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10 Best Places to See Wildebeests In Africa
10 best places to see wildebeests in Africa are particularly found in the Southern part of Africa composed of countries like; South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique and Eastern part in countries Kenya and Tanzania.
Wildebeests belong to the bovidae family and are members of the antelope family. These are well developed animals known for their distinctive appearance, including a large robust body, a hump on their shoulders and curved horns for both males and females. There are two species of wildebeests: the blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) and the black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) and they are primarily found in the savannah grasslands and open woodlands of Africa. They are known for their movement, where they travel in large herds across the plains in search of food and water.
The Following Are the best places in Africa to see the wildebeest migration;
Serengeti National Park
This is one of 10 best places to see the wildebeests in Africa, located in northern Tanzania and is one of the most renowned and iconic wildlife conservation areas in Africa. It covers an expansive area of approximately 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 square miles) and is part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem, which includes adjacent reserves and conservation areas. It is most renowned for hosting wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores that move in search of fresh grazing and water. This makes it one of the ideal destinations for an African safari.
In addition to wildebeests, Serengeti National Park also is known among 10 destinations to have a variety of wildlife species such as African Lion, African Leopard, African Elephant, African Buffalo, African Cheetah, African Giraffe, African Zebra, Thomson’s Gazelle, Grant’s Gazelle, Spotted Hyena, African Wild Dog, Numerous Bird Species making it one of the places to visit in Africa.
One of the most common activities offered at the park is the wildebeest migration viewing that typically occurs from late June to October when the wildebeests and zebras move from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. However, the park is open year-round with activities like game drives, walking safaris, hot air balloon safaris, bird watching, cultural tours, camping and others.
There are various accommodation options within and around the park, ranging from luxury lodges and tented camps to more budget-friendly options. Some of the lodges and camps offer an upscale, immersive safari experience.
Serengeti National Park can be reached by air via several airstrips within the park or by road from nearby towns and cities. The main entry point is the Seronera Airstrip.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Maasai Mara is also considered among the 10 best places to see wildebeests in Africa, located in the Great Rift Valley region of Kenya, covering approximately 1,510 square kilometers (580 square miles) of pristine African savannah. Wildebeest are the dominant inhabitants of the Maasai Mara, and their numbers are estimated in millions. Around July of each year, these animals migrate north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south around October.
The movement of wildebeests is one of the most impressive natural events found in Maasai Mara National Reserve where wildebeests move in large numbers in search for fresh water and it normally happens in July and October. Other animals that move include Thomson’s gazelles and zebras.
In addition to the wildebeests and other animals like Zebras, Maasai Mara national reserve has a variety of wildlife such as giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards and others which gives tourists a memorable experience during other activities like game drives, nature walks, cultural tours, bird watching, camping, balloon safaris.
Various lodges, tented camps, and safari accommodations in the Maasai Mara caters for visitors who want to experience the wildebeest migration. These accommodations offer a range of options, from luxury lodges to more budget-friendly camps for example the Masai Mara Serena Hotel, Base camp Masai Mara and Pride Inn Mara Haven.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
This is also one of the 10 best places to see wildebeests in Africa, located in northern Tanzania and it covers an area of approximately 8,292 square kilometers (3,202 square miles). It is a unique and ecologically significant area known for its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and cultural heritage.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is majorly known for having a substantial population of wildebeests which don’t migrate and therefore can be seen all year round along with other wildlife species such as zebras, gazelles, ungulates, rhinos, hippopotamus, elands and water bucks
In addition to the wildlife, Ngorongoro Conservation Area has other tourist attractions like the olduvai gorge which is a steep sided ravine in the great rift valley which stretches along with eastern Africa, Ngorongoro crater and the vegetation cover. These offer activities like cultural visits, wildlife viewing, camping and bird watching.
There are various accommodations available in and around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ranging from lodges and tented camps to budget-friendly options for example the Ngorongoro sopa lodge and Ngorongoro rhino lodge
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is also considered among the 10 best places to see wildebeests in Africa and it is located in northwest Zimbabwe. It is known as the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe and it covers around 14,600 square kilometer in area. The park was founded in 1928 and was originally known as Wankie National Park and was later renamed Hwange National Park.
