Tanzania Wildebeest Migration

The wildebeest migration, nicknamed “the greatest performance on earth,” involves huge herds of about two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traveling thousands of kilometers in a largely circular route from the southern Serengeti, north into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, and back again.

The herds go through the entire life cycle, from mating to calving to death – frequently in the jaws of their many predators, the crocodiles and large cats, who are themselves maintained by Mother Nature’s magnificent, if harsh, cycle.

This never-ending voyage involves herds separating and reuniting, retracing their steps before continuing on, and other variants that might make the whole affair appear more chaotic than it is. And, while the herds typically follow the rains, it’s not an exact science as to when they’ll arrive at each location — timing and routes vary from year to year.

Staying in a mobility camp increases your chances of seeing the herds because these facilities move each season to follow the migratory pattern. If you have the time, try to stay at two or three camps in various parts of the Serengeti or the Mara, depending on when you visit.

The stunning river crossings are the most sought-after sights, but planning your entire vacation around them is perilous since the crossings are so unpredictable, and it’s far from assured that you’ll be in the right location at the right time. Consider seeing a river crossing as a bonus rather than the primary purpose for your trip.