--- title: "The Great Wildebeest Migration: What It Is & How To See It" description: When you are traveling in Africa, it is magical to see the great wildebeest migration. Here is when to go, where and how to track in a unique experience. image: https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hs-fs/file-2659797293-jpg/images/Tanzania/wildebeest-river-crossing.jpg --- (866) 577-2462 [travel@globalbasecamps.com](mailto:travel@globalbasecamps.com) - - - - - [![](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hs-fs/hubfs/global/logo.png?width=300&height=50&name=logo.png "logo.png")](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/) - [Home](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/) - [Custom Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/start-planning) - Africa - [Tanzania Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/tanzania-safaris) - [South Africa Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/south-africa-safaris) - [Zimbabwe Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/zimbabwe) - [Botswana Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/botswana) - [Namibia Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/namibia-safaris) - [Morocco Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/morocco) - [Kenya Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/kenya) - [Uganda Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/uganda) - [Egypt Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/egypt) - [African Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/african-safari) - Asia & Pacific - [Japan Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/japan) - [Thailand Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/thailand) - [Indonesia Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/indonesia) - [Vietnam Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/vietnam) - [Cambodia Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/cambodia) - [Myanmar Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/myanmar) - [Australia Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/australia) - [India Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/india) - [China Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/china) - [Laos Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/laos) - [New Zealand Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/new-zealand) - Latin America - [Peru Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/peru) - [Machu Picchu Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/peru-machu-picchu) - [Galapagos Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/galapagos-islands) - [Ecuador Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/ecuador) - [Brazil Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/brazil) - [Costa Rica Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/costa-rica) - [Colombia Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/colombia) - [Guatemala Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/guatemala) - [Mexico Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/mexico) - [Argentina Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/argentina) - [Patagonia Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/argentina-patagonia) - [Chile Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/chile) - [Group Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/group-tours) - [Blog](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com) - [About Us](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us) - ![Award Wining](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hubfs/images/nat-geo-cover-with-marks.png) - Who is Global Basecamps - [Our Mission and Why](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us) - [Sustainable Tourism](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/sustainable-tourism) - [Reviews](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/reviews) - [Traveler Photos](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/traveler-photos) - [Global Initiatives](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/social-responsibility) - [Community Partners](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/community-partners) - [Referral Program](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/referral-program) - [The Team](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/team) - [Awards & Recognition](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/awards) [Request Quote](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/start-planning) - [Home](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/) - [Custom Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/start-planning) - Africa - [Tanzania Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/tanzania-safaris) - [South Africa Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/south-africa-safaris) - [Zimbabwe Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/zimbabwe) - [Botswana Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/botswana) - [Namibia Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/namibia-safaris) - [Morocco Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/morocco) - [Kenya Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/kenya) - [Uganda Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/uganda) - [Egypt Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/egypt) - [African Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/african-safari) - Asia & Pacific - [Japan Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/japan) - [Thailand Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/thailand) - [Indonesia Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/indonesia) - [Vietnam Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/vietnam) - [Cambodia Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/cambodia) - [Myanmar Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/myanmar) - [Australia Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/australia) - [India Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/india) - [China Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/china) - [Laos Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/laos) - [New Zealand Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/new-zealand) - Latin America - [Peru Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/peru) - [Machu Picchu Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/peru-machu-picchu) - [Galapagos Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/galapagos-islands) - [Ecuador Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/ecuador) - [Brazil Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/brazil) - [Costa Rica Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/costa-rica) - [Colombia Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/colombia) - [Guatemala Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/guatemala) - [Mexico Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/mexico) - [Argentina Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/argentina) - [Patagonia Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/argentina-patagonia) - [Chile Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/chile) - [Group Tours](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/group-tours) - [Blog](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com) - [About Us](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us) - ![Award Wining](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hubfs/images/nat-geo-cover-with-marks.png) - Who is Global Basecamps - [Our Mission and Why](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us) - [Sustainable Tourism](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/sustainable-tourism) - [Reviews](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/reviews) - [Traveler Photos](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/traveler-photos) - [Global Initiatives](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/social-responsibility) - [Community Partners](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/community-partners) - [Referral Program](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/referral-program) - [The Team](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/team) - [Awards & Recognition](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/about-us/awards) # The Great Wildebeest Migration: What It Is & How To See It March 25, 2015 [elias](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/author/elias) Category [Africa](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/africa) ![Wildebeest & Calf](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hs-fs/file-2659797288-jpg/images/Tanzania/wildebeest-family.jpg "Wildebeest & Calf")If one were to look at a wildebeest by itself, one might not be completely impressed. They are less graceful cousins to the antelope, and kind of ugly. Maybe the best thing that can be said about the wildebeest is that it places a high value on family. So high, in fact, that the annual movement of one group of wildebeests in the Masai Mara has become one of the world’s most sought after natural spectacles. This spectacle is known as the Great Wildebeest Migration, capital G, W, M. Thousands of travelers every year come to eastern Africa simply because they want to [see the Great Migration](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/tanzania-safaris), and use companies like Global Basecamps to ensure they get the best views of its river crossings, courting, birthing and all the rest of the drama. Our Travel Specialists know exactly which safari camps can fit both your budget, and your wildlife viewing priorities. Even better, some semi-permanent camps migrate along with the wildebeests, maintaining their prime location for game viewing. ![Wildebeest River Crossing](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hs-fs/file-2659797293-jpg/images/Tanzania/wildebeest-river-crossing.jpg "Wildebeest River Crossing") ## Tracking The Migration [![Start Planning](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/392642/fa00305e-8dae-4a0a-b708-b35972bb4b37.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/392642/fa00305e-8dae-4a0a-b708-b35972bb4b37)The big catch is that by definition, it never stops moving. The Migration spans two different countries, and about 40,000 square kilometers that define the Serengeti Ecosystem. Thankfully, it’s predictable enough that one knows where the wildebeests will be during any given month. Wildebeests follow the food (mainly grass), and wherever vegetation is greenest - there you will find them. (Climate change is making this annual schedule more difficult to predict.) - **January - March:** Wildebeests are all mainly born during these months. In fact, nearly 300,000 calves are all born within a three week period. You will find them happily grazing in the most southern point of their migration, near the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands in Tanzania. More young wildebeests means more predator action. All these factors combine into this season being the most popular in Northern Tanzania, so be prepared to pay high season rates. - **April - August:** These months are just as dramatic in their own way. The rains, and vegetation, begin to move north. Moving in a clockwise fashion and starting at the six o’clock position, the Migration moves northwest into the central and western Serengeti. The action continues through these months, culminating in July, when 2 million wildebeests all cross the same crocodile infested rivers. They make their crossing into Kenya’s Masai Mara around August. - **September - December:** The Migration settles in southern Kenya’s Masai Mara after its long ordeal. The swarm of movement breaks up into smaller herds, as the wildebeests struggle to find water and food. This area is pretty much exhausted of resources by November, and as the short rains begin to the south, the Wildebeests complete their circle from the 12 o’clock position, back down into the Serengeti, to begin the process over again by the end of December. Can’t get enough Africa? Trying to decide exactly which safari destination fits your priorities? Download our free travel guide to help narrow down your choices! [![Free Safari Guide](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/392642/ff7a5b17-5437-400c-b740-26921da4f3c5.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/392642/ff7a5b17-5437-400c-b740-26921da4f3c5) Tags: [Africa](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/africa) Share this Story - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### Subscribe ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Tag - [Asia & Pacific (119)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/asia-pacific) - [Sustainable Travel (93)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/sustainable-travel) - [Africa (80)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/africa) - [Latin America (78)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/latin-america) - [Travel Tips (56)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/tips) - [Trip Planning (28)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/trip-planning) - [Country Spotlight (19)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/country-spotlight) - [Safari (13)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/safari) - [Wildlife (12)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/wildlife) - [Japan (11)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/japan) - [Southeast Asia (8)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/southeast-asia) - [Europe (7)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/europe) - [Zimbabwe (7)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/zimbabwe) - [Machu Picchu (6)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/machu-picchu) - [Peru (6)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/peru) - [South America (6)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/south-america) - [Iceland (5)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/iceland) - [Italy (5)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/italy) - [food (5)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/food) - [Cambodia (4)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/cambodia) - [Chile (4)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/chile) - [Costa Rica (4)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/costa-rica) - [Indonesia (4)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/indonesia) - [Mexico (4)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/mexico) - [Morocco (4)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/morocco) - [South Africa (4)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/south-africa) - [South Korea (4)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/south-korea) - [Tanzania (4)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/tanzania) - [UNESCO World Heritage Sites (4)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/unesco-world-heritage-sites) - [Vietnam (4)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/vietnam) - [guide spotlight (4)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/guide-spotlight) - [Argentina (3)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/argentina) - [Australia (3)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/australia) - [Botswana (3)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/botswana) - [Ecuador (3)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/ecuador) - [Galapagos Islands (3)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/galapagos-islands) - [India (3)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/india) - [New Zealand (3)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/new-zealand) - [Patagonia (3)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/patagonia) - [Photos (3)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/photos) - [Spain (3)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/spain) - [Trekking (3)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/trekking) - [sri lanka (3)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/sri-lanka) - [Bali (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/bali) - [Cartagena (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/cartagena) - [Colombia (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/colombia) - [Finland (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/finland) - [Inca Trail (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/inca-trail) - [Laos (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/laos) - [Malaysia (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/malaysia) - [Mongolia, (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/mongolia) - [Myanmar (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/myanmar) - [Namibia (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/namibia) - [North America (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/north-america) - [Norway (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/norway) - [Portugal (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/portugal) - [Pyramids (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/pyramids) - [Sustainability (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/sustainability) - [Thailand (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/thailand) - [Turkey (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/turkey) - [Video (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/video) - [guatemala (2)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/guatemala) - [Atacama (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/atacama) - [Beaches (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/beaches) - [Bogota (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/bogota) - [Brazil (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/brazil) - [COVID (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/covid) - [China (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/china) - [Climate Change (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/climate-change) - [Croatia (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/croatia) - [Cuba (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/cuba) - [Dark sky (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/dark-sky) - [Egypt (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/egypt) - [Gobi Desert (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/gobi-desert) - [Havana (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/havana) - [Helsinki (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/helsinki) - [Johannesburg (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/johannesburg) - [Kyoto (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/kyoto) - [Kyushu (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/kyushu) - [Lima (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/lima) - [Medellin (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/medellin) - [Mid-Autumn Festival (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/mid-autumn-festival) - [Reykjavik (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/reykjavik) - [Stargazing (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/stargazing) - [Sydney (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/sydney) - [Uganda (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/uganda) - [cappadocia (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/cappadocia) - [digital nomad (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/digital-nomad) - [jordan (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/jordan) - [off-season travel (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/off-season-travel) - [plastic pollution (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/plastic-pollution) - [ruins (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/ruins) - [slow travel (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/slow-travel) - [zambia (1)](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/topic/zambia) See all ![email-header-1](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hs-fs/hubfs/email-header-1.gif?width=383&name=email-header-1.gif "email-header-1") ![Global Basecamps](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hubfs/global/logo-white-2.png) Global Basecamps creates customized travel experiences – bringing together diverse destinations and cultures, unique lodging and a spirit of adventure to create personal, memorable journeys. 937 South Coast Hwy 101 Encinitas, CA 92024 (866) 577-2462 [travel@globalbasecamps.com](mailto:travel@globalbasecamps.com) #### Free Guides - [How to Hike the Inca Trail](https://info.globalbasecamps.com/travel-guides/how-to-hike-peru-inca-trail) - [Need to Know: Tokyo](https://info.globalbasecamps.com/travel-guides/need-to-know-tokyo) - [Choosing a Safari Destination](https://info.globalbasecamps.com/travel-guides/safari-destination) - [Hanoi's Secret Neighborhoods](https://info.globalbasecamps.com/travel-guides/traveling-in-hanoi) ### Sample Tours - [Adventure](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/sample-tours/type/adventure) - [Archaeological Ruins](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/sample-tours/type/archaeological-ruins) - [Beaches](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/sample-tours/type/beaches) - [Classic Highlights](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/sample-tours/type/classic-highlights) - [Community](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/sample-tours/type/community) - [Cultural](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/sample-tours/type/cultural) - [Family](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/sample-tours/type/family) - [Honeymoon](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/sample-tours/type/honeymoon) - [Luxury](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/sample-tours/type/luxury) - [Safari](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/sample-tours/type/safari) - [Temples](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/sample-tours/type/temples) - [Trekking](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/sample-tours/type/trekking) - [Wildlife](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/sample-tours/type/wildlife) #### Destinations [![Peru Tours](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hubfs/global/aerial-view-inca-ruins-machu-picchu-9.jpeg)](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/peru) [![Myanmar Tours](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hubfs/global/aerial-view-bagan-temw21w3213ple-13.jpeg)](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/myanmar) [![Uganda Tours](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hubfs/global/gorilla-wildlife-4.jpeg)](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/uganda) [![Costa Rica Tours](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hubfs/global/beach-landscape-large-sunset.jpeg)](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/costa-rica) [![Namibia Tours](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hubfs/global/elephant-wildlife-1.jpeg)](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/namibia) [![Vietnam Tours](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hubfs/global/north-vietnam-rice-field-sapa-2.jpeg)](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/vietnam) [![Colombia Tours](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hubfs/global/beach-large-tayrona-beach.jpeg)](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/colombia) [![India Tours](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hubfs/global/large-people-sadhu-varanasi.jpeg)](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/india) [![Argentina Tours](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hubfs/global/fitz-roy-mountain-landscape-large.jpeg)](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/tours/argentina) [Back To Top](https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/great-wildebeest-migration-what-it-is-how-to-see-it#top) Copyright 2015 © Global Basecamps. All rights reserved - [globalbasecamps.com](https://www.globalbasecamps.com/) - - - - - ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "elias", "url" : "https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/author/elias" }, "dateModified" : "2019-08-14T21:58:58.577Z", "datePublished" : "2015-03-25T16:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "The Great Wildebeest Migration: What It Is & How To See It", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/great-wildebeest-migration-what-it-is-how-to-see-it", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.globalbasecamps.com/hubfs/GBC-logo-email.gif" }, "name" : "Global Basecamps" } } ```