Have you ever heard of the Great Wildebeest Migration? It’s one of the most amazing natural events on Earth. Every year, millions of wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, travel across the Serengeti in Tanzania to find fresh grass and water.
This incredible journey covers hundreds of miles and is full of danger, with predators like lions and crocodiles waiting for a chance to catch their next meal.
In this article, we’ll explore five exciting ways you can follow the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti. You’ll learn about game drives, hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris, mobile camping, and guided photography tours.
Each of these experiences offers a unique way to see the migration up close and learn more about the amazing wildlife in the Serengeti.
Following the Great Wildebeest Migration is a unique and must-see event for visitors. It’s not just about watching animals move from one place to another; it’s about witnessing a natural spectacle that has been happening for millions of years.
Seeing so many animals on the move, hearing the thundering hooves, and experiencing the excitement of the chase make it an unforgettable adventure.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just looking for an amazing experience, the Great Wildebeest Migration has something special for everyone.
So, now we will look into 5 Ways to Follow the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti:-
1. Game Drives
Description: Game drives are a traditional and popular way to follow the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti. These drives allow visitors to explore the park in a safari vehicle, getting close to the animals and witnessing their journey up close.
Best Locations:
Southern Serengeti during the calving season (January to March): This is the time when thousands of baby wildebeests are born, attracting many predators.
Western Corridor for the Grumeti River crossings (May to July): Watch as wildebeests bravely cross the river, facing crocodiles and strong currents.
Northern Serengeti for the Mara River crossings (July to October): One of the most dramatic parts of the migration, where large herds cross the Mara River, often surrounded by predators.
Tips:
Best times of day for game drives: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see animals. During these times, the weather is cooler and animals are more active.
What to expect during a game drive: Expect to see a variety of animals including lions, elephants, zebras, and of course, the migrating wildebeests. Guides will share interesting facts about the wildlife and the environment.
How to choose a reliable safari operator: Look for operators with good reviews, experienced guides, and proper safety measures. It’s also helpful if they are members of reputable travel associations.
2. Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Description: Hot air balloon safaris offer a thrilling way to see the Great Wildebeest Migration from the sky. Imagine floating above the Serengeti, looking down at thousands of wildebeest moving across the plains. It’s a peaceful, yet exciting, adventure.
Advantages:
Unique aerial perspective: From the balloon, you get a bird’s-eye view of the herds below. It’s like watching a giant, living map.
See the vastness of the Serengeti: The balloon ride allows you to appreciate how big and beautiful the Serengeti is. You can see far-off hills, rivers, and endless grasslands.
Best Locations: The best places for hot air balloon safaris are the Central and Northern Serengeti. These areas offer great views and are prime spots for seeing the migration.
Tips:
Best times to book: Early mornings are the best times for balloon safaris. The weather is usually calm, and the lighting is perfect for photos.
What to expect during the flight: Expect a gentle and smooth ride. You’ll start before sunrise, and as the balloon rises, you’ll see the sun come up, casting golden light over the landscape. The flight lasts about an hour, and you might even spot other animals like elephants and giraffes. After landing, many tours include a special breakfast in the bush.
Hot air balloon safaris are an unforgettable way to experience the Serengeti and the Great Migration from a new angle.
3. Walking Safaris
Walking safaris are a fantastic way to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration up close. Instead of riding in a vehicle, you walk through the Serengeti with a guide. This allows you to see the animals and plants in a much more intimate and detailed way.
Best Locations:
One of the best places for walking safaris is the Northern Serengeti, especially in areas like the Lamai Wedge. This region is less crowded and offers great views of the migrating herds.
Advantages:
Close-up Encounters with Wildlife: Walking safaris let you get closer to the animals without the noise of a vehicle. You can see wildebeests, zebras, and other animals more clearly.
Learning about the Ecosystem: Your guide will teach you about the different plants, insects, and smaller animals that you might miss on a regular safari. You’ll learn how everything in the ecosystem is connected.
Safety Tips:
Guided Tours: Always go on a walking safari with a trained guide. They know how to keep you safe and can spot animals from far away.
What to Bring and Wear: Wear comfortable, light clothing and sturdy shoes. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Avoid bright colors that can attract animals’ attention. A small backpack can be useful for carrying your things.
Walking safaris offer a unique and educational way to see the Great Wildebeest Migration and learn about the Serengeti’s diverse ecosystem.
4. Mobile Camping Safaris
Mobile camping safaris are a fantastic way to stay close to the Great Wildebeest Migration. This type of safari allows you to move with the herds as they travel across the Serengeti, giving you an intimate and exclusive wildlife viewing experience.
Advantages:
One of the biggest advantages of mobile camping is flexibility. Since the camp moves with the animals, you can always be in the best spot to see the migration. This means you get to witness amazing scenes, like thousands of wildebeest crossing rivers or grazing on the plains. Mobile camps are usually smaller and more private, making it a special and personal adventure.
Best Times and Locations:
You can follow the migration throughout the year by moving from the Southern Serengeti, where the calving season happens from January to March, to the Western Corridor for the river crossings between May and July, and finally to the Northern Serengeti for the Mara River crossings from July to October.
Tips:
To prepare for a mobile camping safari, make sure you pack light but smart. Bring comfortable clothing, a good pair of walking shoes, and a hat for sun protection. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera to capture the incredible wildlife. Always check with your safari operator for any specific packing requirements.
Mobile camping safaris offer a unique way to experience the Serengeti and stay close to one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
5. Guided Photography Tours
Description:
Guided photography tours are special trips designed for people who love taking photos. These tours are led by expert photographers who know all the best spots and times to capture amazing images of the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Advantages:
One big advantage of these tours is that you get to learn from professional photographers. They can teach you how to take the best pictures and show you hidden spots where you can see the animals up close. Another advantage is that you have more chances to capture stunning images of the migration, like when the wildebeests cross the Grumeti and Mara rivers.
Best Locations and Times:
The Grumeti River is a great place to visit from May to July. Here, you can see wildebeests trying to cross the river, with hungry crocodiles waiting for them. Another key spot is the Mara River, which is best to visit from July to October. Watching the wildebeests cross this river is an unforgettable sight.
Tips:
For these tours, it’s good to bring a camera with a long lens, like 200mm or 300mm, to take close-up shots from a distance. Make sure to carry extra batteries and memory cards. Use fast shutter speeds to capture the action and focus on the animals’ eyes to make your pictures look more lively. Always be ready to click, as the best moments often happen very quickly.
Conclusion
To recap, there are five exciting ways to follow the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti:
Game Drives: Explore the park in a vehicle with an expert guide.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Get a bird’s-eye view of the migration from the sky.
Walking Safaris: Experience the migration up close on foot.
Mobile Camping Safaris: Stay in tents that move with the herds.
Guided Photography Tours: Join tours focused on capturing amazing wildlife photos.
Final Tips:
Plan Your Visit: The best time to visit the Serengeti is during the migration, which happens at different times in different areas. From January to March, head to the Southern Serengeti for calving season. For the dramatic river crossings, visit the Western Corridor from May to July and the Northern Serengeti from July to October.
Pack Smart: Bring light clothes, a hat, sunscreen, and a good camera. Don’t forget warm clothes for early mornings and evenings.
Encouragement: Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Imagine seeing millions of animals moving across the plains, hearing the thunder of their hooves, and watching the dramatic river crossings. It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s wonders. Don’t miss the chance to see this incredible event!