January 2018 - Wildebeest migration updates

Ndutu Safari Lodge, safari guide Emmanuel spotted the herds migrating in the Hidden Valley as well as the big and small marsh. 

We are experiencing outstanding game drives sighting massive herds of wildebeest and zebra migrating in the Lake Masek area of the Serengeti National Park.

For the last few week or so, we've encountered a steady and consistent movement in the area.

Credit: Safari guide, Elia Edward 

Safari guide, Firozdin Rafiq just came back from his safari and reported that the migration is in the southern part of the Naabi Hill and scattered across the plain towards the Ndutu area. 

The calving is about to start!

David Sulle confirmed that the herds are still migrating in the southern and western part of the Serengeti. 

He spotted a large group in the Ndabaka plains near Ndabaka gate. A small group was migrating to the Matongo open area.

A good number of the wildebeest were spotted towards the open plains of the Gol Mountains and Saleni Plains.

However, the safari guide saw a line coming in from the Nasera Rock.

The wildebeest calving season has already begun in the Lamuta Hills!

Serengeti Nomad safari guide, Samuel Turoto spotted a mom with her newborn in the Lamuta Hills.

A large herd was seen moving towards the Saleni Plains and Nasera Rock. 

Note: Lamuta Hills is in the northeast of Naabi Hill!

Sala's Camp safari guide, Moses Kaleku spotted a large number of the Loita migration in the Naboisho Ol Kinyei Conservancy and the Loita plains.

The small group is migrating in the eastern part of the game reserve and the southern part is empty - but the common sights are available. 

The Loita migration's main herds are migrating within the Naiboisho Conservancy (on the northern border of the Mara National Park).

Meanwhile, the big numbers are about to birth little ones!

Credit: Sala's Camp Managers, Hattie

Serengeti Balloon Safaris pilots and passengers spotted the mega-herds preparing to give birth in the Ndutu area, all the way to the Hidden Valley. 

Credit: Managing Director, John Corse

Nomad Tanzania, safari guide captured the wildebeest and zebra migration quenching their thirst in a waterhole in the Ndutu area. 

General Manager, Simon Kisingi also spotted a large number of the wildebeest and zebra migration in the Ndutu area.

The wildebeest and zebra migration quenching their thirst in a waterhole in the Ndutu area. 

It's the best time to visit the Ndutu area for the calving season. There's a big number of the wildebeest close to the Ndutu Safari Lodge. 

Credit: Benjamin

Following the unexpected rains in the Mara, the Loita wildebeest and zebra have split into three groups.

• A good number of the Loita wildebeest are in the Loita plains, following the recent rains. 
• A group of the Loita zebra are migrating in the Mara North Conservancy.
• And the majority of the migration are migrating in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, south of the Mara Expedition. 

Credit: Mara Expedition Camp, Assistant Manager, John Parmasau

Wild Frontiers safari guides, report that the herds are migrating within the Ndutu Wilderness Camp towards Olduvai Gorge.

Safari Guide, Elia Edward was on a game drive when he saw a herd of the wildebeest and zebra migrating just outside the Ubuntu Camp heading towards Olibayee. With the ongoing rain forecast in the Kusini area, it's no suprise that the herds are advancing into this area. 

Meanwhile, a small group of the migrating herds are stuck in the Hidden Valley enjoying the short grass plains. 

This morning, the herds were seen migrating through the Hidden Valley heading towards to the marsh in the Ndutu area. 

Ubuntu Camp guide, Elia Edward captured the stunning wildebeest and zebra migration in the Kusini Camp during his morning game drive.

Hundreds of wildebeest and zebra migration herds were sighted enjoying the nutritious green grass in the Kusini Camp. 

Credit: Ubuntu Camp safari guide, Elia Edward

Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps Safari guide, Empaps Sayialel witnessed the thrilling spectacle of a zebra crossing accompanied by migrating wildebeest and a small number of Common eland along the Ntiaktiak River. 

A good number of the wildebeest were sighted migrating through the airstrip of the Kusini Camp, on their way from the Ndutu area. 

Credit: Ubuntu Camp Ranger, Elia Edward

The resident Loita movement has been reserved to the short grass of the northern areas of the Mara Reserve.

