The Great Wildebeest Migration
The migration is driven by survival. These animals move with the rains, always looking for fresh grass and water. It's not a neat or predictable event. It's a year-round, continuous movement. The herds shift with the seasons, following a pattern that’s been happening for thousands of years.
By April and May, the rains slow down. The herds begin to move northwest toward the Grumeti region. The pace picks up. The plains start to dry. The animals travel long distances in search of better conditions. Many don’t survive the journey. The weak fall behind or are taken by predators.
June and July mark the approach to the Grumeti River. This is the build-up phase. The herds bunch together in large groups. The river is dangerous. Crocodiles wait in the muddy waters. Some animals cross. Some hesitate. Timing matters, but nature does not follow a calendar.
In August through October, the animals reach the Mara River in northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara. This is the dramatic part of the migration that most people hope to see. The river crossings are chaotic. The banks are steep. The currents are strong. Crocodiles are active. Thousands of animals may cross in a single afternoon. Many will drown or be eaten. But the herds keep moving forward.
By November, the movement shifts again. The animals turn south. New rains begin to fall in the southern Serengeti. Grass starts to grow again. The herds return to where they started. The cycle continues without pause.
If you want to see the Great Wildebeest Migration, you need to understand its timing and complexity. It's not a one-day event. Each part of the year offers something different. Calving season shows you birth and hunting. The Grumeti region is quieter but still active. The Mara River crossings are dramatic but harder to predict.
We offer both private safaris and small group trips. Our guides know the terrain and the wildlife. We avoid crowds and get you into the right spots at the right time. If you want to photograph a river crossing or see newborn calves on the plains, we’ll help you do it without guessing.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is wild and raw. It's not polished. It’s Africa in motion. To see it properly, you need honest advice and a flexible plan. That’s what we offer.
Ready to plan your migration safari? Talk to Grayton Expeditions now. We’ll help you time it right and make every day count.
