When is serengeti migration 2017

By May the Serengeti's wildebeest all seem to be moving north, migrating to seek fresh grazing and water. The area around Moru Kopjes and west of Seronera is then hectic with a series of moving columns, often containing hundreds of thousands of animals — joined by many zebra, and a scattering of Thomson's and Grant's gazelles.

Some of the migration then head due north of Seronera, but most are usually further west. Around June the wildebeest migration is often halted on the south side of the Grumeti River, which has some channels which block or slow their migration north. The wildebeest then congregate there, in the Western Corridor, often building up to a high density before crossing the river.

The river here is normally a series of pools and channels, but it's not continuous — and so whilst they always represent an annual feast for the Grumeti River's large crocodiles, these aren't usually quite as spectacular as the crossings of the Mara River, further north. The wildebeest migration continues moving northwards during July and August , often spreading out across a broad front: some heading through Grumeti Reserve and Ikorongo, others north through the heart of the Serengeti National Park.

September sees the herds spread out across the northern Serengeti, where the Mara River provides the migration with its most serious obstacle. Watching the frantic herds of the wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River can be very spectacular; there are often scenes of great panic and confusion. It's common to see herds cross the Mara River north on one day, and then back south a few days later. By October the wildebeest herds are migrating again with more accord: all are heading south, through western Loliondo and the Serengeti National Park's Lobo area, returning to the green shoots which follow the rains on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti in November.

Then the whole Serengeti Wildebeest migration starts again …. Great wildebeest migration: a video tutorial We've made this video, with moving maps and real footage, to help you to understand the great wildebeest migration. Our top picks for holidays to Tanzania We'll always tailor-make your Safari for you. Need inspiration? Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you Inspire me.

Close Login to Expert Africa Your email address. Sign in with password Password. Remember me. Forgot your details? Forgotten your details? Your email address. Back to login. Talk to our team. Show all results. If it is very dry year, the herds usually head North towards the Mara River at this time. It is recommended that you split your time between 2 camps in this month to maximise your chances of spotting the migration.

By mid to end July, the migration usually arrives in Northern Serengeti near Kogatende and may or may not cross the Mara River and international border into Kenya.

This again is completely dependent on weather patterns. If it is a dry year, they most likely will head towards the Mara River by early July. This is the time period of the dramatic Mara River crossings as herds cross back and forth the treacherous croc-infested Mara River. August and September are usually the best months to spot the migration from the Kenya side of the border. The plains of the Masai Mara are dotted with wildebeest. For those patient enough, the chances of catching a dramatic river crossing are also quite high.

The Masai Mara usually gets very crowded during this time period, so its good to divide your time between the main reserve for the migration and a conservancy experience for more intimate wildlife viewing. This is also one of the best times to visit Northern Serengeti. It is usually less crowded here than the Masai Mara, but substantially more expensive. Remember, the Serengeti and Masai Mara are a continuation of the same eco-system, simply divided by an international border.

By early to mid-October, the herds usually head back to the Serengeti from the Masai Mara. Very often we find that if it rains on either side of the border, the herds may cross to and fro, depending on where they find new grass. If you were to hedge your bets, it would make more sense to plan a trip to Tanzania during this month.

November is the month of short rains in East Africa. With the rains comes new grass and the herds begin to move South. Again, it is very hard to predict where the herds will be during this month; they can be as far South as Ndutu or they can remain North.

Often, the herds split and take different routes. Central Serengeti is probably your best bet to catch the herds. You could also consider splitting your time between 2 locations to maximise your chances of viewing the herds. By December the herds are usually around Central Serengeti, heading South and East towards Ndutu and the Ngorongoro Conservation to settle in before the calving season begins.

There is plenty of fresh grass here for the next few months, especially for their hungry young calves. Herds spotted in Western Serengeti, some crossing into the Grumeti Reserves. Some rain in the region has also made it quite wet.

Some wildebeest have begun the long trek south for the calving season, stopping in Central Serengeti for a while. What an unusual year its been! Huge herds and river crossings continue in the Masai Mara, especially in the Mara Triangle, so late in the year! On the Tanzania side of the border, we are still seeing plenty of action as the herds cross over in an effort to reach greener pastures of Southern Serengeti.

October 26, Loots of back and forth this year across the Mara river. Some herds returned early to the Serengeti, while a portion to the Mara. Lots of crossing action till late October this year! October 3, The herds have made a surprisingly quick return to the Serengeti.

Huge crossings have been spotted crossing the Mara River in Northern Serengeti — made even more dramatic by high water levels. A smaller crossings were seen on October 3 on the Masai Mara side. We had quite an eventful week last week, with numerous crossings reported on both the Serengeti and Masai Mara side of the Mara River.

One day later, Asilia Africa guide, Onesmus Irungu told us that the herds have also crossed at the Cul de Sac crossing point.

A lot of action still remains for the rest of the month! August The migration can be heart breaking as well, as the video below shows. A wildebeest fighting for survival against a powerful crocodile.

