The notable Great Migration, an event where over a million wildebeest undertake an impressive journey, makes its way from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya. It’s an awe-inspiring sight, showcasing nature’s raw power and wildebeest behavior. Triggered by nature’s steady clock, the Migration unfolds annually. Guided by instinct, the herd follows the grass that sprouts after the rains, from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara. If you plan to witness this in 2021 or 2022, schedule your trip for mid-July. That’s when the large herds typically start transitioning to the Maasai Mara. The Migration continues until late August before it dwindles in mid-September.
A lot of animals move together each Year. Numbers aren’t consistent, but past journeys show that around 1.5 million wildebeest and nearly a million Zebra are involved. Plus, some other animals join too. It’s a long trip that continues for weeks. The hardest part involves crossing two significant rivers, the Mara and Talek, filled with hungry Nile crocodiles. Not all animals survive this dangerous crossing. To help the curious ones planning a Kenyan safari, we answer common questions about this enormous move, known as the Wildebeest Migration.
What time of the Year does the Wildebeest Migration kick off?
The Masai Mara migration usually kicks off in July and wraps up in late September. But, the specific dates within this time-frame are uncertain until we see big wildebeest groups at Serengeti’s north border, nearing Mara. These early groups sometimes hang out in one location for several days without heading to Mara. Hence, it’s challenging to guess the exact start time of the journey’s last part.
What is the best time to visit Masai Mara to see the Migration ?
From years of observing, we’d opt for mid-July to late August as the prime period to witness the Migration. Remember, it progresses slowly, happening over a few weeks at varying sites near the Serengeti Masai Mara boundary. Zooming in on the ultimate month for migration viewing, August would likely be our top pick.
Where do the wildebeest migrate to and from?
The wildebeest move from Serengeti to Masai Mara. Their travel is influenced by things like weather, food, and mating and calving times. Remember, they migrate all year, mostly in a clockwise pattern. They wander across huge spaces that stretch into Southern, Central, and Western Serengeti. By July or August, they reach Masai Mara. Their return trip to Serengeti takes place around late October. But the return is a less flashy event, more of a calm scattering.
Want to witness the Wildebeest Migration?
You can do that during a safari ride at the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The drive is led by skillful guides with specialized vehicles. The wildebeest often cross rivers at multiple central points. So, during a day trip at the reserve, you might need to park at these points. Some camps and lodges might be an hour away from the best viewing spots. Many tourists who come to see the migration see the river crossings as a key part of their trip. So, they like to spend ample time at these crossing points. By the way, the crossing point locations can slightly shift yearly, but they stay within a general zone of the reserve.
Month By Month Wildebeest Migration in masai mara
The Wildebeest Migration happens throughout the year, not just once, as many believe. This all-year event provides unique, exciting wildlife experiences at various times. The famous River crossing often aligns with peak safari season, leading to the incorrect assumption that this is the only movement period for the wildebeest. This crossing frequently takes place at the Mara River from late July to August, with parts of September and again on their return journey, roughly in the last two October weeks through early November. Therefore, these are the optimal times to observe the yearly Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara. Below is a rough guide of the herd’s whereabouts during the year, but remember, predicting their movement, prompted by rain, can be challenging due to the unpredictable nature of weather patterns.
Wildebeest Migration in masai mara-From December To April
The rain guides where the herds go. South of Serengeti National Park, between Ndutu and Ngorongoro plains, is often where they’re spotted. This makes the south of Serengeti the hotspot for the next four months. Come February, the wildebeest start having babies. There’s a good chance you could see a birth! The herds are on the move, looking for green grasslands for their newborns. The lions and leopards know this too and follow them, hunting the new calves. By the end of March or the start of April, the herds start their trip north. Many of them have already left and are in central and western Serengeti.
Wildebeest Migration in masai mara-From May To June
Many grazing herds begin their journey north this season, seeking fresh grass and water. Masses of wildebeest gather, forming great lines that stretch up to 40 kilometres or 25 miles! Joining them on their journey are zebras and some Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles. As they move north, the scenic beauty of the Serengeti unfolds before them. Wow, June! It brings the end of rainfall. It is famous for the Grumeti River crossing, but this depends on how much water is in the river. Here, you might even see crocodiles! But remember, this crossing isn’t as dramatic as the one at the Mara River.
Wildebeest Migration in masai mara-From July To September
Here comes a massive event—the famous Mara River crossing begins. The crowds of animals have landed on the western borders of Serengeti and Grumeti Reserves. Staring at the murky river waters, they know they must cross. By August, surviving animals push towards the north. Their journey takes them to the northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. The large herd divides. Some animals—nearly half—stay in the northern Serengeti. The rest cross the Mara River. Most animals can be found in the Greater Masai Mara zone, feasting on green grass before they trek north. They head to private conservancies like Mara North and Olare Orok. Everyone loves this migration phase: you see the wildebeests in a dash, making the wild Mara River crossing.
Wildebeest Migration in masai mara-From October To November
The wildebeest groups are moving, in harmony, heading south. They travel through western Loliondo and Lobo zone in the Serengeti National Park. Their journey leads them back to fresh, green sprouts. You can spot these herds in Kogatende and Lamai (Northern Serengeti). The typical short rains of November have started. Their current location is the Serengeti, staying in areas like Lobo, Mbuze Mawe, and the Seronera Valley. Abundant water draws them in. Fresh green fields appeal to the wildebeest. They congregate in the northern-eastern Serengeti (especially around Lobo) and also the southern Serengeti. The birth of new life starts, inviting predators to join, and here, the wheel of life spins once again