Cont'd -- BEST TIME FOR WILDERBEEST MIGRATION SAFARIS

By April/May the herds embark on moving west and north to the now flourishing grasses and woodlands of the Serengeti’s western Corridor. The rains during this time of year make it difficult to follow the herds at this stage of their migration. Many of Tanzania's smaller camps/accommodations shut down due to impassable/slippery roads.

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By the end of May, as the rainy season comes to an end, the wildebeest and zebra slowly start moving northwards and individual groups begin to gather and form much larger herds. This is also the time the wildebeest mate. Western Serengeti is the best place to watch the migration unfold.

By July the herds reach their first big hindrance, the Grumeti River. The Grumeti River can get deep in places, more so if the rains have been heavy. This is the first of the stunning river crossings you can observe. The depth of the river makes drowning a distinct possibility for many wildebeest and there are a lot of crocodiles to take advantage of their distress. The best places to stay during this stunning experience are the Serengeti Serena, Grumeti River Camp, Migration Camp and Kirawira Camp. Seronera and Moru area campsites are the best for those on a budget. Kleins Camp is also perfectly situated.

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By late July, by this time the herds now head for Kenya, the grasses of the western Serengeti are yellowing and the herds continue north. After crossing the Grumeti River in Tanzania the wildebeest and zebra head to Lamai Wedge and the Mara Triangle in Kenya. Before they reach the green plains of the Mara, they have to cross the Mara River which is also filled with hungry crocodiles.

The best accommodations to watch from the migrating wildebeest cross the Mara River include CC Africa's Kichwa Tembo and Bataleur Camps, the Mara Serena Safari Lodge, and Sayari Mara Camp.

September through November, the Mara plains are packed to capacity with large herds of ungulates, naturally followed by predators.

Best places to stay while the migration is in the Mara include the Governors camps and Mara Serena Safari Lodge. In Tanzania, the Kirawira camp, Migration Camp, and Grumeti River Camp and many other camps in and outside Masai Mara.

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By November/December the rains start in the south (Serengeti) again and the herds embark on their long trek down to the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to have their young (calving). This particular part of the migration can be best watched from Lobo Wildlife Lodge and Klein’s Camp.

According to the wildebeest movement as detailed above, migration safaris can be conducted from December to March in different places and time on the migration circuit.

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