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The Migration.................................................................................................................
The Wildebeest Migration is a dramatic story. It takes place within Kenya and Tanzania and is the greatest wildlife show on earth. Between the open plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, thousands of wildebeest and zebras migrate to greener pastures as the seasons change and the circle of life and death continues. Predators follow the Wildebeest Migration closely, waiting for an opportunity to strike weak prey as they make their way into different territories.
The precise timing of the Wildebeest Migration changes annually and it is a very unpredictable and spontaneous natural event. The calving season takes place in the Serengeti between the months of January and mid-March before the Wildebeest Migration begins heading towards the western Serengeti in June. The best time to see the migration is usually between June and August when the wildebeest congregate and prepare to cross the famous Grumeti River. There are a few excellent camps in this area where you can stay to witness this natural phenomenon. If you are in the Masai Mara you can expect the wildebeest to make their arrival as early as July, but they generally arrive between August and September and remain in the Mara between October and November. Between December and January the wildebeest gradually begin their migration back towards the Serengeti.
We believe that going on safari to view & witness the Wildebeeste migration is one of the ultimate safari experiences that Africa has to offer.
Important Migration months
November
Once the southern Serengeti's short November rains have fallen, thousands of large mammals travel fast, heads down and hooves stomping, to the Serengeti's southern plains and the Ngorongoro Highlands.
December through March
The southern section of the Serengeti is where all the action plays out during this time. This is when the game animals give birth to their young and start preparing for the northern trek. Over 8 000 calves are born per day in the calving season; yet less than half will live to see their five-month birthday. Predators like the Serengeti lions and cheetah pick and choose from the thousands of potential victims.
April
The adults and surviving young shift their attention to the central areas of the park, moving towards the Serengeti's western corridor. This funnel-shaped piece of land runs from the Central Serengeti in a western direction to the park boundary near Lake Victoria's shore.
June
Arriving at the corridor around June, the millions of grazers are forced to cross the Grumeti River. There is usually an unpredictable waiting period of one to two weeks as the animals prepare for the life-threatening crossing.
Ironically, it is usually the first animals that attempt to cross that are taken by the Grumeti crocodiles. The resident crocodiles feast as the long train of wildlife tries to cross unscathed.
July
From here attention shifts north as the migration enters the private Grumeti Reserve, with a small portion splitting off and heading northeast, to the Lobo area.
August
The best time to see the migration is usually in this June to
August period. In August the migration reaches the far northern
area (ikorongo game reserve). There are a few
excellent camps in this area from which you can witness this
natural phenomenon.
September to December
September is another jump season as animals cross the Sand River
and head into the Masai Mara. They will stay in the Masai
Mara where water is always available, until the November
rains in the south Serengeti beckon once again and the cycle
begins anew in December.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Please note this is a general description of the migration
cycle. Due to the spontaneous and unpredictable timing of the
migration we cannot be held liable for any misrepresentation
of the current situation in East Africa. Please consult with
your Chariot Safaris representative for up to date reports when
planning your safari.
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