WHERE TO SEE THE RESIDENT WILDEBEEST?
The Great Migration’s spectacular Mara River crossings is usually the first thing that spring to mind when visitors hear about the wildebeest migration. However, the resident wildebeest that leave in places like Ngorongoro crater is another, less well-known sight.
The resident wildebeest are more confined than the more well-known migratory herds, which traverse great distances in a spectacular yearly cycle between the Masai Mara national reserve and the Serengeti national park. It is possible to track the movements of these smaller herds throughout the year since they travel within particular environments.
In this article explains the differences between the major Great Migration and the resident wildebeest in Tanzania and Kenya, as well as when and where to view them
What is the Resident Wildebeest Migration?
The term “resident wildebeest ” refers to the herds of wildebeests that stay in particular locations year-round in modest densities or with little mobility.
In contrast to the vast 1.5 million herds that roam hundreds of kilometers over the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, resident populations move locally in response to grass growth and seasonal rains. The resident wildebeest never join the migratory vehicle and can be found in the same area all year round. They are famously known to be found within the Ngorongoro crater.
BEST LOCATIONS TO WITNESS THE RESIDENT WILD BEEST
CENTRAL SERENGETI (TANZANIA)
Set against the classic background of boundless savannahs, rocky kopjes, and acacia-dotted plains, this portion of the Serengeti is teeming with life year-round.
Despite its reputation as a Great Migration corridor, the central Serengeti (Seronera plain) is also home to thousands of indigenous wildebeest and zebras.
These herds do not follow large-scale migration patterns, preferring to stay in the central Serengeti’s nutrient-rich valleys and woods. The Seronera River provides a steady water supply, attracting both herbivores and predators year-round.
The Seronera River is perennial, providing year-round habitat for wildlife such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Due to the abundance of water, the area is home to a variety of ecosystems, including zebras, reedbuck, and grant gazelles.
In central Serengeti, you have an opportunity to view the black rhinos around the Moru Kopjes, south of the seronera river.
Region: Seronera Valley and surrounding plains
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, especially June to October
wildebeest in Masai Mara- African safari
What makes it special?
Reliable wildlife viewing year-round
Large predator populations, including lions and leopards
Good infrastructure and accommodations
LOLIONDO AND KLEINS CAMP REGION.
Loliondo is a community conservation area bordering the Serengeti, with wildebeest that migrate in smaller groups across this private land. This area sees resident herds that stay in the area long after the Great Migration has moved on. The terrain is a mix of grassland and woodland, making it ideal for diverse game viewing.
What makes it special?
Extraordinary interplay between prey and predators
Excellent for walking safaris and cultural visits
Good for calving season sightings
Region: Northeast of the Serengeti
Best Time to Visit: December to March
LOITA PLAINS IN (KENYA)
One of the best places to see a sizable population of Loita wildebeest, commonly referred to as the resident Mara wildebeest, is where they do not travel with the major Serengeti-Mara herds.
Here, the herds roam between the eastern Mara environment and the Loita Hills, especially in the vicinity of the Olare Motorogi, Ol Kinyei, and Naboisho Conservancies. This is a great time to see calving and predation activities because they calve earlier than the Serengeti herds.
What makes it special?
Smaller Conservation areas with fewer people
Excellent safari experiences, such as night drives and walking opportunities
Remarkable interactions between predators and prey
Region: Southeastern parts of the Masai Mara
Best Time to Visit: January to March
NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA& NDUTU AREAS.
While most wildebeest move on from Ngorongoro during the dry season, resident populations remain year-round in certain areas, especially on the short grass plains between Ndutu and the crater rim. The best time to view the resident wildebeest is during (January to March) and it’s the calving season come alive with newborns and predators on the hunt.
Lake Nakuru is also an appropriate area for viewing the resident wildebeest migration. The lake is a soda lake (very alkaline and salty)
What makes it special?
Beautiful scenery (plains, highlands, and craters)
Great access to both permanent and migratory herds, making it a great location for calving season photography.
Region: Crater Highlands and surrounding plains
Best Time to Visit: November to May
EASTERN SERENGETI.
