Wildebeest Migration Masai Mara Kenya
Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya’s oldest and most visited safari destinations especially because of the Great Migration. The wildebeest migration is one of the most intriguing and thrilling displays of wildlife behavior. Knowing when the annual migration occurs helps travelers to know what to expect and that’s why we are sharing this guide for spectacular Kenya Safari trips.
Maasai Mara National Park Kenya Safari
After the rains when the first flush turns the Maasai Mara Game Reserve golden savannah green, the most mesmerizing wildlife spectacle is the wildebeest migration. The animals that form the Great annual migration include the wildebeests, whose numbers are just about 1.7 million, Thomson’s gazelles with about 400,000 of them, 300,000 zebras, and about 12,000 elands. In reality, there is no other African safari destination where such a single entity of millions of wildlife can be seen in a single migration. The migration is annual with an endless movement of wildebeests in search of water and greener pastures.
Their movement route is well known from the Serengeti ecosystem of Tanzania to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve of Kenya according to the rains. The Serengeti ecosystem is a 40,000 square mile area comprised of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in the North, and the Ndutu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Maswa Game Reserve of Tanzania in the South. The central, eastern, and western areas include the Grumeti Reserve, Loliondo, and Serengeti National Park.
The Great wildebeest movement is influenced by seasonal rains and the availability of greener pasture.
Their sole purpose of migrating is following the rainfall and where there is good pasture for them to feed on. Though the migration is almost predictable, the wildebeest are actually attracted by the rains and can go anywhere with rain within the Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem. This makes it sometimes hard to predict where the big herds will be at a very specific time.
Wildebeests Crossing the Mara River
The Mara River is the most dramatic spot to see the wildebeests in the struggle for survival for the fittest. It is between the months of July and October when more than one million wildebeest, accompanied by numerous numbers of zebra and Thomson’s gazelles make the long and dangerous trek from the drier lands of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It is beautiful to see this trek as the lines of the migrating animals reach as far as the eye can see. The drama begins the moment the wildebeest arrive at the Mara River and must cross to reach the grazing lands of Kenya. As the wildebeest throng, the crocodiles cruise the waters as the bravest wildebeest takes lead to get into the river and others follow. During this time, predators are at guard to pounce at any animals that cannot make it through the river, many animals are killed here but still many continue to cross the river to Kenya for greener pastures. During this time, they mainly migrate to give birth, the grasslands echo with the sounds of the newborn.
Wildebeest crossing the Mara River
The Mara River is the most dramatic spot to see the wildebeest in the struggle for survival for the fittest. It is between the months of July and October when more than one million wildebeest, accompanied by numerous numbers of zebra and gazelles make the long and dangerous trek from the drier lands of Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya. It is beautiful to see this trek as the lines of the migrating animals reach as far as the eye can see. The drama happens the moment the wildebeest arrive at the Mara River and must cross to reach the grazing lands of Kenya. As the wildebeest throng, the crocodiles cruise the waters as the bravest takes lead to getting into the river and others follow. Predators during this time are at guard to eat any animals that cannot make it through the river, many animals are killed here but still many continue to cross the river to Kenya for greener pastures. During this time, they mainly migrate to give birth, the grasslands echo with the sounds of the newborn.
Best time to see the wildebeest in Maasai Mara National Reserve
The best time of the year to see the wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya is from July through to October. During this time of the year, wildebeest cross the Mara River which is one spectacular time to see the struggles of the jungle unfold before you. Maasai Mara is also home to one of the largest populations of lions and no wonder home to the BBC’s wildlife channel Big Cat Diary, therefore it is a great place for a Kenya safari with an opportunity to see one of the world’s natural wonders as well as a lot more of wildlife. February, March, and December are stunning times to see the big cats.
Different events unfold during the Great wildebeest migration and at times predictability could not be accurate. Movements may be slightly affected by the weather and are always advisable to contact and know of the current wildebeest migration pattern before setting a date to take a trip to see the countless animals.
The wildebeest spend most of their time of the year in Tanzania and can be seen on a well-planned wildlife safari in Tanzania during the right time. The wildebeest and more wildlife game drive in Kenya and Tanzania are indeed great options for any African tour. However, with a much more inclusive experience, gorilla trekking is a great activity to undertake before leaving East Africa. This can be done only on Uganda gorilla safaris, Rwanda gorilla tours, or on a Congo gorilla trekking safari that can all be planned by the experienced Jewel Safaris team.