Wildebeest migration holidays

Much of the action takes place in Tanzania, where the wildebeest spend most of their year. The short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti serve as a safe nursery for thousands of calves – half a million are born here in January and February. The plains and granite kopjes are great for game viewing, and there are soda lakes pink with flamingos and marshes where serval cats wander. You’ll stay in leave-no-trace wilderness camps that immerse you in the natural surroundings.

As the dry season approaches, the herds split in search of fresh pastures, some heading north through the Seronera Valley in the central Serengeti, others travelling along the Western Corridor towards the Grumeti River crossing and the Masai Mara. Wherever their journey takes them, there’s no escaping the peril that lies in wait. Hey, predators need to eat too, and they also need extensive range. Habitat loss poses a threat to many species, and our wildebeest migration holidays actively support big cat conservation efforts across Africa, such as leopard monitoring and research.

Although not all the herds venture as far north as the Masai Mara, and those that do remain there for only a short period between July and October, some of the greatest wildebeest migration holidays are set in Kenya. That’s because to reach safety they must first cross the gauntlet that is the Mara River, and the predators within it. Expect some scintillating encounters.

Kenya’s Masai Mara is a national reserve, one of the most famous ecosystems in the world, and synonymous with both wildlife and the Maasai tribes. Some two million wildebeest and zebras spill into it from June to October, if they survive the precarious crossing. On our wildebeest migration tours you can stay outside the Masai Mara in one of Kenya’s excellent private conservancies, which is a good way to avoid the crowds, although you might have a long drive in to watch the crossings. Conservancies allow Maasai people to use their land for livestock grazing, and to earn from tourism while protecting wildlife. As the land is private, safaris have a more exclusive feel, and you’ll also have many opportunities to learn about traditional Maasai ways of life from your guides, who come from local tribal communities.

The migration doesn’t follow a map and timetable, as only seasonal rains dictate the start time. The Mara River crossings usually take place in July and October, and they draw big crowds – up to 200 cars at a time in places. Consequently, the best time to see the wildebeest migration tends to be in late June or September, when safari-goer numbers are dispersing outside the peak summer season. Fewer cars also mean less disturbance for the wildlife – they’ve got enough on their minds.

While they make for some iconic sightings, the river crossings are not the only time to experience the wildebeest migration. In late October, you can catch the animals heading south through the northern Serengeti or Ngorongoro with the start of the short rains. Head to the central Serengeti in May, as animals move north, and to the Grumeti River in June. Although shallower than the Mara, the Grumeti crossing still serves up the sight of huge crocs snapping at hooves as wildebeest pile through. Outside of the July to September peak season you’re more likely to find reduced rates, too. Just avoid April, when the rains are at their heaviest, camps close and the plains become quagmires.

Our holiday partners closely monitor the progress of the migration and use that knowledge to get you close to the mega herds. Once here, cutting the engine and just watching as the thousands of animals graze and move is the best way to soak up this spectacle. Put the camera aside for a moment, and properly take it all in, listening to the snorting and snuffling of the herd. In amongst the wildebeest, you’ll see Thomson’s gazelle, zebra and eland, and look out too for predators in the long grass, eyeing up their next meal. Although there’s a general push north during the dry season, the wildebeest migration involves a fair bit of meandering, too, so it’s fascinating to observe the massing and moving of the wildebeest up close. Herds tend to cross back and forth over the rivers, following the rains and the fresh grass. At the Mara River it’s possible to see different herds crossing in different directions on the same day.

Experienced guides and drivers are integral to the whole experience on our wildebeest migration tours. They get you safely into the heart of the action, and help you understand the wider picture around conservation issues in Kenya and Tanzania. By fostering tourism training and jobs, our holidays create well-paid jobs in local communities, as well as helping to fund social projects, such as distributing mosquito nets, and building schools. They ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy one of Earth’s greatest natural spectacles, in the company of brilliant guides.