The Wild Source >> Wildebeest

Wildebeest

Summary
Due to the prolific number of wildebeest in the great migrating herds of the Serengeti/Masai Mara many people are intent in seeing the community of wildebeest more so than as individuals. In most safari areas wildebeest will be seen but the concentrated migration is special to the Serengeti ecosystem.

Best Places
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The migration is ever continuing and it is important to plan your visit to place yourself in a good location for where the herds typically are at the time of your travel. The migration can be seen at anytime of year but there are two climax points that many people aim for. Calving is when the herds congregate in their largest numbers on the short grass plains area of Ndutu in Tanzania, typically from mid-January until early March. This is the best time to see tens of thousands of animals milling around together as well as the irruption of new life with thousands of calves born. This in turn leads to tremendous predator viewing. The other dramatic highlight is the most filmed spectacle in Africa, the crossings of the Mara River. Huge crocodiles lie in wait as the herds leap into the water and attempt to swim to the other side. Crossings tend to occur between July and October.

Other Areas of Note
Ngorongoro Crater has large numbers. Most major parks and safari areas will have wildebeest but do not expect large concentrations outside of the Serengeti/Masai Mara area.