Wildebeest
Wildebeest
Wildebeest are a large antelope uniquely found in Africa, from Kenya to Namibia. Their name is derived from the Afrikaans word for “wild beast.” It is interchangeable with gnu (pronounced “new”), a Khoisan word that is characteristically onomatopoetic in its similarity to the sound the animals make when casually grazing together. There are two species: the blue wildebeest, whichย gets its name from the quicksilver sheen of its hide,ย and the black wildebeest, which was brought to near extinction until their reintroduction into a small selection ofย nature reserves in South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho.
Wildebeest will be seen in most safari areas, but the concentrated migration known as the Great Migration is special to the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem of Tanzania and Kenya.
Wildebeest Itineraries
Quintessential Tanzania: River Crossing Season
-Top wildlife regions of Tanzaniaโs Northern Circuit
-Biologist informed planning to see the world famous Great Migration river crossings
-Private naturalist guide from The Wild Source (name and bio provided at booking)
-Private vehicle with unlimited mileage and fuel
-Learn from biologists at our Njozi Northern Serengeti Camp
Quintessential Tanzania: Calving Season
-Top wildlife regions of Tanzaniaโs Northern Circuit
-Biologist informed planning to see Great Migration calving and herds in the thousands
-Private naturalist guide from The Wild Source (name and bio provided at booking)
-Private vehicle with unlimited mileage and fuel
-Learn from biologists at our Njozi Ndutu Camp
Ultimate East Africa: River Crossing Season
-The best of The Wild Source private guiding in both Tanzania and Kenya
-Designed to cater to full-day, serious wildlife viewing, flexible meals in the bush, and avoiding crowds
-Wildlife biologists who have unmatched knowledge of the local animals
-Strategically planned for best chances of Great Migration river crossings
-Authentic tented camps with a classic safari feel
Ultimate East Africa: Calving Season
-The best of The Wild Source private guiding in both Tanzania and Kenya
-Designed to cater to full-day, serious wildlife viewing, flexible meals in the bush, and avoiding crowds
-Wildlife biologists who have unmatched knowledge of the local animals
-Strategically planned for best chances of Great Migration calving and herds in the thousands
-Authentic tented camps with a classic safari feel
South African Splendor: Cape Town and Sabi Sands Safari
-A diverse itinerary in regions and activities, but with the simple logistics of traveling to one country – great for first-time safarigoers
-The best of a Big Five safari experience in the Sabi Sand private reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park
-Safari in the private reserve means fewer vehicles and camps, and no day trippers or public campsites like Kruger
-Delicious wine, stunning scenery and outstanding culinary delights in the charming Cape Winelands
-See Africaโs cosmopolitan side and breathtaking coastline in modern Cape Town
Botswana Desert and Delta Safari
-Top wildlife viewing regions of Botswana at 40-50% discount off peak season
-Focused on private concessions where there are very few vehicles traversing extremely large areas
-Expert guide AND a tracker per vehicle to increase chances for wildlife sightings, especially predators
-Green season magic – well-fed and watered animals, lots of baby herbivores, dramatic lighting for photography
-Avoid the higher crowds and inaccessible prices of peak season
Kenya Family Safari
-Family-oriented with private guides, family tents, and a private bush house with a pool
-Special kidsโ activities, including bush tracking, local school visit, Maasai cultural learning
-Explore the best regions of the Mara for charismatic big cat sightings
-Visit the unique Laikipia region, inspiration for the animators of โThe Lion Kingโ
-Diverse activities to beat boredom! (day and night game drives, guided walks, horse riding, camel treks, sleep outs, Samburu cultural visits, mountain biking)
Tanzania Elevated
-The quintessential โbush and beachโ combination – perfect for honeymooners
-Luxurious safari camps offering the best locations with peak service
-Private naturalist guide from The Wild Source and private vehicle throughout safari
-Classic game driving plus crater hikes, cultural visits and beach adventures
-Snorkeling, kayaking, spa treatments and more on stunning Pemba Island
Kenya Elevated
-An off-season luxury safari at a 40% discount compared to peak season
-Secret February wildlife – resident Loita herd of 200,000 wildebeest in the Mara calve in mid-February, big cat viewing is typically excellent
-Crowds much smaller than the high season
-Stay at exquisite luxury camps, including the most famous in Kenya, Mara Plains
-Pair the Mara with the stunning, unique scenery of Northern Kenya and the Chyula Hills
Botswana Elevated
-Exquisite luxury camps offering supreme service
-Combines the best two regions of Botswana for diverse wildlife viewing: the Okavango Delta and Selinda Reserve
-Private concession areas only, limited to a small number of guests traversing extremely large areas
-Off-road game driving with incredibly close viewing of predators
-Variety of activities including walking, night drives, boating, mokoro canoeing and off-roading
Zambia Walking and Waterways Safari
-A vintage safari experience staying in remote, intimate bushcamps, with excellent guiding and lots of adventure including river-based activities
-Explore on foot in the South Luangwa,the birthplace of walking safaris, where animals are habituated to humans on foot
-True night drives, staying out for long periods of time rather than just a quick sundown drive on the way back to camp for dinner.
-Exceptional guiding by local Zambian guides
-Wildlife ranges from the iconic safari species (lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, hippo, zebra and more) to rarer species such as the African wild dog.
Essential Diversity: River and Desert
-Luxury on the wild side – designed for the safari connoisseur seeking rarity and luxury along with the full diversity of wildlife
-Private guide and vehicle at both camps for ultimate flexibility and exclusivity
-Explore the lush, diverse river ecosystem of the Lower Zambezi National Park, where night drives are a highlight
-Visit the best place to find rare species – Tswalu Kalahari – including possible pangolin, aardvark, meerkat, and brown hyena
-Combine and contrast the extreme diversity of river and desert ecosystems with smooth logistics
Classic Zimbabwe: Hwange and Mana Pools with Victoria Falls
-Adventurous itinerary that features the thrilling walking safaris and โbig games approachesโ Zimbabwe is known for
-Excellent value year-round with an affordable safari experience at classic bush camps
-Zimbabwe is known for its incredibly high standard of guiding, with some of the most respected professional guides in Africa originating here
-Outstanding wildlife viewing in Hwange and Mana Pools, especially elephants, and 8 large carnivore species
-Visit the mighty and majestic Victoria Falls
Wildebeest Videos
Best Places to See Wildebeest on Safari
The migration is ever-continuing, and it is important to plan your visit to place yourself in a good location for the time of your travel to increase your chances of encountering the herds. The migration can be seen at any time of year, but there are two climax points that many people aim for: Calving Season and River Crossing Season.
During the calving season, typically from January to March, herds congregate in their largest numbers on the short grass plains of Ndutu in Tanzania. This is the best time to see tens of thousands of animals milling around together, as well as the irruption of new life with roughly 400,000 calves born in just three weeks. This in turn leads to tremendous predator viewing.
The other dramatic highlight is the most filmed spectacle in Africa, the migration crossings of the Mara River. Huge crocodiles lie in wait as the herds leap into the water and attempt to swim to the other side. Crossings tend to occur between July and October and can be seen almost daily, although they can require a great level of patience from the viewer as it can sometimes take hours for the herds to muster up the courage to cross.
Other Areas of Note
Zambia
Liuwa Plains National Park of Zambia is one of the safari worldโs hidden gems. Liuwa has the second largest migration of wildebeest with 30,000 moving seasonally in and out of the park in big numbers, creating twice-a-year peak opportunities to visit.
Other
The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania also has large numbers of wildebeest, as does Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Most major parks and safari areas will have wildebeest; however, large concentrations are not found outside of the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem and Liuwa Plains.