Wildebeest Migration Kenya (Masai Mara) When, Where & Tours

The Great Wildebeest Migration Kenya (Masai Mara) Best Time, Safaris, Best Places to stay, Best Wildebeest Migration Safari Packages. Millions of wildebeest travel from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara in what is known as “The Great Migration.” It’s one of the most exhilarating and amazing nature shows ever seen. The animals’ natural inclinations lead them each year to the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara, where they can find better grazing and rainfall. During the seasons, the best time to see the migration is around the middle of July, when the larger herds of wildebeest begin to move into Masai Mara. The migration peaks towards the end of August and begins to taper off by the middle of September.

In the past, up to 1.5 million wildebeest, nearly a million zebra, and a great number of other animals have made the arduous journey, which lasts for many weeks. They must travel over the crocodile-infested Mara and Talek rivers, where many drown trying to avoid the huge nile crocodiles waiting in ambush. For the purpose of brevity, we’ve compiled a list of the most often asked questions (and answers) by travelers about the migration while arranging a safari in Kenya.

Where do the wildebeest migrate to and from

The migratory patterns of the wildebeest involve a journey from the Serengeti region to the Masai Mara, and are influenced by various factors including climatic conditions, availability of grazing pastures, as well as mating and calving seasons. It is important to note that the wildebeest engage in a migratory pattern throughout the year, predominantly following a clockwise route. This migration spans extensive territories, encompassing the Southern, Central, and Western regions of the Serengeti. Eventually, after a year-long journey, the wildebeest arrive in the Masai Mara region, typically around the months of July and August. The return migration to the Serengeti often occurs in late October, characterized by a gradual dispersal rather than a grand spectacle.

How do you see the Wildebeest Migration

The migration phenomenon can be observed during a safari game drive in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, facilitated by specialist vehicles operated by expert Driver-Guides. Given that there are multiple key locations where the wildebeest traverse the rivers, it can be imperative to gain entry and position oneself at these specific places throughout a full-day excursion within the reserve, as certain lodges and campsites can be situated up to an hour’s drive away from the optimal observation areas. The majority of tourists who specifically visit to witness the migration regard observing the river crossings as a notable aspect of their tour. Consequently, they desire to allocate sufficient time at these crossing points, which, it is worth noting, exhibit slight variations on an annual basis while remaining within a generally similar sub-locality of the reserve.

Best Time to see Wildebeest Migration in Kenya Month by Month

There is a common misconception among individuals that the Great Migration occurs solely on an annual basis. However, it is important to note that this migration is a continuous phenomena that transpires throughout the whole year. Consequently, this ongoing event presents diverse and captivating wildlife encounters that vary depending on the specific time of year.

The River crossing event is highly sought after throughout the migration and typically aligns with the peak safari season. Consequently, it is commonly assumed that this is the exclusive period when the wildebeest are in motion or observable. The migration crossing typically takes place at Mara River during the late July to August period, extending into parts of September. Similarly, during their return journey south, the crossing is observed from the last two weeks of October through early November.

Therefore, it is advisable to observe and monitor the yearly wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara during specific periods. The following is a broad overview of the approximate locations of the herds throughout the year, taking into consideration the unpredictable nature of their movements, which are influenced by rainfall patterns that can vary in terms of timing and intensity.

The Great Migration – Wildebeest Migration from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara, Crossing Mara River

December To April

The location of the herds, situated between the Ndutu plains and Ngorongoro plains, south of Serengeti National Park, is contingent upon the precipitation patterns. Therefore, the optimal location to reside during this four-month period would be the southernmost region of the Serengeti. During the month of February, it is the period when wildebeests engage in calving activities, presenting a significant opportunity for observing the process of wildebeest birth. The herds exhibit rapid movement as they seek out meadows that offer optimal conditions to sustain their offspring. The likelihood of predator interaction is high, as lions and leopards are migrating to this area to hunt and feed upon the juvenile and susceptible calves. By the conclusion of March or the commencement of April, the herds exhibit a gradual and foreseeable migration pattern as they initiate their movement towards the north. A considerable number of these herds have already departed and are currently situated inside the middle and, in some cases, even the western regions of the Serengeti.

May To June

During this particular season, the migratory herds exhibit a consistent pattern of movement towards the northern regions, driven by their need to access abundant sources of nourishment and water. The phenomenon of migration typically involves the movement of large groups of wildebeest, spanning up to 40 kilometers or 25 miles in length. This spectacle is observable as the wildebeest migrate towards the central and western regions of the Serengeti. These migratory herds, consisting of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, are often accompanied by zebras, as well as a few Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles. The conclusion of the rainy season in June typically corresponds with the customary occurrence of the Grumeti River crossing, which is primarily contingent upon the water level of the Grumeti River. It is worth noting that this period presents an opportunity to observe Nile Crocodiles in the vicinity. The current crossing under consideration does not possess the same level of grandeur as the crossings observed at the Mara River.

July To September

The occurrence under discussion pertains to the commencement of a significant event, namely the initiation of a substantial Mara River crossing. The migratory animal populations have successfully arrived at the western Serengeti and Grumeti Reserves, where they are observed engaging in close examination of the rivers they must traverse, characterized by their brown-colored waters.

During the month of August, the group of survivors proceeds in a northward direction, traversing the northern region of the Serengeti and afterwards into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. The herd undergoes a division into smaller factions, with approximately fifty percent of the animals remaining in the northern region of the Serengeti. The remaining wildebeest proceed to traverse the Mara River, while the majority of the herds relocate to the Greater Masai Mara area, where they consume the abundant resources of lush green grass. Subsequently, they proceed northwards towards the private conservancies of Mara North and Olare Orok.Observing the frenzied assemblage of wildebeests traversing the Mara River often constitutes a highly favored spectacle during the migratory process.

October To November

The wildebeest herds are currently engaged in a migratory pattern characterized by enhanced coordination, as they collectively move in the southern direction. This migration route specifically involves traversing the western Loliondo region and the Lobo area within the Serengeti National Park, with the primary objective of accessing the nourishing green vegetation. The presence of the herds is currently observable in the regions of Kogatende and Lamai, located in the northern part of the Serengeti.

In a typical year, the onset of the short rains typically occurs in November. The herds have currently migrated to the Serengeti region, namely occupying the Lobo, Mbuze Mawe, and Seronera Valley areas, which are characterized by ample water resources. The wildebeest have a concentrated presence in the north-eastern Serengeti, specifically in the vicinity of Lobo, as well as in the southern region of the Serengeti, where fresh grass is available. The process of calving recommences, prompting the predators to reestablish their presence, thereby initiating the recurring cycle of life.