Wildebeest Migration

December - March

Ndutu is located on the edge of the southern Serengeti National Park plains and the northern section of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As a result of the Ngorongoro mountain erupting, Ndutu is blessed with rich, fertile soil and is now a perfect breeding site for wildebeest. 

When the conditions are just right, the area hosts the annual migration once per year. Calving season occurs when there has been enough rainfall to ensure nutrient-rich grass - a perfect food for a lactating young mother. Wildebeest carve collectively and can postpone their births for up to a month to ensure the conditions are favourable.

Off-road game drives are permitted in Ndutu, making this a truly unique expereince for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Safe distances between our guests and the wildlife are carefully and respectfully maintained.

June - August 

Now the herds travel into the Western Corridor and cross the Grumeti River.  Compared to the Mara River crossing later in the year, this is a relatively small event but one of the most exciting. The Grumeti River hosts the Nile crocodile, the largest of the species, making the crossing highly risky for the wildebeests and zebra and a good opportunity for feasting for the crocodiles! 

This thrilling experience combines perfectly with a breathtaking Serengeti balloon safari. Enjoy a sunrise flight over the Western Corridor, before descending for a champagne breakfast. 

September - October 

This is when the wildebeest are in the northern Serengeti plains, and you have a chance of seeing up to thousands crossing the great Mara River. As the sight of the wildebeest crossing the so dramatic, it is considered by many the most desirable time to see the migration. Watching the frantic herds of the wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River can be very spectacular; there are often scenes of great panic and confusion

October - November

By late October the wildebeest herds are migrating again  heading south, through western Loliondo and the Serengeti National Park's Lobo area, returning to the green shoots which follow the rains on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti in late November.