Where Is The Wildebeest Migration In October?
The end of the high season means the crowds have (mostly) gone.
The migration is straddled between Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti. Both parks have their own advantages in October.
A family of elephants grazing on the Maasai Mara
Where is the wildebeest migration in October?
At this point, the migration is quite scattered. Some wildebeest begin the long trek to the south back into the Serengeti, but some remain in the Maasai Mara for the whole month. The southern region of the Maasai Mara is still filled with lots of game.
By this time, almost all of the big tourist crowds have left, so it’s actually one of the best months for a safari. Expect many animals, fairly easy sightings — and you don’t have to compete with throngs of other vehicles and people.
The best place to be is in the southern and central regions of the Mara, as most of the wildebeest have left the northern parts. The animals will move slowly in their search for water and green grass. Another good area is the northeast Serengeti and Loliondo Game Reserve, where the animals are returning after their foray into Kenya.
Is October a good time to see the great migration?
October means the end of the dry season, but there is still a lot of activity in the Mara – even some occasional river crossings. As the rainfall slowly begins to soak into the fields, the savannah goes from golden to green.
It’s not until the end of October or beginning of November that the actual rains begin to fall. The days are still very warm with pleasant nights.
Masai Mara or the Serengeti?
If you’re set on seeing the great wildebeest migration, particularly from November to end of June, then the Serengeti is your spot. The great migration herds tend to be in the Serengeti during this time, along with the other classic wildlife safari highlights.
The Masai Mara is excellent all year round. It’s also less expensive than visiting the Serengeti, so if cost is paramount, try Kenya.
The other factor to bear in mind is exclusivity. The Serengeti is far bigger than the Masai Mara, so it is easier to enjoy a more exclusive safari experience here. That being said, the central regions of the Serengeti can get very busy too, so selecting your camps carefully is key.
Hans Cosmas Ngoteya
Hans Cosmas Ngoteya is a conservationist from Tanzania, a National Geographic Explorer, and co-founder of numerous conservation organisations including Ngoteya Wild, Landscape and Conservation Mentors Organization and Tanzania Wildlife Media Association.
Heather Richardson
Heather is an award-winning journalist and editor based in Cape Town, South Africa. She writes for the BBC, Sunday Times, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Departures Magazine, among others.
Anthony Ham
Anthony has been travelling around Africa for more than a decade. He has returned many times, seeking out stories about the people and wildlife of west and north Africa.
In recent years he has broadened his horizons into more traditional wildlife haunts, exploring Kenya, Botswana and South Africa. You can see his work in Lonely Planet and Africa Geographic.
Featured tours
Tanzania Migration Safari
A complete Tanzania safari in 8 days
8 daysFrom $1,684 Visit site Learn more
