INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION IN TANZANIA

Standing out as one of the most spectacular wonders of the natural world, the Great Migration is an annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores migrating clockwise through the Serengeti in Tanzania and Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of good water and green pastures. This event is also one of the world’s most famous and sought after spectacles by photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. The great wildebeest migration is renowned for being one of the worlds most visually stunning and breathtaking adventures. But determining when to travel to witness this amazing spectacle depends on a number of factors, as different times of the year are marked by variations in scenery so it is best to seek out advice from a reliable operator and experienced tour guide as they know when and where you should be.
January – February: During this time, the wildebeests assemble by the droves in the southern part of the Serengeti where they give birth to thousands of baby calves. This is also known as the Serengeti calving season. The soil in this area is rich in potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, so the grass is usually lush. March: This period sees extensive levels of predatory activities taking place as the huge congregation of so many preys and new calves make easy targets for lions, cheetahs, and other carnivorous animals. This action quickly prompts a change of environment for the wildebeests. April – May: This is when the Serengeti starts to dry up and the grass disappears prompting the herds to move west towards the Grumeti River. June – July: At this time, the herds begin heading towards the Masai Mara, but before they get there, they are faced with the challenging obstacle of crossing the Grumeti river. This is arguably the best time of the year as travelers would be able to view all the excitement unraveling around the Grumeti River and beyond. August – September: By this time, the herds have crossed the Grumeti river and are en route to the Mara River. This is also a dramatic crossing that captures nature in its rawest form. October: This month sees the herds crossing the Mara river into the pool-table flat Masai Mara grasslands where they usually graze till the end of the month and continue their journey back to the northern Serengeti where short grass will have become abundant. November – December: The wildlife reaches the Seronera area where they will remain till they head back to the southern part of the Serengeti for calving season.