The Great wildebest migration Serengeti, Tanzania 2025-2026

See Wildebeests in Serengeti Tanzania

Overview of Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti, Tanzania

Serengeti Masai Mara company introduces you to the great wildebeest migration Serengeti in Tanzania. In this guide, we are going to cover the best time to see wildebeest migration in Serengeti Africa or the Africa great migration dates in Serengeti. We shall see the best place to see the wildebeest migration and so much more about Serengeti animal migration.

Where Can You See The Great Migration in Africa

In the whole of the world there are two major parks where you can have your Africa animal migration tour. The two parks where the great animal migration in Africa occurs are Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya. This Africa migration safari is the superlative vast herd movement of the herds that include the wildebeests, zebras, gazelles and impalas. However, the wildebeests are more in numbers compared to other animals and they are the ones that initiate this movement. So, that is why you will often here the great migration being called the wild beast migration.

However, we are to look at the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti. The Serengeti national park is located around the Mara region in Tanzania. So, this is why it is accommodating of the large populations of the wild animals such as the elephants, African buffaloes, wild dogs, hyenas.  Also, the Serengeti National park is a habitat of different bird species other than the Tanzania migration safari.

Beginners Guide to The Great Wildebeest Migration Serengeti Tanzania

River Crossings in the Serengeti Mara region during the wildebeest migration Serengeti
River Crossings in the Serengeti Mara region during the wildebeest migration Serengeti Tanzania

A Month-by-Month Breakdown of the Annual Wildebeest Migration Serengeti Tanzania

October to November

The wildebeests cross from the Masai Mara Kenya moving towards the Serengeti national park Tanzania at the start of October. This is where the great wildebeest migration Serengeti begins from.

Why do the Wildebeest Migrate

The Serengeti migration safari in Tanzania occurs because the Maasai Mara Kenya plains are no longer able to meet their needs. These include suitable climatic condition and reliable water and food supply. Also their lives at-risk because of the increase in number of carnivores, such as cheetahs, hyenas and leopards. Therefore, these wildebeests move and cross the Mara River and settle around the Loliondo conservation area. This area is also in proximity to the Lobo area and it is one of the areas with lush greenery in Serengeti. Additionally, it has a lot of the Maasai People inhabitants.

December

In December, the great wildebeest migration Serengeti safari continues as they leave the Loliondo area. These wildebeests move towards the Southern plains of Serengeti np around the Naabi hill and part of the Ngorongoro conservation area around the Ndutu region.

January- March

By the beginning of January, most of the herds of the animals would have settled in the southern plains of the Serengeti. So, they would have covered the whole of the Ngorongoro conservation area. Hence, scattering in the verdant golden grasses of the Southern Serengeti Tanzania. One of the main wildebeest occasion begins which is the calving season.  The wildebeest calving season in Serengeti Tanzanija is where there’s an approximate of 8000  new born of the wildebeests per 24 hours. In addition, the reason why they give birth from the Serengeti plains is because the grasses’ have adequate nutrients. Also, these nutrients are enrich the breast milk that is fed to the calves for about 3 months.  The birth of the young wildebeests enhances the numbers of the herds. However, this wildebeests calving season in the Serengeti attracts attention from the predators. Hence resulting in the attacks towards the herds become numerous and by the end of March the wildebeests start moving.

Predator prey experinces during the great Migration

Predator prey experinces during the great Migration in Serengeti np

April

The great wildebeest migration Serengeti, Tanzania continues as the wildebeests start moving towards the central region of the Serengeti. So they as well make temporary settlements around the Moru Kopjes. Here, the grasses are short which the wildebeests in Tanzania normally feed on. Another reason as they move with the zebras is because they don’t eat the tall grasses. So, the zebras eat the tall grasses and the short grasses remain for the wildebeests. During this Serengeti migration season, some of the herds extend towards the Seronera valley. So these dispersed settlements, help them cover large grazing areas hence reduced competition for food.

May and June

By the end of May, the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti Tanzania continues westwards towards the Western corridor. Additionally, the wildebeests settle around the Grumeti reserve. By the beginning of June during the Serengeti migration safari, the wildebeests are now crossing through the Grumeti River. So around this Serengeti great migration timing, it is good to witness the predator-prey interactions. Here,wildebeests herds face a threat of the Nile crocodiles in the river and the cheetahs and lions on land. Most of the visit Serengeti during this time because it is optimal for game viewing and being a dry season, game, drive experiences and nature photography are ideal.

July

By June, most of the herds will have crossed via the Grumeti river and will now be grazing around the Kogatende airstrip. By the end of July they will be traversing northwards towards the Mara River. This marks the end of the wildebeest migration Serengeti. It also marks the start of the Masai Mara migration in the Kenya migration season from July to October.

Map of the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti Tanzania

Serengeti Masai Mara Safari provides detailed wildebeest migration map resources below for the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti Africa.

What are the best months for witnessing the great migration in Serengeti Tanzania

For the river crossings:

The best time to go to the Serengeti and witness the big migration serengeti Tanzania river crossings is in between October to December. During that Serengeti migration time, large herds of animals are seen crossing over from the Masai Mara National Reserve to Serengeti np. The other river crossings are from mid-July to late September. Duting these migration dates, Serengeti migration animals are crossing over from the Northern plains of Serengeti. They head to the River Mara region of Masai Mara Kenya.

For the wildebeests calving season.