The eastern Serengeti is primarily composed of savannas with rocky outcrops like Gol Kopjes and acacia trees interspersed. This is a great place to see big cats, like Grant’s or Thomson’s gazelles, running for their prey
In October and November, the herd splits off once more for its lengthy and swift journey south, passing through the regions of Lobo and Loliondo. Although it’s difficult to catch the migration at this time of year, there is still a lot of wildlife to view, and some really amazing lodges and camps offer excellent deals during the off-peak months.
Opposite the park’s eastern limit lies Ol Doinyo Gol, an active volcano known as the “Mountain of God” in Maasai. Even though it is only 2,900 meters above sea level, it is nevertheless a difficult climb that takes a full day to complete. The surrounding meadows have been enhanced by the volcano’s lava flows, which has drawn wildebeest back south.
other packages you may be interested in beside Victoria falls safari
Some of our popular trips
6 days Serengeti migration and Rwanda gorilla tour
3-day Rwanda gorilla from Serengeti: All inclusive safari
Extra ordinary 5-day Serengeti migration &Rwanda gorillas
One day Materuni waterfalls and coffee tours
3 Day Tarangire national park: All inclusive budget safari
10 days Magical Uganda and Kenya: wildebeest &gorillas
12 Days Gorillas, Serengeti & Zanzibar vacation safari
7 Day Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara
Costed 7 Day Tanzania: Arusha, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
6 days best of Tanzania: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & L. Manyara
6 Days Ngorongoro Crater & Gorilla Trekking
10-Day Luxury Kenya and Tanzania Safari (Bespoke Tours)
7 days Tarangire, Ngorongoro & volcanoes
14 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Tanzania’s wildlife and primates
10 Day Kilimanjaro & gorillas
This 10 days Kilimanjaro & Gorilla safari brings you to the highest peak of the tallest mountain in Africa standing at 5895m above sea level. Mountain Kilimanjaro is the longest single-standing mountain in the world. Although there are 6 routes for hiking the mountain Kilimanjaro, which are; the Shira (Londorossi) route, Lemosho route, Machame route, Umbwe route, Maranggu route, and Rongai route.
| TRIP DETAILS |
| REQUEST INFO |
10 Days wildebeest & gorillas safari
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of East Africa as we invite you to explore the enchanting landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich biodiversity of Rwanda and Tanzania. This meticulously crafted 10-day itinerary promises an immersive experience, seamlessly blending the awe-inspiring encounters with Rwanda’s majestic gorillas and golden monkeys with the boundless wonders of Tanzania’s iconic Serengeti
| TRIP DETAILS |
| REQUEST INFO |
15 Day primate, wildlife & beach life
Welcome to an exhilarating itinerary that seamlessly weaves together the wild landscapes of Uganda and the exotic charm of Zanzibar. Over the course of 15 days, you will embark on an unforgettable journey that promises not only encounters with remarkable wildlife but also immersive cultural experiences and moments of sheer relaxation.
| TRIP DETAILS |
| REQUEST INFO |
5 Day best of Rwanda primate safaris
This 5 Days Best of Rwanda Primate Safari will bring you to the awe-inspiring primate destinations in this land of a thousand hills. It will take you to Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga ranges where you will encounter both the magnificent, huge, gentle, and endangered mountain gorillas and the beautiful golden monkeys that are endemic to the Virunga ranges.
| TRIP DETAILS |
| REQUEST INFO |
15 Day Uganda Rwanda Primate & wildlife
Welcome to an exhilarating itinerary that seamlessly weaves together the wild landscapes of Uganda and the exotic charm of Zanzibar. Over the course of 15 days, you will embark on an unforgettable journey that promises not only encounters with remarkable wildlife but also immersive cultural experiences and moments of sheer relaxation.
| TRIP DETAILS |
| REQUEST INFO |
6 Day Ngorongoro crater & gorillas
Book 6 Days Ngorongoro crater visit and Rwanda gorilla trekking to explore Tanzania & Rwanda on an Africa Safari experience tailored by Active African vacation the leading Safari operator in Uganda. The 6 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari takes you to the great Ngorongoro crater reserve for an amazing wildlife experience. The government of Tanzania has gone to great length to make the country a leading tourist destination.
| TRIP DETAILS |
| REQUEST INFO |