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The endless plains of East Africa are the setting for the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle - the 1.5 million wildebeest migration from the Maasai Mara to Serengeti National Park and back. The wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle relentlessly migrate in a clockwise fashion over 1,800 miles each year in search of rain ripened grass. There is no true beginning or end to this journey - it is the constant pilgrimage and search for food and water. This migration is often the highlight of safari-goers everywhere.

December, January, February, and March

During this time, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area is full with enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra. These great herds graze unendingly on rain ripened grass. During the calving season (late January through mid March) the herds concentrate themselves in the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area and attract rampant amounts of predators.

April and May

During April and May the rains have subsided and the depleted plains are unable to sustain the massive amounts of animals. The wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle move from the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the Serengeti’s Western Corridor.

June

By the end of May the Wildebeest have sufficiently grazed the Serengeti’s Western Corridor and move further north. Breeding occurs during this time period.

July, August, September, and October

By July the herds have crossed the swollen Mara River and begin moving into the Maasai Mara. Between July and October, the herds reside solely in the Maasai Mara.

November

The arrival of the East African short term rains ends the herds time in the Maasai Mara and calls the migration southward into the Serengeti.