The great migration in Serengeti National Park
The great migration in Serengeti National Park, the continuous migration of wildebeest, accompanied by numerous companions, adheres to a time-honored path in pursuit of sustenance and hydration. Following calving in the southern region of Tanzania’s Serengeti adjacent to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the animals migrate through the Serengeti in a clockwise trajectory towards the Masai Mara in Kenya, subsequently returning towards the year’s conclusion. Throughout the journey, intense drama persists, as numerous creatures fall prey to predators while countless others are born, replenishing populations and continuing the cycle of life.
Why do wildebeest migrate?
The 800-kilometer journey of the vast wildebeest herd constitutes the most extensive mammalian migration on the planet. The movement occurs simultaneously with the flourishing of nutritious grasses on the short-grass plains during the wet season. These regions are more secure as predators can be readily observed, rendering them an optimal location for calving. As the plains desiccate, the wildebeest are compelled to migrate in pursuit of more fertile grazing grounds in the western corridor. The northern extension of the habitat experiences the maximum precipitation, although the grasses are the least nutritious. This is the dry season refuge for the wildebeest, till the south regains its verdancy. The outcome is a clockwise rotation from south to west, then north, and returning to south.
Great Migration in short
It is unlikely that a superior depiction of the circle of life exists elsewhere in the world. The expedition commences in Southern Serengeti during the calving season of wildebeest. Predators such as lions and hyenas relentlessly pursue infants, while thousands of calves are born within a few weeks, creating a spectacle for genuine wildlife aficionados.
As the drought arrives in May, the herd migrates northward to the Masai Mara in Kenya, grazing on the lush green grass, soon accompanied by gazelles and zebras. The migration entails significant peril: traversing rivers involves encountering over 3,000 crocodiles, poised for an opportunity to strike. Additionally, the renowned Serengeti lion population is the most substantial in Africa. Despite the plentiful availability of ungulate prey in this region, survival is challenging for these large felines in this harsh environment. Observing a coalition of lions coordinating to pursue a wildebeest is an indelible experience. Subsequently, with the onset of the brief rains in late October, the migration returns to the Serengeti. By December, the herds migrate via Seronera—a little village in central Serengeti housing the official Serengeti Visitors’ Centre—to return to their calving sites, thus completing the cycle.
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A comprehensive examination of the Great Migration
When organizing a Serengeti safari, you likely wish to incorporate witnessing the Great Migration. How do you guarantee your presence when it occurs? The essence of the matter is that it is not possible. The timing of a visit to the Serengeti inherently entails a degree of danger. We have outlined the Great Migration below, noting typical occurrences; nevertheless, please be aware that outcomes are not assured.
The yearly migration of two million ungulates, including wildebeest, vast herds of zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, and eland, across Serengeti National Park constitutes the most significant natural spectacle of its kind in Africa, and possibly the globe. The Serengeti migration, albeit subject to annual changes, adheres to a relatively predictable cycle influenced by local precipitation patterns. The Great Migration cycle is divided into the following phases:
December to April
The primary calving grounds are located in the region southeast of Seronera, where the characteristic Serengeti plains extend to the Ndutu area adjacent to Ngorongoro. The short rains in November and December constitute the catalyst for their relocation to this area. The wildebeest remain in this region until the conclusion of the long rains, which occurs at the end of April or early May. This portion of Serengeti National Park is readily accessible, and during this period, the environment becomes verdant. February often marks the calving season in the Ndutu region and the southeastern plains, being the optimal period for visitation to this area. The abundance of wildebeest, zebra, and other ungulates, along with their numerous calves, creates a spectacle that attracts predators. The herd may relocate in pursuit of more fertile grazing grounds as early as March or April. Observing the actual migration during this season is more challenging; yet, it is likely that you may encounter substantial herds in transit.
May to July
This is the time when the wildebeest, having consumed the short green grasses of the southeastern Serengeti and given birth to their young, prepare for their 800-kilometer migration. The exact commencement date may occur at any point between late April and early June. This is the opportunity to witness one of the most remarkable natural phenomena: over a million animals walking in a column extending up to 40 kilometers. During the migration, the herd will advance towards the Western Corridor, where they will encounter the initial significant challenge: across the Grumeti River. Numerous animals fail to survive the passage due to the presence of the region’s population of large crocodiles poised to prey upon them. The herd may assemble on the southern bank of the river and remain there for up to two weeks prior to crossing.
August to September
Upon overcoming the Grumeti River obstacle, the herd advances northward to commence the crossing of the subsequent significant barrier, the Mara River, in July or August. The Mara River crossing is the site of numerous memorable photographs from the Great Migration. Subsequent to this passage, the herd migrates to the northwestern plains and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The period from August to September is regarded as an unfavorable time to visit Serengeti National Park to observe the Great Migration, as the herd migrates into the Masai Mara in Kenya. Migration patterns indicate that approximately fifty percent of the herd remains on the Tanzanian side, specifically in the Mara Serengeti region. During this time, smaller herds of wildebeest, which may consist of 500 to several thousand individuals, frequently traverse the Mara River in both directions without any discernible purpose. This is an opportune moment to reside at one of the Serengeti Mara camps.
