Greater Serengeti Conservation Society
The Great Migration
The Greater Serengeti Ecosystem is home to one of the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles in the world. Over 1.36 million wildebeest and more than 250,000 zebras, accompanied by 300,000 Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelles and elands, migrate across this vast landscape.
The seasonal rains set the stage for wildlife movement in Serengeti. The trade winds of the northern and southern hemispheres converge around the equator forming a semi- permanent and high-pressure belt known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone.
Learn more at Serengeti Tracker.
Impact of Seasonal Climate Patterns on Serengeti Migration
This meteorological phenomenon travels seasonally back and forth across the equator. When south of the equator, the convergence zone brings relatively dry northeast winds and limited moisture – the “short rains” – from about November to January.
When north of the equator it draws moisture laden southeasterly winds from the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria resulting in heavy rains – the “long rains” – from about March to May. The dry season extends from July through October – correlating with the peak tourist season.
- SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
- NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
- LOLIONDO GAME CONTROL AREA
- IKORONGO, GRUMETI & MASWA GAME RESERVES
- MARA RANCHES
- MAASAI MARA RESERVE
Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti
Herd Congregation in the Western Corridor
The herds follow the Mbalageti and Grumeti Rivers towards the Western Corridor, seeking fresh grazing and water, and congregate in high density groups before crossing the rivers.
The wildebeest migration continues moving northwards during July and August, often spreading out across a broad front: some heading through Grumeti Reserve and Ikorongo, others north through the heart of the Serengeti National Park.
Mara River Crossings
September sees the herds spread out across the northern Serengeti in Kogatende and Lamai. The Mara River provides the migration with drinking water throughout the dry season, but also poses a serious obstacle. Watching the great herds of wildebeest crossing the Mara River can be spectacular.
As the dry season draws to a close around October, the first sporadic rains draw the wildebeest herds southward again through western Loliondo and Lobo area. The herds return to the green shoots which follow the rains on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti towards the end of November.
Dr. Grant Hopcraft discussing Wildebeest Migration
What regulates the Serengeti Migratory Wildebeest Population?
