Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti 2012

Understanding the Great Migration Phenomena

The annual migration of herbivores within the Serengeti ecosystem of which Masai Mara is a part is an interesting event to study and understand. Indeed, this phenomena is one of the top safari highlights in Africa especially Kenya and Tanzania. We would kindly request that you let Depth of Africa Safaris Ltd be your preferred operator / guide to planning and undertaking a migration safari to Kenya and Tanzania.

The study of the migratory paths and cycles gives advantage in knowledge of the best times to visit these destinations for that purpose, and more so the vantage places most suitable for an unforgetable African Safari. Notably, the wildebeest migrate in a clockwise direction from the Serengeti in the South to the Masai Mara in the north and then back again. The cycle is repeated every year and the exact timing is dictated by the rain or as more recent research attempts to prove, by instinct. When the water and grazing disappear in one area due to a seasonal drought the wildebeest need move along to where the seasonal rains are falling to survive by finding new grazing and water.

Though the great migration for some of the Maasai in neighbouring settlements is a great season for those relatively inclined, the rest of the them are spiteful of this most-loved event, because they view these beasts as competitors to their grazing cattle, as transmitters of diseases from far and wide and also regarded to poison rivers with their foetal sacs. The presence of thriving conservancies in some selected regions of the Serengeti ecosystem is most welcome initiative toward harmony between these interesting beasts, man and his domestic herds

Wildeebest and zebras are lovers of short grass. They remain in a region so long as these are readily available in definite regions. The way is phenomena talks place crowns it as an unpredictable natural event, largely governed by natures' climatic conditions and the very instincts soulish to these beings. They obviously are wired to these happenings and this makes the great migration one of the seven wonders of the world.

The greatest events according to most observers are the great crossings of conquerable barriers on their path, the Grumeti river in Western Serengeti and the Mara River in Masai Mara National Park. However, discerning travellers, reckon these times to be busy and the vantage accommodation places flooded and at their season's highest rates. They consider it more exciting to undertake a balloon safari to witness the vertiginous immensity of the event's numbers,  so awesome to the eye and the camera. Migrants include 1,300,000 Wildebeests, 360,000 Thompson's Gazelles, 191,000 Zebras, and 12,000 Elands.

It is during these river crossings that happen June-July period that signs up the demise of a quarter million wildebeest to predators and especially the 5-6m long Nile crocodiles. Travelling at 22 miles per hour on water, the swift dark bronze daunting creatures grab and mercilessly sink the poor wildebeest and their young alarmingly. Weak ones too are swept away by strong currents and the trampling by others. But even before they have reached the Mara River, many young have died of exhaustion and thirst, but the real danger for those who survives still lies ahead. Stampede, buffetting and chaos, the calf is most likely to be separated from its mother, crossing and re-crossing 2-3 times in frantic search. Weary and in confusion, its the height of danger for young one.

What would be better than witnessing a successful hunt by accompanying or welcoming predators like the cheetah, lion, leopard, the grinning hyenas or wild dogs? Or  catching on film, the birth of a gnu, who within minutes of introduction to a precarious destiny, is as fast as its mother, and ready for the first and enduring lessons of survival, becoming obedient to the mothers language and highly sensitive to its her unique scent amid millions of other similar mums?

In this article, we attempt a month by month explanation of likely events. It is important to note that this are mere indications and predictions. The earlier the rains and the more abundant and sweeter the grass, the more the animals linger. They are known to leave Serengeti as late as they can (normally April) and arrive as early as December.  Calving starts as early as possible to allow young ones to take advantage of abudant fresh grass and water.

Month by Month Holiday Planner on Serengeti (Tanzania) Migration 2011-2012

Serengeti's Regions
To understand the Annual Wildebeest Migration path, it is critical to understand the virtual sections dividing this natural phenomena into distinct migration viewing areas. This will help prospective visitors to easily plan a Serengeti (Tanzania) 2011 safari almost on their own. Enquiries further made are intelligent and objective. The result is an exciting, memorable, and thrifty safari to Africa
Serengeti North
Lies to the North East side of Serengeti and encompasses the protected forest reserve area of Liliondo. It borders the Ngorongoro highlands to the south, Serengeti National Park to the west, and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya to the north. The Loliondo Game Controlled Area (LCGA) encompasses an estimated 4,000 sq km. There is no physical barrier separating the LGCA from other protected areas. It is a continuous ecosystem

Migration animals as mentioned earlier are never stationary, and are normally dispersed over a wide area. The do not also move as a single mammoth group. Migration animals are around this area and in Serengeti close to the Kenyan border almost stretching 100km to Seronera area. Camps in Loliondo are greatly advantaged because the limits and the rules of Serengeti game searches do not apply, for example night game drives.