Popular activities in Hwange National Park include, guided walking safaris as they offer closer connection to the park’s flora and fauna and birdwatching, game drives as they offer excellent opportunities to observe wildlife, while walking safaris provide a closer connection to the park’s flora and fauna.
Hwange National Park is accessible by road and air as visitors can drive to the park from major cities in Zimbabwe, and there are airstrips within the park for those who prefer to fly in.
The park offers various accommodation options, including lodges, tented camps, and self-catering facilities giving visitors an opportunity to choose from a range that suit their preferences and budgets for example Ngweshla camp, Shumba camp and Masuma camp.
Etosha National Park
This is also one of the 10 best places to see wildebeests in Africa located in northern part of Namibia and it covers an area of approximately 22,270 square kilometers (8,600 square miles).
Etosha National Park is known as Africa’s largest park and its unique character of salt pans. It has a variety of wildlife species including lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses (both black and white), and various antelope species and over 340 bird species including the flamingos and pelicans. It is also known to have a resident population of wildebeests also known as blue wildebeests present year-round and they make up one of the many species of herbivores that inhabit the park.
In addition, Etosha National Park also offers activities like desert safaris, self drive adventure and private guided tours. It also offers other activities like guided game drives and night drives allowing visitors to explore the park at their own pace.
There are several camps and lodges located within Etosha National Park, offering different types of accommodations, ranging from camping facilities to more luxurious lodges such as Halali camp, Namutoni camp and Onkoshi camp. Some of these accommodations provide excellent opportunities for game viewing within the park.
The dry season, typically from May to October, is a good time to see wildebeests and other animals in Etosha as they congregate around the waterholes, making sightings more predictable.
Selous Game Reserve
Selous Game Reserve now renamed as Nyerere National Park is also considered among the 10 best places to see wildebeests in Africa, located in southern Tanzania. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to its immense size and the diversity of its ecosystems, which include savannah grasslands, woodlands and wetlands.
Selous Game Reserve is majorly known for the mighty Rufiji River which flows through the park and a lifeline for many animals and also known for wildebeest that do not undertake the massive annual migration as seen in other areas. It is also known for its populations of elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide range of bird species.
In addition, Selous Game Reserve also offers a range of activities to clients like Game Drives, Mountain Biking, Bass Fishing, Paintball & Target Shooting, Archery, Segway Tours, Birdwatching, Self-drive game.
The reserve offers a variety of lodging options, including luxury lodges and tented camps, as well as more budget-friendly choices for example the Selous Mbuyu Safari Camp, Lake Manze Tented Cam and Rufiji River Camp. Some lodges are located along the banks of the Rufiji River, providing stunning views and it is accessible by road or air. There are several airstrips in the reserve for those arriving by domestic aircraft.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
This is also one of the 10 best places to see wildebeests in Africa located in Botswana and one of the largest in the world covering approximately 52,800 square kilometers (20,400 square miles) in the heart of the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is also known for its wildebeest population and as a home to other various wildlife species that have evolved to thrive in the Desert such as oryx, springbok, giraffe, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas.
In addition, Central Kalahari Game also offers activities like guided safaris, camping trips, self-drive adventures, nature walks with the Basarwa (the San) and culture based dances.
There are a few lodges and campsites within and near the reserve that offer accommodations, including self-catering options and luxury lodges for example Dinaka, Kalahari Game Lodge, Evolve Back Kalahari and Tilodi Safari Lodge.
The dry season, from May to October, is the best time to visit when wildlife congregates around water sources, and the weather is more convenient for outdoor activities.
Liuwa Plain National Park
Liuwa Plain National Park is also considered among the 10 best places to see wildebeests in Africa, situated in the Barotse Floodplain region of western Zambia, near the border with Angola covering an area of approximately 3,660 square kilometers (1,411 square miles).
