The Great Wildebeest Migration takes place in East Africa, specifically in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem — the oldest and last of its kind remaining on the planet. Stretching from northern Tanzania to southern Kenya, it encompasses indigenous reservations and protected wildlife zones like Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and, on the Kenyan side, the Maasai Mara Reserve. Most of the Great Wildebeest Migration occurs within Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.This ecosystem covers about 40,000 square kilometers (approximately 15,500 square miles) and is home to several million animals, including wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles, zebras, buffalos, giraffes, elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and many others. This rich diversity is due to a variety of habitats, from lakes, rivers, and swamps to grasslands and forests.The best time to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. The most iconic and dramatic moments are in late July through early September when the herds cross the Mara River into Kenya, or during January and February in Ndutu, when the calving season unfolds on the lush plains.