The Great Migration is an ever-moving circular migration of millions of animals across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. The migration follows an age-old route in search of pastures and water. Over 1 million herbivores make this epic journey each year.
The Great Migration takes animals from the Serengeti plains into the Maasai Mara in Kenya; after crossing the Mara river, the herds remain in the Maasai Mara during the rainy season and then start moving south towards the Serengeti plains, ready for the calving season between January and March.
Great Migration in January – March
(Calving Season – Southern Serengeti)
Around January, the migrating herds usually move south along the eastern edge of the Serengeti National Park. The grass in this part of the Serengeti is nutritious providing the herds the best conditions to calve and raise their young ones. Approximately 400,000 calves are born within two to three weeks; about 8,000 calves per day.
Great Migration in April – May
(Central Serengeti – Mating Season )
Around April, the wildebeest herds begin a northward journey towards Central Serengeti. The wildebeest are accompanied by thousands of zebras and antelopes as they move north. Around May, the columns of wildebeest stretch for Kilometers.
May is also the beginning of wildebeest mating season; males engage in fierce battles for mates.
Great Migration in June and July
(Western Serengeti – Dry Season)
The dry season starts in June with large concentrations of wildebeest in Western Serengeti and around the Grumeti River. The wildebeest must cross the crocodile-infested Grumeti River; most wildebeest will make it; however, some will not.
In July, the wildebeest and zebra continue to head north along the western edge of the Serengeti towards the Mara River.
Great Migration in August – October
(Northern Serengeti – Mara River Crossing)
The Mara River is the last and the most formidable obstacle the herds must overcome before reaching the lush green pastures of the Maasai Mara in Kenya. The herds must cross the swollen Mara River, and brave the Nile crocodiles that wait to feast on them. The Mara is a river of contrasts; it is a source of life-giving waters and a dangerous death trap for the herds.
Great Migration in November and December
(Namiri Plains – Southward Migration)
After the short rains in late October and early November, the wildebeest move down from Kenya into the eastern parts of the Serengeti. By December, the herds spread throughout the eastern and southern edges of the Serengeti.
