Masai Mara wildebeest migration safari is your perfect recipe for those looking to experience the thundering hooves of over two million animals crossing the Mara River.
What is Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth. Each year, over two million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, embark on a treacherous journey across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing grounds and water. This epic migration is a continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth, creating an unparalleled spectacle of raw nature. During the wildebeest migration, many animals die due to the injuries sustained while jumping, as they cross the river, and others are killed by the crocodiles in the river. Those that manage to cross to the other end are not spared either, the predators such as the lions, cheetahs, and hyenas hunt them down for food. It is a very interesting show of nature. While many die, many are born also. Once they settle in Masai Mara, they start to give birth hence increasing the population again. This creates a good balance between the predators, grazers, and pasture in the ecosystem. Interesting, right?
When Does the Wildebeest Migration Happen in Masai Mara?
The Wildebeest migration is a year-round event, with the herds moving in a roughly circular pattern between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. However, this migration in Masai Mara happens in phases as explained below.
Wildebeest Migration Circle
Wildebeest Migration
Normally the major great wildebeest migration happens during the peak of the Masai Mara safari. This makes people think that is the only time migration takes place. This is not true! your can witness the Mara River crossing at any time of the year by taking advantage of our Masai Mara safari packages
Here is the general guideline on where the herds are when since the activities are triggered by rains which are hard to predict.
December to April.
In January the herds are at the Serengeti National Park moving south from the northern region towards Lake Ndutu. At this time the herds move freely within the park to wherever they can find grass to feed on. This is also the calving season when over 800 calves are born each day. The predators at the Serengeti enjoy a field day as they predate on the calves. Lions, hyenas, jackals, and wild dogs enjoy the biggest share as the mother wildebeest grieve for the loss, this is nature in the wild, we can only enjoy the live action during game drives. The bittersweet moment it is.
May to June
During this time of the year, the migratory herds start to mass up forming a large group. They start moving to the central and western Serengeti seeking fresh grass fields to feed on. The Zebras and antelopes start to join forming a large herd of up to 4o kilometers long. June marks the end of the rains and the crossing of river Gurumet starts. However, this is not as spectacular as the migration crossing the Mara River.
June to July: River Crossings
One of the most dramatic migration moments occurs between June and July when the herds make the perilous crossing of the Mara River. if you plan a wildebeest Migration safari, this is the ideal time to experience the most dramatic migration scenes. Watch in awe as thousands of animals brave the crocodile-infested waters, driven by an instinctive urge to reach the lush grazing lands of the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- July to October: Grazing in the Mara
July to October is the peak season where herds spread out across the Masai Mara’s fertile plains, taking advantage of the abundant grass. This is the best time to witness large concentrations of wildlife and intense predator-prey interactions, as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas take advantage of the plentiful prey. During your Migration safari within this period, you are likely to encounter a scene where the lioness is chasing a wildebeest for a meal for her cubs.
Planning your wildebeest migration safari during these months ensures you witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in all its glory, with dramatic river crossings and the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the Masai Mara teeming with wildlife.
- November: Return to Serengeti
By late October into November, the herds begin their journey back to the Serengeti, crossing the Mara River again and heading southward as they follow the rains to the other side.
You can plan a Masai Mara wildebeest migration safari at any given time. However, during the peak season is the best time you can have full glory. Join us and experience the best of migration at the Masai Mara.