Liuwa Plain National Park is famously known for having the blue wildebeest and takes the second position in Africa. It also has the longest conservation in Africa, dating back to the 19th century.
In addition to wildebeests, Liuwa Plain is home to a variety of other wildlife species like zebra, tsessebe, lechwe, hartebeest, buffalo, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs. It is also known for its abundant birdlife, with over 300 bird species recorded in the park for example large flocks of crowned cranes and the annual gathering of wattled cranes.
Liuwa Plain National Park offers activities like game drives, guided walks, birdwatching, camping and cultural visits with experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the area and its wildlife.
The park offers various accommodation options, including lodges, tented camps, and self-catering facilities giving visitors an opportunity to choose from a range that suit their preferences and budgets for example King Lewanika Lodge, Matamanene Camp, to mention but a few.
Kafue National Park
This is also among the 10 best places to see wildebeests in Africa, situated in the western and central regions of Zambia. It one of Africa’s largest national parks, covering an area of approximately 22,400 square kilometers (8,600 square miles).
Kafue National Park is one of Africa’s largest national parks and offers diverse wildlife viewing, including wildebeests and also elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, zebras, antelopes, and over 480 bird species
In addition to wildlife and bird life, Kafue river is a central feature of the park and provides opportunities for boat cruises, fishing, and other water-based activities. Other activities include game drives, guided walks, birdwatching, camping and cultural visits
Within Kafue National Park, there are several lodging options available to accommodate tourists, ranging from lodges and tented camps to campsites. These accommodations offer a range of amenities and experiences, from comfortable lodges with all the modern conveniences to more rustic and immersive camping options. Many of these accommodations are located in prime wildlife-viewing areas, providing an opportunity to experience the park’s natural beauty and wildlife for example Musekese Camp.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is one of the 10 best places to see wildebeests in Africa, located in eastern Rwanda, near the border with Tanzania. It covers an area of approximately 1,122 square kilometers (433 square miles) and is named after the Akagera River, which flows along its eastern boundary. The park was established in 1934, making it one of the oldest national parks in Africa.
Akagera National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Africa established in 1934 and known for wildebeest also. It also has diverse wildlife including zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions hippos, buffalos, leopards, hyenas, bush bucks, Topis, Oribis, water-bucks, impalas and crocodiles and hundreds of bird species such as the rare shoebill stork.
Akagera National Park is a popular tourist destination in Rwanda offering activities such as game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and guided nature walks to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
The park offers various accommodation options, including lodges and campsites, where visitors can stay during their safari experience and they cater to different budgets and preference such as Ruzizi tented lodge, Akagera game lodge and Top tower hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Wildebeest Migration take place?
- The migration is a year-round cycle, but the most dramatic and famous part occurs between July and September when the herds cross the Mara River in the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem.
Where is the best place to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration?
- The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya are the most renowned destinations for witnessing this migration.
What is the best time to visit these destinations for wildebeest viewing?
- The best time to visit these destinations for wildebeest migrations is generally during the dry season when the herds move in search of water and greener patures.
Do I need a guide or safari to see wildebeests?
- While it’s possible to see wildebeests on your own in some parks, having a knowledgeable guide or joining a safari can significantly enhance your chances of witnessing the migration and understanding the wildlife behavior.
What other wildlife can I expect to see when observing wildebeests?
- When observing wildebeests, you are likely to see a wide range of other wildlife, including predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, as well as other herbivores like zebras, gazelles, and various antelope species.
Are there accommodations available near these wildebeest migration destinations?
- Yes, there are a variety of accommodations available, ranging from luxury lodges to tented camps and budget-friendly options, near these destinations. It’s advisable to book accommodations well in advance, especially during the peak migration season.
Conclusion
For an amazing and immersive experience when visiting any of the above National Parks to see the wildebeests, do not hesitate to contact Kubwa Five Safaris. We organize safaris to any of those parks and other countries as well. You can visit our website www.kubwafivesafari.com for more information. Kubwa Five Safaris is always readily available to offer you a thrilling and memorable safari.