More herds are coming through the San driver direction. After some rain in the Serengeti, some of the herds that crossed the Mara River northwards are now moving south again.

August 3: The first large crossing of approximately wildies and zebras crossed into the Mara Triangle at Lookout Point.

Expecting more action here! August 1: Asilia Africa reports that the herds are migrating in the Northern Serengeti at Kogatende and Nyamalumbwa plains, and heading towards the Mara River. A large number have crossed the Mara River to Lamai Wedge — in search of green pastures and water. This is going to be a completely wild August! Check out these amazing videos of the herds crossing the Mara River. July 12, As predicted several months ago, the migration has still not reached the Masai Mara, delayed by rains in the Serengeti.

While the large herds are inching closer, it does seem that the migration in the Mara will only begin in full swing in August and will probably last till mid-October. Bushtops Camp head ranger Daniel Lomoe shares a warning of what lies ahead:. The river is running in rapid torrents, making the perilous crossing more dangerous than ever. Any massed grouping of wildebeest is thrilling to see, but the prospect of thousands of tonnes of energized herbivores making a desperate surge through the currents and crocodiles promises to make the greatest show on earth doubly spectacular.

June The herds seem to have been divided into 2 large groups: one group of thousands and thousands of wildebeest are heading towards the Western Corridor, while another large grouping is still roaming the plains of Central Serengeti. May 30, Heavy rains across the Serengeti! Lots of wildebeest action spotted in Western Serengeti. Huge herds reported to be returning to the Ndutu area too! Our guests currently at Namiri Plains have reported witnessing an impressive number of wildebeest.

A part of the migration seems to have moved East towards Namiri. Several vehicles have made their way this side from Central Serengeti. They can be seen moving north, migrating to seek fresh grazing and water. Hundreds of zebra are heading towards the Seronera area. Due to the heavy rains falling in the Serengeti plains, the herds have been enjoying the thriving grasses on the Namiri Plains.

April 5: The Loita migration is underway in the Masai Mara with plenty of babies being spotted too! In Tanzania, the large herds were spotted crossing Lake Ndutu. What a lovely photograph by Kalle Viira. Thousands of the wildebeest and zebra are migrating in the south Serengeti and the Ndutu area!

And yes, it is baby season with plenty of calves finding their feet! The Loita migration are dropping their newly-born calves in the Naboisho Conservancy and the Loita Plains. The migration calving season has begun and there are quite a number of wobbly wildebeest calves in the Serengeti Hidden Valley and the Ndutu area.

Big herds have been spotted in the Kusini area. Nomad Tanzania have reported large herds moving South. The migration was spotted near Sanctuary Kusini Camp. Meanwhile, the Loita herds were spotted migrating with Naboisho Conservancy of the Mara. Calving season is going to begin very soon! March By the looks of it, we think the migration may be late in crossing the Mara river into Kenya. There were heavy rains across East Africa from March to May, meaning plenty of food for the wildies in the Serengeti.

In June, we saw large herds dispersed across the Serengeti — from the Western Corridor expected to Eastern Serengeti near Namiri Plains — very unexpected.

Large herds are also near Seronera Central Serengeti. We will probably see the migration enter Kenya only mid to late July when the food in the Serengeti is exhausted. The migration seems rather scattered at the moment, but the large herds seem to be heading to the far south of the Serengeti. Herds spotted around Kimondo Camp. Earlier this month, the herds reached Ubuntu Camp and were seen near Namiri Plains. September Did you know that the Masai Mara and its conservancies have some of the highest big cat densities in the world?

This means its great to visit throughout the year! Courtesy Fulgence Kenedy and HerdTracker. September 5: Usually, September is a month of enthralling action in the Mara, the plains dotted with wildebeest and zebra till early October.

But this year has been rather different. The migration came early and it seems that the migration has departed early too! Our guests have reported back that the Mara plains have been rather empty, with large herds having already returned to the Serengeti. Seems that those planning to visit the Mara later this month will have to make do with its superb resident wildlife. The Tanzania side, especially near Sayari Camp, is buzzing with action at this time of the year.

August 14, Migration is heading towards the Mara Triangle! Stunning images taken by Rekero guide Timothy Leperes Laur.

By the way, Rekero Camp has a wonderful last-minute offer. Contact us for more details! August 07, Our guests in Northern Serengeti have reported huge herds and large crossings near Kogatende! More coming up soon. July All the action as promised! Reports that the migration has entered the Mara Triangle as well in Kenya!

July There has been a lot of action in the Northern Serengeti recently. The wildebeest were spotted in the north near Lamala, take a look at these amazing images captured by Resident HerdTracker Guide — Simon Kiwale. All signs of an early migration this year are true. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Science News. Story Source: Materials provided by Yale University. Journal Reference : Amanda L. Subalusky, Christopher L. Dutton, Emma J. Rosi, and David M. Annual mass drownings of the Serengeti wildebeest migration influence nutrient cycling and storage in the Mara River. ScienceDaily, 19 June