultivate a profound connection between humans and animals, enhancing our mutual appreciation.

Connect with him at [email protected].

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