Suitable season for watching the great migration in Loliondo and Serengeti North is OCT-NOV-DEC.

Camps or Lodges in North & North East Serengeti: Lobo Wildlife Lodge, Migration Camp
Camps in Loliondo: Kleins Camp,Nduara Loliondo Camp, Suyan Camp, Nomad Olosokwan Camp, Soit Sambu Camp
Public Campsites: Lobo Campsite

Serengeti Central, Seronera Region & Southern Pains
This is the heart of the park. The main gate is found in this area and its centrality makes it the busiest section of Serengeti. Those wishing quieter, non-congested areas generally avoid this area, seeking harmony with the wilderness and gaining authentic Africa safari experience. This happens at cost, because the more secluded camps are luxurious tented camps, small and quite costly. Indeed, they are most suitable for fly-ins and extended stays.

All the same, the importance of the Seronera area makes it a useful base for accessing all regions especially the migration in the southern plains and the western corridor. There is plenty of short grass here, quite scenic, with more key predators (leopards, cheetah and lions).

Suitable Season: DEC-JAN-FEB-MAR. This is the highlight calving season for the migration animals. It is important to note that the spread of these animals goes down to southern plains below Ngorongoro. Plenty of sweet grass, little cover (open plains) and significant activity of perpetual enemies preying on the young.

Adjoining Serengeti central region, the migration animals are spread over large tracts of open grasslands. In the DEC-JAN-FEB-MAR season, the animals have inhabited the Seronera area (Central), South Central areas of Serengeti and South East plains toward Gol Mountains. The key activity is calving where nearly 90% of wildebeest give birth. Interestingly, the The calving grounds of the eastern Serengeti happen to be outside the hunting territories of most of the predators, such as hyena, cheetah, hunting dogs and lions although some losses to these predators can occur. In addition, the territorial bulls keep bachelor herds from the calving grounds and cows usually give birth before midday (rarely afterward) making it one the most natural wonders of the world. The 'community' is therefore very structured at this time and 'nursery' herds are well separated. The calf will return for suckling having recognized her mother's scent. Those that fail in this are doomed to starvation and predation.

Camps and Lodges in Seronera: Serengeti Sopa, Serengeti Wildlife Lodge, Faru Faru Lodge, Kempiski Bilila Lodge, mobile camp of Serengeti Under Canvas, Dunia Camp, Ronjo Camp, Mbuzi Mawe Camp, Ikoma Camp among others.
Camps and lodges in South Central: Olduvai Camp, Kiloki Bivouac
Camps and Lodges in South East: Gol Mountains Bivouac, Okerian Camp, Sanjan Camp & Nomad Piaya Camp
Public Campsites: Seronera - Seronera, Dik Dik, Pimbi, Nuani, Tumbili, Nyani; others in the southern plains are campsites at Naabi Hill Gate, Moru Kopjes, Lake Lagaja, Ndutu


Serengeti South West & the Western Corridor
In April the movement has began covering the South Western areas of Serengeti (southern tip on map - Kusini-Ndutu areas) and the Western Corridor (The arm of the Serengeti which stretches out towards the shores of Lake Victoria is known as the Western Corridor). Some herds are browsing way ahead, others lagging behind, but the main rainy season in Serengeti has began. The vegetation is now interspersed between open short grass plains and woodlands.

The season highlight is APR-MAY-JUN is the crossing of the first river obstacle- The Grumeti River Crossing!  Currently, the Kenyan side of Mara is experiencing drought and animals tend to leave earlier creating instinctive strain on the migrating groups probably causing a push effect.

It has also been noted that there is a high mortality rate among the young not just by the claws of predators, but also due to fatigue and other strains. Scores of griffon vultures now follow the herds equally clapping as the number of carcasses continue to rise. Bordering Serengeti on the West is the Grumeti Game Reserve. Migration animals will be spread over Ikolongo Controlled Area sandwitched between Serengeti and Grumeti Game Reserve. Migration animals will be spread to the reserve area too.

