December through March the Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro Conservation areas in Northern Tanzania are home to giant herds of wildebeest, zebra and other ungulates. This is calving season. Most of the wildebeest calves are born in just a three week period, usually the beginning of February. Calves attract predators and this is an amazing time of year to watch impressive lion kills. It's also quite spectacular to see almost half a million little wildebeest being born and running alongside their mothers.

The southern Ndutu and Salei plains are the best areas to see the large herds during this time of year. The best places to stay include Ndutu Safari Lodge, Kusini Camp, Lemala Ndutu Camp and any mobile tented camps in the area.

By April/May the herds begin to migrate west and north to the grassier plains and woodland of the Serengeti's western Corridor. The rain during this time of year makes it difficult to follow the herds during this stage of their migration. Many of Tanzania's smaller camps in fact shut down due to impassable roads.

By the end of May, as the rains stop, the wildebeest and zebra gradually start moving north and individual groups begin to congregate and form much larger herds. This is also the time the wildebeest mate. Western Serengeti is the best place to watch the migration unfold.

By July the herds reach their first big obstacle, the Grumeti River. The Grumeti river can get deep in places, especially if the rains have been good. This is the first of the spectacular river crossings you can witness. The depth of the river makes drowning a distinct possibility for many wildebeest and there are plenty of crocodiles to take advantage of their distress.

Camps along the river during this time make for an incredible safari experience. The best places to stay are The Serengeti Serena which is a central, easily accessible lodge for viewing the migration at this time. Grumeti River Camp, Migration Camp and Kirawira Camp are also options. Seronera and Moru area campsites are the best for those on a budget. Kleins Camp is also ideally situated.

Best places to stay while the migration is in Tanzania, the Kirawira camp, Migration Camp, and Grumeti River Camp.

November/December the rains start in Kenya again and the herds begin their long trek back down to the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to have their young.

Interesting Facts

• Wildebeest are also called Gnu because of the grunts they make which sound like "gnu" "gnu".
• Wildebeest young are almost all born during a three week period (an estimated 400,000 each year). This overwhelming supply of potential food for predators means more of them survive.
• Wildebeest are born to run. They can run alongside their mothers just minutes after they are born.
• Zebra and wildebeest graze in harmony because each animal prefers a different part of the same grass.
• No two zebra look exactly the same.
• It is estimated that around 250,000 wildebeest die while on the migration circuit.
• Started in 1960