October to November
To traverse the Mara River northward necessitates that the herd must cross the river once more before initiating their return journey southward. This typically occurs in October, however it may occasionally happen earlier. During this time, the herd will traverse the northern plains and Lobo region. This area of Serengeti National Park is hardly visited, making it an opportune moment to observe the migration in relative tranquility. The wildebeest migrate back to the short-grass plains and calving grounds near Ndutu in late November. Thus, the Great Migration commences anew.
Observation
The timings specified on this page pertain to guidelines, as deviations arise regularly. In November 2013, the wildebeest commenced their migration back to the southern Serengeti short-grass plains when precipitation unexpectedly began north of the Mara River. The herd reversed its course and returned to the Masai Mara in Kenya, reflecting the inherent behaviors of nature. The herd remained in that location for approximately three weeks before continuing their southward migration. In 2014, a year later, anomalous rainfall in the southern Serengeti resulted in a significant portion of the herd remaining behind, preventing their northward migration into the Western Corridor until July.
When is the best time to visit?
It is your prerogative to determine if you wish to schedule your Serengeti safari in accordance with the Great Migration. The Serengeti is a year-round destination due to its extensive area and exceptional wildlife watching opportunities. The likelihood of being present at the precise location of the Great Migration herd crossing a river (either the Grumeti or Mara River) is exceedingly low. The timing of herd migrations cannot be assured. Nevertheless, selecting the appropriate regions of the Serengeti—specifically, the southeast and Ndutu from December to May, the Western Corridor from May to July, the Serengeti Mara area from July to October, and the northern Serengeti and Lobo area in October and November—will facilitate the discovery of substantial herds of wildebeest and their accompanying fauna.
How to get to serengeti National park
Directions to Serengeti National Park: Serengeti National Park is situated in the northern tourism circuit of Tanzania, encompassing an area of 14,750 square kilometers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site divided into four sections: the southern sector, northern sector, Seronera, and western Serengeti area.
Serengeti National Park is a renowned tourist destination, characterized by stunning landscapes and exquisite wildlife, along with the renowned migration of animals. The park is accessible via four primary entry and exit points.
Naabi Hill Gate serves as the primary entrance to Serengeti Park and has significant traffic when approached from Arusha town. The journey from Arusha to Naabi Gate typically takes 4 to 5 hours, covering a distance of 254.6 kilometers. The gate is located 45 kilometers from Seronera and works daily from 06:00 to 18:00.
Serengeti National Park entrance
Ndabaka Gate serves as the primary entrance for the western corridor of Serengeti National Park. It works from 06:00 to 16:00 and can be accessed via Mwanza and Seronera. The trip from Mwanza takes 1.5 hours, while the distance from Seronera is 145 kilometers.
Klein’s gate
Klein’s Gate is located in the Far East area of Serengeti Park on a circuit that includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Natron. Klein’s Gate is a 2-3 hour trip to the park and operates everyday from 06:00 to 16:00.
Bologna Gate
The Bologonya gate is accessible during travel to and from Kenya. As a tourist visiting Serengeti Park for a safari, the park is accessible by both air and road transportation.
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Road access to Serengeti National Park
Driving to Serengeti Park is an exhilarating experience, with breathtaking vistas along the route. The journey commences from Arusha, the starting point for safaris in Serengeti National Park. The journey from Arusha town to Serengeti National Park takes 8 hours. All Tanzania Safaris provides private rides in our comfortable and spacious tour vans to the park.
It is imperative to utilize a 4X4 vehicle when traveling to Serengeti National Park, since it possesses the necessary strength to traverse the roadways going to the park.
Accessing Serengeti National Park by Air transport
Flying to Serengeti National area is perhaps the most convenient method of visiting the area for international flight travel, regional air travel, and private safaris.
Global aviation travel
The primary international gateway to Serengeti National Park is Kilimanjaro International Airport, about 200 miles from the park, positioned between Moshi and Arusha. International flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport are provided by airlines like Turkish Airlines, KLM, and Ethiopian Airlines. Connecting flights from Dar es Salaam (DAR) are available through British Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, among others.
Domestic air transportation
Regional flights to Serengeti National Park for safari are now easily accessible, departing from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. Regional flights connect to airstrips in Serengeti National Park, including Seronera Airstrip, Serengeti Kusini Airstrip, Lobo Airstrip, Fort Ikoma Airstrip, Kirawira Airstrip, and Kogatende Airstrip. Regional flights to Serengeti Park are conducted by Tanzania’s domestic airlines: Air Excel, Coastal Aviation, and Regional Air.
Direct flights are available from Kenya via Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi and Wilson Airport to various airstrips in Serengeti National Park. For departures from regions around Mwanza (Lake Victoria), Mwanza Airport is the optimal choice.
Arranged private flights
Tourists seeking a more exclusive travel experience to Serengeti National Park for a safari can utilize private charter flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport and Arusha Airport to various airstrips within the park, including Seronera, Serengeti Kusini, Lobo, Fort Ikoma, Kirawira, and Kogatende airstrips.