Best time to visit Tanzania for the wildebeest Migration, crossings, and calving season
The Great wildebeest migration in Africa, also known as the Serengeti – Masai Mara migration, is one of the few remaining large terrestrial wildlife movements on the planet. There are no defined start or endpoints for the Migration because it is a year-round movement of about two million animals across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
The animals follow an age-old route searching for new grazing land and water, triggered by East Africa’s rains. This epic journey takes the wildebeest from Kenya’s Masai Mara plains to Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater’s edge before circling up and around in a clockwise direction.
Being one of nature’s most fantastic puzzles, for a migration safari, timing is crucial. Although there is no way to predict precisely when the crossing or Migration may happen, our reputable, well-informed safari travel agents will help you make an educated prediction on being in the right place at the right time.
Below are some insights on the best time to visit Tanzania for the wildebeest Migration, crossings, and calving season. Enjoy some of the best wildebeest migration safaris in Tanzania with the below travel tips.
Calving season: January to March
As the year starts, the animals break up into mega-herds of thousand or hundreds in preparation for calving season in the rich fertile plans near lake Ndutu, south of Serengeti national park.
The calving season, which takes place from late January to around march, is a spectacular event in which over 8000 baby wildebeest are born every day. With vast calves born during this season, this attracts many predators, especially the big cats.
With the predators looking for a perfect time to kill targeting the birthing mother or the young calves, this brings plenty of action as female wildebeests line up to protect other weak wildebeests that cannot defend themselves. The calving offers a beautiful experience when having your migration safari at the beginning of the year.
Migration: April to June
April ushers at the beginning of long rains in Tanzania, and with it, you will see scattered herds of wildebeest thought-out Serengeti. The Migration starts as the megapacks split in search of fresh pasture, taking the journey north of Serengeti with the main aim of reaching the Mara River.
The Migration, which takes place around April to June, offers terrific views of vast columns of wildebeest, sometimes up to 40 kilometers in length, moving their way up Serengeti.
Although it may be a bit challenging to know exactly where the herds are during this season, the Migration offers fantastic views on millions of animals with some action on the way from predators who target the young, weak calves.
Mara River Crossings: July to August
As one of the most fascinating requested wildebeest migration events, the Mara crossings are a must-see for any adventurous safari traveler. Get ready between July to August and witness this amazing wonder of the world. During the crossing, you will see millions of wildebeests toss themselves into the raging waters of the Mara River.
Although the action does not all happen in one day, the Mara crossings present amazing views. You will watch both vital and young, inexperienced calves cross the unforgiving river where hulking crocodiles are eagerly waiting to get their prey. By the end of August, surviving wildebeest have made it across the Mara river and grazing in Masai Mara.
During the remaining months from September to the end of the year, the surviving wildebeest split up into smaller groups. With the dry season kicking in around October, the thoughts of Migration start again as the animals head south of Serengeti looking for the short grass plains.
As the year ends, most animals may have already made it to the Ndutu plains, whereby the whole cycle starts again in January. Now that you know the best times to visit Tanzania for the wildebeest migration, calving, and crossings, you are ready to plan and have a magical migration safari.
Book and enjoy the remarkable wonders of the wildebeest migration with our efficient safari agents to help you predict and plan a thrilling, memorable wildebeest safari.
