Safari in June wildebeest migration pattern – Mara River and Serengeti National park
Safari in June wildebeest migration pattern – The herd Heads for the central and western Serengeti – the herds are usually there and getting ready for the toughest part of their journey which is to cross the Mara River which already has the huge Crocodiles waiting. The weather is cooler and much drier and while there are fewer bugs, there is more dust so prepare your camera equipment accordingly.
At this period the rut is in full swing and the last column of the mega herd arrives from the southern plains. Combined with the rut, the movement of the massed herds and the constant attacks on all sides by predators makes this a spectacular time to witness the build up to the epic wildebeest Migration.
Serengeti national park overview.
The Serengeti National Park is home to truly incredible scenery and magnificent wildlife including the largest lion population in Africa, Famed for its annual migration of over million wildebeest and Thousands of zebra. Serengeti covers around 5,600 square miles consisting of vast grassland plains, savannah, woodland and riverine forest. The park borders the Masai Mara National Reserve and together with several other smaller reserves and conservation areas they form the larger Serengeti ecosystem. This really is one of the most spectacular and iconic African safari locations!
Some of the game in the Serengeti resides permanently in certain areas, however many more migrate and with this is mind careful planning is needed when visiting the Serengeti to avoid busier areas and make the most of your experience. We have therefore to help with this planning split the Serengeti into three areas – the Central ‘belt’ including the Western Corridor and Eastern area, and then the Southern and Northern sections.
Safari highlights.
Safari in June wildebeest migration pattern – June marks the end of the rainy season. The plains are lush and green.
The wildebeest herds cover great distances. Driving times between leading and trailing herds can exceed three hours.
June is traditionally the Grumeti River crossing period, but this is mainly dependent on the water level of the Grumeti River. There is seldom enough water in the river to produce dramatic crossings like those seen at the Mara River in July and August.
Where to stay in June
Traditionally June is tricky because of the dispersion of the herds. You usually need time on both sides of the Nyamuma and Simiti Hills.
It’s a long way round, but this approach gives you the best of both worlds: you could find yourself deep in the migration one day, and then have a view of the approaching migration at the Mbalageti River, the next day (we have seen some of the best migration views from the restaurant deck at Mbalageti).
That said, depending on how much rain has fallen, the back end of the migration could still be at Lake Magadi and on the southern side of the Nyamuma and Simiti Hills.
We recommend combining Makoma Hill and Mbalageti accommodation in early June and then going towards the Grumeti River in late June and early July. We suggest an even 5-night / 5-night split between the two areas for the best possible Serengeti migration safari in June.