January–MARCH
In the first three months of the year, the herds spread out and graze on the lush, short-grass plains of Tanzania’s southeastern Serengeti, slowly moving into the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Area. Around February, there’s a two-to-three week calving season; the plains are littered with unsteady babes, which attract lots of predator attention.
JULY–SEPTEMBER
These months are the toughest for the herds – and the most dramatic for spectators – as this is when they cross the flooded Grumeti and Mara rivers. After the Grumeti crossing in July, the herd makes its way northeast through the Grumeti Reserves. In August or September it splits: some animals cross the Mara, entering Kenya’s Masai Mara, while others linger in the northern Serengeti.
APRIL–JUNE
During the long rains of April and May, the herds and their young migrate northwards through the central Serengeti towards the western Serengeti, passing the Moru Kopjes. Impressive, 40km-long columns can be seen trudging along, enjoying the first green flush that the water brings to the land. Around June, they mass again in the Western Corridor, building up the courage to cross the perilous Grumeti River.
OCTOBER–DECEMBER
In October the animal’s bravery is rewarded with plenty of good grazing, in the northern reaches of Tanzania's Serengeti or across the border in Kenya’s Masai Mara. November’s short rains drive them south again, towards the replenished grass of the northeastern Serengeti. Some cross the Mara and Sand rivers en route, but the water is calmer now and less dangerous. By December, they’re usually in the eastern and central Serengeti, with their sights on the southeast, where the annual loop starts all over again.
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The wildebeest, zebra and antelope of the migration never rest; rather, they keep walking an infinite loop between Tanzania and Kenya. Take a look at the map we've created for you here, and you'll know where to go to find them at any time of the year – as well as when, and where, the highlights happen.
By Leah van Deventer
PREVIOUS PAGES (left to right):
A zebra watches as its photo is taken in Tanzania. The migration races across the the Serengeti.
OVERLEAF: The migration quenches its thirst at a quiet water source in the Serengeti.