Watching almost two million animals jointly moving across the legendary plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara is enough to stir enthusiasm in even the most self-possessed individual.

Over the years many questions have been asked relating to the migration and most of the questions lean towards sourcing a guarantee of sorts by people planning to visit East Africa. Much has been written, documented and filmed about the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania/Kenya. Here we give an account of the Migration derived from facts and our personal experiences.

It is unwise to guarantee the migrations movements and timings – however one thing is for certain; no matter when you visit the Serengeti or Masai Mara you are assured of one of the greatest experiences of your life.

The Great Wildebeest Migration is the movement of massive herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles across the plains of East Africa. It is estimated that almost two million animals annually take part in the migration across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. The animals’ movements are governed by the availability of food and water. The herds are on the lush southern plains of the Serengeti from late December through to April, which is their fouling period. They then head north for central Serengeti and the western corridor from May to June before crossing into the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Here they remain for some three months before returning to the Serengeti’s southern plains towards the end of November.

As the migration is determined by the availability of food and water during the seasons, it is not possible to correctly predict the course of events by stopwatch. Rains may be early, late, scattered or in some instances missed completely – and these are the factors that influence the wildebeest’s movement. There is, however, a general pattern that can be followed when planning a safari to East Africa. We advise you visit at least two different areas to ensure the best chances of seeing the migration.

There is a mixed school of thought here as the migration has a number of facets. Foaling season on the southern plains of the Serengeti or the crocodile filled river crossings are just two examples. The sight of millions of animals on the vast southern plains of the Serengeti is truly incredible, but the drama of the river crossings (with Africa’s largest crocodiles lying in wait) is also a memorable. You are sure to appreciate the spectacle in whatever form it unfolds.

There is a mixed school of thought here as the migration has a number of facets. Foaling season on the southern plains of the Serengeti or the crocodile filled river crossings are just two examples. The sight of millions of animals on the vast southern plains of the Serengeti is truly incredible, but the drama of the river crossings (with Africa’s largest crocodiles lying in wait) is also a memorable. You are sure to appreciate the spectacle in whatever form it unfolds.

We have put together a full migration calendar that indicates where the migration is ‘expected’ to be and when. Click this link if you have not already seen our ‘THE GREAT MIGRATION TIME TABLE.’