The Great Migration
An Estimated 1.5 million wildebeests, Over 250,000 Burchell’s zebras and uncountable trek of Thomson’s gazelles make again the round-trip trek from Tanzania’s famous Serengeti to the Masai Mara in Kenya. Combined herds make an approximate of 1,000 – 1,200 mile round or oval like circuit looking for fresh waters and grass in the wake of the new rains. Dramatically, the smell of rain and sound of repeatedly thunder revoke the migration forward. Through the crocodile fested river, The anxious animals become prey to predators including lions, cheetahs, crocodile and hyenas.
An Estimation of around 260,000 wildebeest and 35,000 zebras do not make it to the other side of Mara and back under this tough trek and ofcourse younger ones. When one of the dominants starts to cross, the mother wildebeests many times just start running and keep running forgetting that their young can’t keep up with the pace Narrates one of Our great migration Professional Safari Guide in Tanzania – Dismass Mally. Remarkably a move at the river you don’t want to miss spectating at.
“The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest animal migration in the world..”
Where the Great Wildebeest Migration occurs
The Wildebeest migration in east Africa takes place in a clockwise loop between Tanzania and Kenya, the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Loliondo Game Managed Area, and Grumeti Reserve is the main destinations.
The Masai Mara Game Reserve, which borders the Serengeti National Park to the north, is part of the Kenyan movement. Each month has its own set of advantages in terms of weather, wildlife, migratory movements, predator encounters, river crossings, and where to stay to make the most of your tour to see the Great Wildebeest Migration.
The Great Migration Movement.
January – March
The great migration begins in the Serengeti national park. “Wildebeest tend to congregate in February, when they give birth to an approximate 3500,000 calves, “The reason for concentrating in the south is to give their calves the richest milk, as the soil and grass there is rich in potassium, calcium and phosphorus from the volcanic eruptions of two to three million years ago. Remarkably “The southern part of the Serengeti has short grass, so wildebeests prefer to calve here, without fear of predators that tactically hidden in taller grass.
April – May | June – July
In the beginning months of April, most of the grass is gone.” As the Serengeti starts to dry up, the herds follow the Grummet River west in search for better pasture and water.
In the beginning months of June – July, The approached Grumeti River is low, often leaving crocodile infested pools as the only water source in the area, and both wildebeest and zebra drink almost three gallons daily on average and the main body is in and around Ikorongo and Fort Ikoma. At this time, the herds proceed to the Masai Mara as the reserve receives rain from Lake Victoria, approximately 75 miles away.
August – September
The first big herds arrive the Masai Mara, and the river crossings begin. “August is probably the best month to catch a crossing and spectacle however it is a game of waiting so we recommend you take a book and hold within self alot of patience. On a lucky day, you may witness three or four dramatic crossings in one day. The feast-or-famine crocs lick their chops for four months of the year in total, though they can survive on fish and the fat in their tails for a year or more.”
October – December
The herds turn their way around and head back home towards the Serengeti, as the rainy season starts in Tanzania. Considering in October, the Masai Mara grasslands are pool-table flat so then now, the million-beast march their journey south, consuming approximately 5,000 tons of grass a day.
Recommended Migration Safaris
Great Migration Safari 12 Days | 11 Nights
Travel and watch as hundreds of thousands of wilder beasts & zebras with their young ones make their annual river crossing in search for food
Kenya Masai Mara Safari 14 Days | 13 Nights
Be witness to the worlds magical spectacle in Masai Mara. Watch as Thousands and Millions of wildebeest cross the crocodile feasted River.
Fly In Masai Mara Expedition 3 Days | 2 Nights
Visit the iconic Masai Mara in a 3 days expedition by air. Arrive to a spectacular wildlife encounter and slumber in very iconic safari lodges.