Wildebeest Migration in January: Where to See It and What to Expect
January is a special month of the year when you can witness the Great Wildebeest Migration unfold in East Africa’s extensive plains. Witnessing the wildebeest migration is a dream come true for all nature enthusiasts. It offers a unique opportunity for you to observe a breathtaking display of millions of wildebeest accompanied by zebras and other wildlife, and embark on a trek across the East African plains.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in January starts in the vast plains of the Serengeti. In January, huge herds of wildebeests and other grazers can be observed as they migrate to the southern part of the Serengeti and Ndutu area, part of Tanzania’s northern tourist circuit. They concentrate around the Southern Serengeti more than the Masai Mara, particularly to search for fresh pastures. Seasonal rains and the need for food and water often drive this annual movement. The migration is such a powerful natural spectacle, attracting millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other grazers.
Where to Witness the Wildebeest Migration in January
The target spot for you to witness the Wildebeest Migration is the Southern Serengeti or Ndutu. The Southern section of the Serengeti serves as a special place for the wildebeest calving season in January. A massive display of the wildebeest can also be witnessed while in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
What Awaits You During the Wildebeest Migration in January?
Whether you are an enthusiastic photographer, wildlife lover, or adventure seeker, January provides a front-row seat to witnessing one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders –the Great Migration. January allows you to immerse yourself in the world’s thrilling wilderness experience while you discover what makes this adventure a must-see phenomenon. Below are some of the unique things to expect to witness during the wildebeest migration in January.
Calving season/Birthing
January marks the beginning of the calving season, with hundreds of thousands of newly born wildebeest calves often witnessed. Up to 8,000 calves are born daily during the peak calving season of the wildebeest. With the newborn wildebeests, the need for nutritious grass usually rises, and they head towards the Northern circuit of the Ngorongoro Crater Area/Highlands. More births are recorded once the wildebeests settle at the Ngorongoro Craters.
Predator Viewing
January, being the start of the calving season, most of the predators also concentrate around the areas where the wildebeests have settled. While it is possible to spot a wide range of predators in January, on the other hand, wildebeest survival, especially calves, is at higher risk. The common predators to find during the wildebeest migration in January include hyenas, lions, and cheetahs.
Excellent Wildlife Photography
If your interest is in capturing unique moments of wildebeests or predator-prey interactions, then booking the wildebeest migration in January should be considered a must. Abundant wildlife with varying habitats can be spotted and photographed during the wildebeest migration in January. Several of the wildebeests congregate around the Eastern edge of the Serengeti in January. The key areas to experience excellent sightings of wildebeest include Lobo and Naabi Hill.
No Crowds
Want to embark on a worry-free holiday? Then traveling to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in January should be a must. January falls in the off-months/seasons on the travel calendars in the wildebeest migration destinations. Being the off-season, very few visitors are recorded, and most safari lodges or camps start offering discounted rates on the accommodation services.
Weather Conditions & Vegetation Cover
Around January, most wildebeest migration destinations record varying temperatures, and on average, they rise from 15 to 28 degrees Celsius. Generally, January is a hot and warm month of the year, and wildebeests plus many other wildlife can be easily spotted considering the less dense vegetation cover. Diverse wildlife congregate around the few water sources in the Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro in search of water.
Peak Wildebeest Migration
The peak wildebeest migration season is from July to October. This is the optimal time to witness the Mara River crossing. The wildebeest cross from the Northern edge of the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara. It is around the peak dry seasons when huge concentrations of wildlife can be spotted, ranging from zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and countless antelope families.
Accommodation Options
Visitors have multiple camping and safari lodging options to consider for an overnight stay in January. They include the Serengeti Safari Camp. Chaka Lodge, Kiota and Namiri Plains, Ubuntu Luxury Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Olakira Migration Camp, Asilia Dunia Camp, Lake Masek Tented Camp, Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Melia Serengeti Lodge, and many more.
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Asilia Dunia Camp
Asilia Dunia is among the first and only boutique safari camps that women manage. It is located in the heart of the Serengeti, just along the wildebeest migration path. It is a perfect place to settle for relaxation, especially if you desire authentic African experiences.
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Melia Serengeti Lodge
Spectacularly set in the region where guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Serengeti plains, Melia Serengeti Lodge is part of the Melia Collection. The 4-star luxurious Melia Serengeti Lodge features several interesting amenities, including free parking, an outdoor pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a hairdryer, and a minibar.
Set in the vibrant plains of the Serengeti National Park, Four Seasons Safari Lodge is a comfortable luxury safari lodge. This 5-star lodge is strategically located in an area where guests appreciate the panoramic landscape views of diverse wildlife. If you are visiting the Serengeti National Park in January, the 4 Seasons Safari Lodge should be a must-book for your overnight stay.
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Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Singita Sasakwa Lodge offers ultra-luxury accommodation services combined with a touch of the ancient African design. The luxurious Singita Sasakwa Lodge features a minibar, air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, a fridge, hairdryer, television, private pool, spa, and gym.
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Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp
Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp is a luxurious mobile safari camp set in the plains of the Serengeti National Park. Over six spacious en suite tents make up this safari camp. Other features to look out for at the Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp include en-suite bathrooms, hot bucket showers, and more.
Extra Safari Activities to Do
In addition to witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, visitors also have multiple experiences to enjoy as part of their bucket list. They include: camping, nature/bush walks, hot air balloon tours, game drives, and cultural tours.
The Guided Game Drives
Visitors can embark on a guided game drive in the Serengeti or Masai Mara. Game drives and wildebeest migration go hand in hand. During the game drive, expect to watch a variety of giraffes, impalas, elands, cheetahs, mongoose, zebras, lions, leopards, and buffaloes. Besides the Serengeti, there are also other unique places worth visiting for game drives, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Park, among others.
Nature Walks
Nature walk –get a chance to have a deep penetration through the hidden habitats of Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Masai Mara with an experienced guide. Look out for the finest animals that are hardly spotted during the game drive. Guided walking tours offer a close connection with the natural environment.
Hot air Balloon Excursions
Balloon tours offer memorable aerial game viewing opportunities. A hot air balloon tour in the Masai Mara or Serengeti lets you enjoy sightings of savanna species, birds, and a vast, breathtaking landscape characterized by savanna plains.
Witnessing the Wildebeest Migration in January is a natural wonder that every safari enthusiast should experience at least once in a lifetime. From calving season in the Ndutu plains to thrilling predator encounters in the Serengeti, this is one of Africa’s most unforgettable wildlife spectacles.
With the proper planning, you can experience this breathtaking journey up close. At Native Africa Tours, we specialize in custom-designed safaris in Rwanda and Tanzania, including gorilla trekking and Serengeti migration adventures. Our expert guides, carefully crafted itineraries, and personalized service ensure your safari is smooth and unforgettable.
Book your safari with Native Africa Tours today and let us take you closer to the heart of Africa’s most incredible wildlife experience.