Camps in SW: Ndutu Lodge, Olaado Camp, Maswa Camp, Lemala Ndutu, Kusini Lodge, Olakira Ndutu, among others
Camp in the Western Corridor: Speke Bay Lodge (on Lake Victoria 15kms from Serengeti's Ndabaga gate), Grumeti River Camp, Mbalageti Lodge, Kirawira Camp, Kesington Serengeti among others
Public Campsites: Kirawira Campsites - Kirawira 1 & 2, Kirawira A & B, Kirawira Hill, Ndabaka, Private Campsites are:- Mbalageti, Grumeti, Nyasirori, Musabi Plains, Mareu, Belabela, Simiti, and Hembe

Serengeti North West & Mara
After crossing the Grumeti River in the May-June period, the migration herds approach North & North West Serengeti, some through Grumeti Forest Reserve and others on the western corridor of Serengeti to the Kenyan border, and eventually into Masai Mara. This is the wildebeest rutting season.

The crossing into West Masai Mara game reserve in July-August period is into the Mara Triangle. However, it is very interesting to note that until recently it was conventionally propounded that in July-Oct season the migration is purely in Masai Mara and not in the Serengeti. In actual fact there is almost as much of the Mara river on the Serengeti side as there is the Masai Mara and the migration tends not to completely cross, but rather straddles this border. In the same way, when the migration is headed into Serengeti later on from South East Mara, there are still many groups that straddle the regions of North East Serengeti and Loliondo.

The highlight of the migration extend from the May-June Grumeti crossing to July-August Mara River crossing. This is the authentic migration crossing season in the shared ecosystem of Serengeti and Masai Mara. Predators too are in attendance and the dramas persist.

Camps & Lodges: Although the ideal camps and lodges might be those in the middle of the migration, the discerning traveler tends to stay away from the overbooked places. Camp Corto (Mara) - semi-permanent, Sayari Mara, Lemala Mara Camp, Serian Serengeti North Camp, Serengeti Bushtops (new) among others.

Important Note on the Migration Animals movement
When the animals are poised to complete the cycle and return to Masai Mara from Serengeti during the MAY-JUN-JULY period, the dispersal is great because some herds head westwards to the Kirawira - Grumeti area and approach the Mara from that direction while other herds simply head due north (Lobo, Bologonja). These herds do not have a Grumeti river crossing, but will be joined with those who survive while browsing by region close to Mara River.

Summary: The Wildebeest Migration Path & Seasons

Although there are permanent lodges along the migration path, Serengeti Mobile Safari Camps are generally ideal because they are temporarily set up at migration highlight regions. However the June-July camp on the Western Corridor is predictably advantageous on the Kenya migration side including the Northern Serengeti Seasonal / Mobile Camp (August-November) when migration animals are generally on the Kenya side. Best Camps in Tanzania Moru Kopjes Seasonal or Mobile Camp in South Western Serengeti & Ndutu Seasonal or Molie Camp in Southern Serengeti

December - Serengeti (South East) and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (East & South Eastern Serengeti). Highlight - Seronera River

January - February: Serengeti Plains . Highlight - Ndutu and Seronera regions

February - March: Serengeti (Central) - Ndutu, Seronera or Kusini regions

March - April: Serengeti (Centrally approaching Western Corridor) - Low Season, Heavy Rains, Muddy

April - May: Serengeti (Western Corridor) - Low Season, Heavy Rains, Muddy

May - June: Serengeti (Grumeti River) - Authentic Serengeti Migration Best Time, Grumeti River Crossing

June - July: Serengeti (Grumeti Game Reserve, approaching Masai Mara to the North

Best Hotels, Lodges & Mobile Camps to View the Wildebeest Migration Animals in Serengeti, Tanzania for 2012

December - 2011

Facing the facts and the myths, the migration does not move as one mass-phobic unit, not especially at this month of December. Indeed, they back-track and move in different groupings. Mostly they will move back and forth to graze where the grass is best. They can be as far east as Ngorongoro Conservation Area all the way to Seronera or Moru Kopje. There is no major stampede or river crossings at this time, but the predators are very active preying on the young foals as they lazily grass on the southern part of Serengeti.

The migration is settled in the short grass lands on the southern plains later moving into the Ngorongoro Crater region. The Seronera river in Central Serengeti has permanent water and the migration will move south if it rains. The Seronera Valley is an important transition zone between the southern plains and northern woodlands and provides a rich diversity of habitats, crisscrossed by rivers. During this period the zebras are foaling.

The Seronera or Ndutu areas are the best areas to be based for the migration during this month.

Best Camps: Seronera Wildlife Lodge, Ndutu Safari Lodge, Serengeti Mobile Camps, Kusini Lodge

January 2012

The migration is in the Serengeti Plains feasting on the short grass. Zebras. The migration is moving slowly into Ngorongoro Crater whilst grazing.

The best place to be based is in Ndutu or Seronera areas. Consider the most picturesque of the those named above.

