5 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration
The Great Serengeti wildebeest Migration Tanzania Safari often referred to as “The Greatest Live Show on Earth” is one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events.
It is the annual pattern of movement of vast numbers of the Serengeti’s wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebras. The sight is simply breathtaking.The reason behind the migration is seeking fresh grazing and in search of rain. The specific time of the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is utterly dependent upon the rain patterns each year.Here we explain how the migration cycle works.
- During the late November and December- the herds of the wildebeest arrive on the short-grass plains of the Serengeti. The regions are the south and east of Seronera, around Ndutu and the north of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- During January, February and March- They stay here with most wildebeest calves born around February. Gradually they move west across the plains
- April- Start moving towards the north.
- And during May- wildebeest all seem to be moving north, migrating to seek fresh grazing and water.
- During June- the wildebeest migration is often halted on the south side of the Grumeti River representing an annual feast for the Grumeti River’s large crocodiles,
- During July and August- Continues moving north, some heading through Grumeti
- Reserve and Ikorongo, others north through the heart of the Serengeti National Park.
- During September- The herds spread out across the northern Serengeti, where the Mara River provides the migration with its most serious obstacle.
- During October -The wildebeest herds are migrating again with more accord: all head south, through western Loliondo and the Serengeti National Park’s Lobo area, returning to the green land, which follows the rains on the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti in November.
Then the complete cycle of Serengeti Wildebeest migration starts again …
5 Day Serengeti wildebeest Migration
Detailed itinerary
Tour DetailsOur 5-day Serengeti wildebeest Migration Safari Western from Mwanza start from May to June, is one of the best itineraries designed specifically to focus on and to increase your chance to see the great Serengeti wildebeest migration on the Western side. Safaris drive through the western corridor of the Serengeti, which is a remarkable experience.In June the majority of the migration can then be found in the Western Corridor.
The Western Corridor is a narrow stretch of land that stretches from the west of Seronera to the Western Serengeti National Park border. The Western corridor is one of the areas where the migrating animals are forced to cross the Grumeti River. This normally happens when the animals leave the southern plains and begin heading north.
Please note witnessing a crossing is a matter of luck. Please note that it is difficult to predict the exact timing and location of the migration at any time, as this can vary considerably from year to year, depending on factors such as rainfall, water availability, food abundance, predators and the phosphorus content in the grasses.
Day 1 – from Mwanza – Serengeti Western
Drive on a tarmac road from Mwanza to Ndabaka gate.Explore the Western corridor zone, observing masses of residents in their natural Habitats.Get chance to pass at Grumeti River and Retima Hippo pool where Hippos and giant Nile crocodiles can be found in abundance, We arrive in time for lunch at the lodge and after lunch will we enjoy an afternoon game drive in the area. The wildebeest migration can normally be found in the Western Corridor area in June, depending on rainfall patterns.Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Day 2 – Western Serengeti
After breakfast enjoy a full day game drive in the Western Corridor. The key feature in the Western Corridor is the Grumeti and Mbalageti rivers, running almost parallel to each other, each support a band of evergreen forest. The rivers sustain a permanent game population of zebra, wildebeest, all the predators and birdlife. It is also possible to find large pods of hippo’s and huge crocodiles in the Grumeti River. The wildebeest normally gather around waterholes midmorning in such densities, that they look like ants swarming around a nest.Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Day 3 – Western Serengeti – Central Serengeti
After breakfast at the lodge, we depart to Seronera area where these animals can be seen as you search for them, Leopard, Prides of Lion, Packs of Spotted Hyenas, the fleetest Cheetahs, and many plain animals like Buffaloes, Topi, Hartebeest, Wildebeest, Waterbucks, Elands, zebras, Gazelles, warthogs, just to name a few, and numerous number of Birds, more than 100 species can be observed in a day. Evening continues to the Lodge Accomodation for dinner and a good night.
Day 4 – Game drive through Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater
Enjoy an early morning game drive in the Serengeti followed by picnic lunch on the way to Ngorongoro Crater.Proceed to Ngorongoro crater for a game drive, which is the 8th natural wonder of the world and the unique, world famous caldera with the most abundant wildlife. We will descend into the Ngorongoro crater floor.From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, descending down the crater, you will enjoy amazing panoramic view and if you are lucky, you will see the Big five.The caldera is exhibiting more than 120 species of mammals. We will also visit saline lakes such as lake Magadi, which is a magnet for flamingos and other water birds.We will see pools full of hippos, the endangered East Africa’s last black rhinos including birds such as secretary bird, white stork arriving from Europe during the wet season, kori bustards, crowned cranes and ostriches. It is for sure a landscape of sheer beauty. Another big draw card to this picturesque park is its dense population of predators, which include lions,
hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-elusive leopard, which sometimes requires a trained eye to spot.After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch in the park.Evening ascend and drive to the place of your accommodation for your time for rest and a night stop for dinner and Overnight stay at the Lodge.
Day 5 Tarangire / Arusha
After breakfast you leave for Tarangire National park. This is the third largest park in Tanzania and it is characterized by the amazingly large herds of elephants that can be encountered in this park. The Baobab trees are one of the other highlights of Tarangire and the Tarangire River that flows all year round is the lifeblood of the park. Many animals; predators and the preys alike gather around the river where you can do excellent game viewing.Later drive to Arusha.
Inclusives
- Lodge safari according to the itinerary
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Overnight accommodation according to the itinerary
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Mineral water
- All mentioned activities
- All national park fees
- Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the safari
Exclusives
- Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc
- Travel insurance