It just happened that seasonally the wildebeests would find their way between Masai mara and the Serengeti of Tanzania in search of greener pastures. While all that was happening naturally, the wildebeests had no idea that they were creating an attraction to the whole world, the biggest beneficially being Kenya and Tanzania. Because of these innocent millions of wildebeests and thousands of zebras crossing the dangerous rivers, overcoming every odd, the seventh wonder of the world was born. This attraction brings visitors from all over the world yearly to see this happening life during a Kenya Masai Mara Safari around June and July.
Timing of the Great Wildebeest Migration
It all starts from Ngorongoro Plains which is a conserved area in Serengeti. The rainfall season ends in April and this marks the end of their stay in Ngorongoro and the beginning of a long journey to Kenya. During the season when they arrive at Ngorongoro the cows are pregnant and the season is about giving birth. By April most of them are strong and set to go. Unfortunately, most calves are never able to make it as they are too week for the journey. Others are ready food for hyenas and wild dogs.
The strong and the mighty start the move towards the northern and southern part so Serengeti. Their sisters, the zebras, actually set the pace of the movement as they are after the tall grass while the wildebeest go for the short grass. Between June and July, the herds start entering Masai Mara National Park where there are green pastures. They join up with the smaller population in the Kenyan land and together they spend time for other three months. The drama that is involved during the journey until the two parts meet is what makes the Great Wildebeest Migration.
The Drama at the Mara River Crossing
Because of the high rains, the Mara River is always overflowing with violent water from Mau Escarpment. It is always full of crocodiles and hippos. The green grass across the Mara River is what gives the wildebeests and zebras the zest to cross it regardless of the hungry and brutal crocodiles. As a visitor touring this region during your Kenya Masai mara safari is what makes the journey captivating and enjoyable. The scene is always a wonder and uniquely natural, one someone would want to see every other year. One brave wildebeest will jump into the water and quickly swim towards the river banks. Others would follow hopping blindly into the violent water. In the process, some will get trapped into the rocks, others will get hunted by the waiting brutal crocodiles while still others will be swept off by the violent waters of River Mara. The episodes have been photographed, captured on video and shared across the world year after year.
How to get to Masai Mara to see the Wildebeest Migration
African Memorable Safaris has very well organized packages designed to get you there during the season. The Masai Mara National Park has quite a number of hotels and lodges. The packages are designed to accommodate visitors in any of these lodges depending on the packages they choose. We have Safaris from Nairobi to Masai Mara and also Safaris from Mombasa to Masai Mara. Some are by air or by road. You are welcome to contact us in order to book for a wildebeest migration safari.