Where does the wildebeest migration start and end?

Where does the wildebeest migration start and end? – The wildebeest migration is one of the most iconic wildlife events in the world, and it takes place primarily in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, spanning northern Tanzania and southern Kenya.

Start of the Migration:

The migration begins in the Serengeti in Tanzania, specifically in the southern and eastern parts of the Serengeti National Park. This area is where the wildebeests give birth to their calves, typically in late January to early February. The vast, open plains of the southern Serengeti provide ample grazing and a safe environment for the newborns during this time.

The Migration Route:

• Southern Serengeti to the Western Corridor: After calving, usually around March and April, the wildebeests start moving westward toward the western corridor of the Serengeti. Here, they often face obstacles like the Grumeti River, which they must cross in May or June. This crossing can be perilous, with crocodiles waiting in the water.
• The Mara River Crossing: After crossing the western corridor, the wildebeest then move northward toward the Mara River, located in the Maasai Mara in Kenya. This is the most famous part of the migration, taking place from July to September. The wildebeests must cross the Mara River, which is full of crocodiles, and they face great dangers during this crossing.

End of the Migration:

The migration ends when the wildebeests return to the southern Serengeti in late October to early November, after having spent several months grazing in the northern parts of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. They then start the cycle anew, as the calving season begins again in the southern Serengeti.

Summary of the Route:

• Starting Point: Southern Serengeti, Tanzania (calving grounds).
• End Point: Southern Serengeti (where the cycle repeats).
• Key Crossings: Western Corridor, Grumeti River, Mara River (crossing into Kenya).

So, Where does the wildebeest migration start and end? The timing of the migration can vary slightly from year to year, depending on rainfall patterns, which affect the availability of grazing land and water sources.