To include the conservancies, the majority of wildebeest are in the Naboisho, Ol Kinyei and Olare Orok Conservancies with a few scattered herds (of which many are males) and will be seen in the northern reserve. 

Important note: These resident wildebeest no longer migrate into the Loita Hill areas due to human encroachment and settlement. 

Credit: Governors Camp Manager, Patrick Reynolds

This morning, the herds were scattered around the east of Gol Kopjes. 

The wildebeest were seen migrating within the Ndutu area, heading to the Matiti Plains (landmark called Twin Hills).

The beautiful Matiti Plains that surround Twin Hills is home to huge female herds of wildebeest during the green season. This is the main plain that the wildebeest use for calving from January to March.

Unlike most antelopes who seek cover when giving birth, pregnant wildebeest gather on the most open terrain available. The Matiti plain is also a particularly good area to view cheetahs.

Credit: Ranger, Stephen

After the heavy rains in the Ndutu, elephants (also known as neighbours) are seen every day in the evenings around the seasonal pool - close to the Serengeti Safari Camp. 

The migration is in the woodlands and plains moving towards Lemuta Hill and Goal Mountains. Meanwhile, a good number of the wildebeest were sighted on the roads from Golini Triangle to Olduvai Gorge. 

Credit: Nomad Tanzania

A herd of migrating wildebeest were seen in the Gol Kopjes, south-east of the Serengeti. 

Credit: Serengeti Cheetah Project Project Manager, Dennis Minja

Safari Ranger, Basil Akonaäy spotted the wildebeest and zebra herds migrating in the Gol Kopjes during his afternoon game drive. 

Porini Lion Camp Manager, Patrick Wachira, shared this incredible footage of the Loita migration crossing the Ntiaktiak River, Maasai Mara.

Serengeti Cheetah Project Manager, Dennis Minja shared the stunning footage of the wildebeest migration in the Gol Kopjes, south-east of the Serengeti. 

The first arrival of the wildebeest have been sighted at the Lake Masek. The image was captured three days ago when the rain started in the Ndutu area. 

Note: Lake Masek is the lake in the Ndutu area. 

Credit: Sidai Africa Safaris owner, Emanuel Melubo Mamasita 

On the 06 Jan 2018, the wildebeest were sighted migrating through the Ndutu area.

Credit: Safari Guide, Basil Akonaäy

Yesterday, David Sulle was travelling to Mwanza, through the Serengeti and came across a good number of the wildebeest near the Naabi Hills. 

They were coming from the northern part of the Serengeti and Loliondo. 

There's still lots of rain around the Ndutu area.

Today, Ubuntu Camp Guide, Elia Edward shared the stunning footage of the wildebeest migration in the Ndutu plains moving towards the Naabi Hills area. 

Did you know? The great wildebeest migration has a little brother called the Loita migration!

They were seen over the weekend and this morning in the Olare Orok Conservancy, Kenya. 

Although the Loita migration does not cross the Mara River to go south into the Serengeti, it still provides an incredible migration experience at an incredible time of the year with wonderful interaction and you can enjoy private conservancies that offer walking, night drives and off-road driving. This all makes visiting the Masai Mara for the Loita migration worth your while.

Credit: Porini Lion Camp Manager, Patrick Wachira

Wildebeest sightings in the Ndutu area. 

Credit: Malaki Samwell Saningo

Lots of rain around the Ndutu area this morning.

With the ongoing rain forecast, it would be no surprise if some herds keep advancing into this area. 

Credit: Benjamin

There is a small group of the wildebeest around the Ndutu Lodge.

There is however a much larger group on the makao road, heading to the Serengeti Kusini. 

Credit: Benjamin

The migratory herds were sighted grazing and preparing to give birth to newborn calves in the southern Serengeti near Lake Ndutu. 

Credit: Sidai Africa Safaris owner, Emanuel Melubo Mamasita 

A big herd of the wildebeest is in the Southern Serengeti, in between the Ngorongoro and Serengeti boundary. 

However, due to the short rains in the Ndutu area, a small herd of the wildebeest were seen migrating in the Ndutu area this morning (3 Jan 2018).

Credit: Basil Akonaäy