The best time of year to go to serengeti to witness the wildebeests giving life to their new born is between January to March. This wildebeests calving happens in the Southern plains of the Serengeti around the Ngorongoro conservation area and the Ndutu region.

Best time for witnessing the predator- wildebeest chases in Serengeti

The Serengeti migration time of year for predator-wildebeest chases is when the wildebeests are calving between February and March. Additionally, this is because the predators are usually on the chase for them during this great migration Tanzania. Also, the periods of river crossings when the wildebeests are crossing from the Maasai mara reserve to Serengeti from October to November. Lastly, the East Africa great migration from the Serengeti Tanzania to Masai Mara from late July to September.

big migration Africa predators attacking wildebeests

A lion attacking wildebeests in Serengeti Tanzania

Other Tanzania safari experiences in Serengeti besides the Great wildebeest migration

Below are the alternative Tanzania safari experiences to do other than the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti.

  • Tour of the Maasai village

Here, you are able to meet with the Maasai people and be exposed to their unique culture and traditions. These include the Maasai traditional wear, cultural dances and their traditional way of housing. Also, design making of art crafts like their handmade necklaces and bangles. These Tanzania cultural tours are add ons to your animal migration in Serengeti national park.

  • Hot air balloon Serengeti safari

Envision yourself ascending into the sky as you get to see the wild activities beneath you such as the wildebeest migration Serengeti, Tanzania. And also see the lions in Serengeti Tanzanija chasing their prey in an aerial view during your Serengeti balloon safari in Tanzania. You are also engulfed in the beauty of the charismatic boundless landscape of the Serengeti National Park Tanzania.

  • Bush/ wilderness meals.

Taste flavorful delicacies with African cuisines on the sides in the middle of the wild and get to enfold oneself into the African way of life. You can have your wilderness meals at the end of your wildebeest Migration in Serengeti, Tanzania.

  • Sunset watching.

Get to observe the charms that the sun sets down to the landscape of the Serengeti beautifying it to a breathtaking out looking. Also,making your Serengeti safari tour adventure so distinguished and memorable.

How to Prepare for the Great Wildebeest Migration Serengeti Tanzania

Serengeti Tanzania Park Rules and Wildlife Etiquette

  • Follow the Serengeti national park’s rules for better conservation of the eco system during your Serengeti migration safari in Tanzania.
  • If one is driving themselves through the Serengeti, they are not to exceed a speed limit of 50km/hr. Also, don’t go off the marked pathways for driving in the Serengeti Park.
  • Unnecessary noise, littering and feeding the animals without permission is not around in Serengeti np. In addition, it doesn’t go hand in hand with wildlife conservation efforts in Serengeti National Park.
  • Follow the Serengeti safari guide’s instructions to be on the safe side and keep a distance of at most 7m from the wild animals during your Serengeti migration tour.

What to Pack for a Wildebeest migration Safari in Serengeti Tanzania

Wondering what to bring for your great migration Tanzania safari? Our Serengeti Masai Mara guide below lists the items you should pack for your Serengeti Migration Safari in Tanzanoa

  • Water bottle.
  • Travel backpack.
  • Sunscreen
  • Binoculars for better sunset watching and seeing wildebeests in Serengeti Tanzania.
  • Mosquito repellent to prevent malarial infections.
  • Hiking boots to easily navigate through the Serengeti during nature walks.
  • Light and heavy clothes because of the volatile weather changes in Serengeti National Park
Young woman on a walking safari tour using binoculars in national park

Expected Costs During Your Great migration Tanzania safari in Serengeti

  • Serengeti National Park entrance fees;Serengeti Tanzanija has many entrance gates. However, if you want a Serengeti migration safari in Tanzania, take note of these costs which vary with season. Firstly, for the main gate, foreigners (adults) pay 60$-70$ per person for a day. Children pay 20$ but for the East African resident (adults) pay Tshs10, 000 and children pay Tshs2000.
  • Guide fees. Guide fees are usually part of your Serengeti migration safari package cost from our Serengeti Masai Mara Team. However, the guide fees per day can range from20$-50$ per day according to the specifics of the traveler.
  • Ranger fees. The ranger fees are also usually included in the Serengeti safari tour packages. However, payment for them is made in Tanzanian local currency and will all be handled by our team during your great wildebeest migration safari in Serengeti.

Where to Stay for The Great Wildebeest Migration Serengeti, Tanzania

Wondering where to stay for the great wildebeest migration Tanzania. Accommodations to See Great Migration in Serengeti Tanzania are available for all classes ranging from budget to luxury serengeti lodges.

Serengeti Lodges: Budget and Luxury Options

Category Lodge Name Price (USD)
Budget Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma Camping $48
Africa Safari Serengeti Kusini $105
Africa Safari Maasai Boma $139
Osero Serengeti Luxury Tented Camp $142
Seronera Wildlife Lodge $158
Luxury Escarpment Serengeti Luxury Camp $441
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti $750
Serengeti Luxury Retreat $613
Serengeti Sametu Camp $504
Serengeti Woodlands Camp $450

The Great Wildebeest Migration Serengeti Safari Packages in Tanzania

Choose from custom Serengeti migration safari packages that match your travel style. Do you want budget, mid-range, or high end or luxury Serengeti animal migration safari in Tanzania? Customise your great wildebeest migration Tanzania safari with Serengeti Masai Mara Safari. 

Below are the popular great wildebeest migration safari packages for Serengeti Tanzania.

Plan your Serengeti animal migration in Tanzania Today!

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