February 2012

The wildebeest and zebra are distributed over a wide area moving slowing and grazing. The migration is in the short grass plains of Ndutu. The heavy rains are approaching from the north and the short grass plains are starting to take strain.

The best place to be based is in Seronera, Ndutu or Kusini. The locations are all within easy reach of the wide area covered by 2 million wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, elands and predators. The large numbers of wildebeest have foaled.

The best place to be based is in Ndutu or Seronera areas.

March 2012

Heavy rains have set in. Short grass is disappearing and plains begin to strain. The migration is slowly moving towards the central Serengeti woodlands and on towards the western corridor. The wild flowers come out in full bloom.

The movement of vehicles is very restricted due to the heavy rains and muddy conditions. The best place to be based is in Ndutu or Seronera, but this time of year will only appeal to the ardent safari lover. On a positive side, there are very few people around and the season's rates are at the bottom.

Best Camps: Ndutu Safari Lodge, Kusini Lodge

April 2012

The migration path moves west towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti. The long grass plains and woodlands provide food.

The best place to be based is in Kusini or Seronera. The rains and muddy conditions mean that tracking the migration can be hard.

Best Camps: Kusini Lodge

May 2012

The rains are ending and the dry season is approaching. This is one of the best times to be in the Serengeti as the migration is crossing the Grumeti River into the Grumeti Game Reserve. The Grumeti crocodiles lie in wait to enjoy their annual feast.
This is one of the highlights of the annual migration and the time most people consider to be the real migration. The best place to be based is along the Grumeti River. Alternatively, Seronera is central enough to allow one to drive to the wildebeest. The private camps in the Grumeti Reserve can also be an option.

Best Camps: Grumeti River Camp, Serengeti Mobile Camps, Tanzania Under Canvas, Faru Faru River Lodge

June 2012

The dry season has set in and the wildebeest and zebra move north east through the Grumeti Game Reserve towards the Ikorongo Game Controlled Area with a smaller number moving towards the Lobo area. The main objective is to find greener pastures as the Serengeti is getting drier.

The best place to be based is in the Grumeti Reserve or mobile safari camps that are located along the western corridor of the Serengeti.

Best Camps: Grumeti River Camp, Serengeti Mobile Camps, Tanzania Under Canvas, Faru Faru River Lodge

July 2012

Herds expected to cross over into the Mara Triangle in Masai Mara, Kenya

Itineraries & Prices

Disclaimer: All itineraries & pricing subject to final confirmation. Simple reason: - timing and the position of the migration herds, lodge or mobile camp availability and booking,  or choice of an exclusive private or public camping migration safari. In other words, the major determinant is the choice of budget accommodation or public camping, private camping, lodge accommodation, mobile migration camps, or the more luxurious permanent or semi-permanent tented lodges / camps.

Mobile camps accommodate few travellers. It is critical to make very early booking.

7 -8 Days Ultimate Serengeti Migration Safari - (April, May & June 2012)

This is an exclusive ultimate Serengeti Migration Safari. After your are picked from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you are booked on BB basis in an Arusha hotel. The journey to Serengeti begins the following morning.

However, a road drive to Serengeti from Arusha is a gruelling 8 hours and quite unreasonable. There are two options - A fly-in to Serenora Airstrip on private charter (duly arranged and booked for you) or an extra day stop-over with game viewing at Lake Manyara National Park, then depart early morning with picnic lunch enroute to Serengeti.

Depending on the season either Feb, June or Nov with adjoining months, our travel consultant will organize the migration safari route carefully choosing and proposing to book required accommodation. You have no doubt that this will be properly arranged and your migration safari itinerary drawn. Early booking is required for migration safaris 2012. The itinerary below is for April -May- June period of 2012.

Day 1: Arusha , Lake Manyara

Pick up from your hotel in Arusha and head on a 2.5 hrs road journey to Lake Manyara National Park – famous for the tree-climbing lions, amazing birdlife, hippos, elephants and flamingos. Stop over at Ol-duvai Gorge.

A direct drive to Serengeti is a gruelling 8 hrs and it only to reasonable to take an extra day at Lake Manyara or fly into Serengeti. The cost for either choice is nearly equivalent. Afternoon game drive in Lake Manyara or Serengeti (optional fly-in). Full board accommodation at Lake Manyara's Kirurumu Tented Lodge.

Day 2:  Central Serengeti

Your ultimate, value added serengeti migration safari begins this day. Central Serengeti is 5 hrs drive from Lake Manyara and we leave with our picnic lunch boxes. Safari approaches migration herds scaling from top to bottom (like on map) heading to Ndutu areas  where millions of migration animals and birds are browsing among the African grasslands. The timing is in season and our guide will provide ample time for viewing and photography. Picnic lunch en route.

