Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration: Important Months

The Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration is a fluid, dynamic affair and is dependent on local rains and fresh pasture. It's important to know where - and when - to go at certain times of the year: here is our monthly guide to the migration.

November: Once the southern Serengeti's short rains have fallen, thousands of large mammals travel fast, heads down and hooves stomping, to the Serengeti's southern plains and the Ngorongoro Highlands.

December through March: The southern section of the Serengeti is where all the action plays out during this time. This is when the game animals give birth to their young and start preparing for the northern trek. Over 8,000 calves are born on each day of the calving season; yet less than half will live to see their five-month birthday. Predators like the Serengeti lions and cheetah pick and choose from the thousands of potential victims.

April: The adults and surviving young shift their attention to the central areas of the park, moving towards the Serengeti's western corridor. This funnel-shaped piece of land runs from the Central Serengeti in a western direction to the park boundary near Lake Victoria's shore.

June: Arriving at the corridor around June, the millions of grazers are forced to cross the Grumeti River. There's usually an unpredictable waiting period of one to two weeks as the animals prepare for the life-threatening crossing. Ironically, it is usually the first animals that attempt to cross that are taken by the Grumeti crocodiles - supersized predators that feast as the long train of wildlife tries to cross.

July: From here attention shifts north as the migration enters the private Grumeti Reserve, with a small portion splitting off and heading northeast, to the Lobo area.

June to August: This is usually the best time to see the migration. In August the migration reaches the far northern area. There are a few excellent camps in this area from which you can witness this natural phenomenon.

Mid-August to early November: The animals cross the Sand River and head into the Masai Mara. They will stay in the Masai Mara where water is always available, until the November rains in the south Serengeti beckon once again and the cycle begins anew in November.

Click here to see a Guide to the Migration in the Serengeti.

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