Accommodation: If you make early arrangements for 2012 you are booked into one of the mobile camps and this means that your safari base migrates for the rest of the days of your safari. Dinner and overnight at mobile camp. Similarly, you can be booked into one of the 'stationary' lodges or permanent tented camp serving as base for your migration safari venture to South, South West and beyond.

Day 3: Ndutu Plains

Full day exploration along the migration path. Picnic Lunches. Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Ndutu safari lodge or Campsite.

Day 4, 5,6: Kusini

Full days exploration of the migration animals along their natural paths on full board basis at your mobile camp or Kusini lodges. Explorations in Kusini areas choosing different applicable paths depending on previous day's viewings and intelligence ground reports.

Day 7:  Flight to Arusha or Tarangire

After breakfast you are transferred to Kusini Airstrip for your private charter flight back to Arusha or if on road safari, proceed to Tarangire past Ngorongoro Conservation Area and lodge at Maramboi Tented Camp

Day 8: Arusha

Morning game drive after breakfast and depart at 1130hrs  for a 2.5 hrs drive to Arusha for lunch and preparations for flight home.

PRICE ON ENQUIRY

7 - 8 Days Ultimate Serengeti Migration Safari - (May - June 2012), Grumeti River Crossing

Day 1: Arusha , Lake Manyara

Pick up from your hotel in Arusha and head on a 2.5 hrs road journey to Lake Manyara National Park – famous for the tree-climbing lions, amazing birdlife, hippos, elephants and flamingos. Stop over at Ol-duvai Gorge.

A direct drive to Serengeti is a gruelling 8 hrs and it only to reasonable to take an extra day at Lake Manyara or fly into Serengeti. The cost for either choice is nearly equivalent. Afternoon game drive in Lake Manyara or Serengeti (optional fly-in). Full board accommodation at Lake Manyara's Kirurumu Tented Lodge.

Day 2:  Central Serengeti

Your ultimate, value added serengeti migration safari begins this day. Central Serengeti is 5 hrs drive from Lake Manyara and we leave with our picnic lunch boxes. Safari approaches migration herds centrally headed to the Western Corridor and especially to witness the Grumeti River Crossing. Game drives in this area are limited to intelligence ground reports on the status of the river crossing. Picnic lunch en route.

Accommodation: If you make early arrangements for 2012 you are booked into one of the mobile camps and this means that your safari base migrates for the rest of the days of your safari. Dinner and overnight at mobile camp. Similarly, you can be booked into one of the 'stationary' lodges or permanent tented camp serving as base for your migration safari venture to South West and Western Corridor

Day 3: Mbalageti Areas

Full day exploration along the migration path. Picnic Lunches. Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Mblageti or Campsite.

Day 4, 5,6: Kirawira

Full days exploration of the migration animals along their natural paths on full board basis at your mobile camp or Kirawira lodges. Explorations in to witness the river crossing. Ground reports crucial as they control our movement.

Day 7:  Flight to Arusha or Tarangire

After breakfast you are transferred to Kirawira Airstrip for your private charter flight back to Arusha or if on road safari, proceed to Tarangire past Ngorongoro Conservation Area and lodge at Maramboi Tented Camp

Day 8:

Morning game drive after breakfast and depart at 1130hrs  for a 2.5 hrs drive to Arusha for lunch and preparations for flight home.

PRICE ON ENQUIRY

7 - 8 Days Ultimate Serengeti Migration Safari - (October-November- December 2011)

Day 01: Arusha- Lake Manyara
Unless flying directly into Klein's Airstrip in North East Serengeti, our policy is to save on a tiresome drive from Arusha directly to Serengeti unless otherwise agreed. So our first stop is Lake Manyara for a foretaste and variety of ultimate serengeti safari. Plenty of activities to choose including boating, game drives especially seeking to stop the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara. Meals and overnight at Lake Manyara Tented Lodge or selected Campsite

Day 02: Central Serengeti
We drive to Central Serengeti if on road Safari. Game drives. Meals and overnight in Seronera's lodges or selected Campsite

Day 03,04,05: Klein's Camp
Ulitimate Serengeti migration safari via Lobo during this season culminates with 3 nights at Klein's Camp or recommended alternative.  Our game drives may extend to the famous Bologonja Springs or spill over to Loliondo Reserve.

Day 06: Flight to Arusha
or
Day 07: Game drives at Ngorongoro Crater and overnight

Day 08: Eventual drive back to Arusha from Ngorongoro Crater