The great migrations in Kenya, also known as the Gnu migration, annually involve millions of wildebeests, thousands of zebras, and gazelles migrating from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Kenya. This movement occurs for several reasons, including changing weather patterns and the animals’ search for food and water. This migration remains the only mass terrestrial wild animal movement worldwide. The wildebeest migration in Kenya highlights tourism, drawing many tourists to Kenya and Tanzania in mid-year.
Timing the wildebeest migration is vital, but no perfect way to time the wild animals’ movement because they have a mind of their own. No one can tell exactly when the wildebeest migration will occur, but for years, it has happened around June to October, assuming other factors remain constant, though the times and migrations change.
Fortunately, we possess enough experience and have organized wildebeest migration safaris for years now. We have planned for thousands of travelers at the best price and the best time. We have developed a few tips and a beginner’s guide on how to plan and enjoy the wildebeest migration.
Can You Predict the Mara River Crossings?
No, you cannot predict the Mara crossings because the wildebeests themselves cannot predict when they will cross the Mara River. Some wild animals reach the river and cross immediately, while others arrive and spend days grazing and hanging around the river banks as they wait for others to cross. Still others fail to cross and turn back to where they came from. For this reason, tourists need ample time if they want to see the river crossing. You can still travel to Kenya for the wildebeest migration starting at the end of July because you will have something to watch even if the wildebeests arrive late.
Why Do Wildebeest Migrate?
No one knows the main reason wildebeests migrate, but people believe they migrate in response to changing weather. The migration from Serengeti usually begins after the rains stop in Serengeti and the grass starts to thin out. The animals follow their instinct to find food and water to survive. Other scientists believe that thunderstorms and lightning cause the wildebeests to migrate, although this has not yet been scientifically proven.
Where Does the Great Migration Start?
The Great Migration in Kenya starts from Serengeti National Park. This is why people call it the crossing of the wildebeests across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. There are no fixed start and end points, depending on your viewing location, because the animals’ movement is continuous. The epic journey starts from the Serengeti plains, moves through the Mara and Grumeti rivers before crossing into the Masai Mara in Kenya, and then cycles back to the Serengeti.
A Month-by-Month Breakdown of the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya
Tourists often ask what happens during the wildebeest migration. Below, we discuss a month-by-month breakdown of events during the migration. Note that this is a general guideline; other factors remain constant and are subject to change.
July:
The Great wildebeest migration in July reaches the Grumeti River. They peer closely at the river’s waters because crocodiles infest the Grumeti. It is practically impossible to cross the Grumeti, and some animals fail and turn back, whereas others brave the waters and cross, with some losing their lives. If you want to witness this, we recommend a mobile safari as the best way to spot the crossings.
August:
This is the best time to witness the mighty wildebeest crossing at the Mara River from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Tourists wait near the riverbank to see the mighty crossing where some animals drown, and the waters wash them away. Others bravely cross the Mara River, and others return to the Serengeti without crossing.
September:
After crossing the Mara River, the herds usually break into smaller groups because not all the wildebeests migrate into Kenya. This is the best time to watch the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara, and tourists with a mobile safari follow the wildebeests around the National Reserve.
October:
October still offers the best time to watch the wildebeest migration in Kenya, but note that more tourists visit during this period, so expect large crowds and higher rates. Your visit to the Masai Mara Nature Reserve will not only contribute to wildlife conservation as you watch the wildebeest migration, but you will also contribute to the Masai communities around the reserve.
November:
The wildebeest migration starts its way back to Serengeti National Park from the Masai Mara as the short rains begin in Serengeti. This provides a good time to watch the Mara crossings again, especially for tourists who prefer fewer crowds.
The Mara River Crossings
The Mara River crossings are considered the best and biggest event in the entire wildebeest migration. Tourists who visit the Masai Mara during this period never forget the wildebeests’ life-and-death experience as they cross the crocodile-infested rivers, fighting for their lives to cross the Mara for better pasture and a change in weather. Watch as the animals blindly jump into the River and face over 3000 crocodiles lurking in the waters, waiting to feast on the many wildlife in the Masai Mara.
The wildebeests have always managed to cross the Mara River, although some fail. After crossing, the wildebeests receive a reward of lots of green grass, but they still face the big cats that prowl through the nature reserve, hunting them down.
Mara River is also known as ‘the river of death,’ and two main crossing points exist along the river: the Main crossing below the Serena Camp and the Lookout Hill in the south of the reserve.
Where to Stay During the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya
Several camps and lodges cater to tourists during the wildebeest migration. We recommend some of the best:
The Rekero Tented Camp:
Rekero Tented Camp, an eco-camp, offers the perfect place to spot the wildebeest migration. This seasonal camp strategically overlooks the Talek River in Masai Mara Nature Reserve, allowing tourists to easily spot the wildebeest migration from the comfort of their rooms and along the decks.
II Moran Camp:
This intimate and small luxurious camp forms part of the prestigious Governor’s Camp. Ten luxurious tents sit right along the banks of the Mara River, making it one of the best camps for the wildebeest migration.
Kichwa Tembo Camp:
Kichwa Tembo Camp lies in the western region of the Masai Mara in a private concession along the Saparingo River, overlooking the Masai Mara plains. It is considered a good camp for spotting the wildebeest migration, but you need to book in advance to secure rooms, especially during the peak season. The best time to watch the wildebeest migration from Kichwa Tembo Camp is from the end of August to October as the wildebeests move northwards.
Governor’s Camp:
This, one of Kenya’s original camps, sits along the banks of the Mara River, making it a perfect place for the wildebeest migration. Governor’s Camp features 37 luxurious tents lining the riverbank, tucked among the forests with a view of the Masai Mara plains and the river. This intimate and quiet camp provides access via a boat ride across the Mara River and a guided walk through the forest. For tourists seeking peace, Governor’s Camp is the best.
Sala’s Camp:
Sala’s Camp, like the Giraffe Manor, belongs to ‘The Safari Collection,’ popular among tourists visiting Kenya for a safari. The camp is located along the tree-lined Mara River banks in the Masai Mara Nature Reserve. Sala’s Camp is close to the border of Kenya and Tanzania, meaning that all tourists using the camp as safari accommodation will be the first to spot the wildebeest migration as the animals cross from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park into the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
Serena Mara Lodge:
The Serena Mara Lodge sits within the Mara Triangle Conservancy atop a hill that overlooks the Mara River. The luxurious lodge offers the perfect place to stay during the migrations because you can easily spot the wildebeests from the comfort of your room through your window. It also offers a short journey from the lodge to the best spot for spotting the wildebeest migration.
Factors Affecting the Wildebeest Migration
The wildebeest migration has occurred for many years, making it the most-watched trek in the world every year. Although the migration normally starts from south to north, timing can change, especially with changes in rainfall, and as a result, the migration changes course. Research has proven that due to climatic changes, the south-to-north migration detours, implying that the migration can move in a zigzag manner.
Therefore, predicting the wildebeest migration’s movement is hard, as you can witness it at any time of the year.
How to Watch the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya
You can watch the wildebeest migration in Kenya in two main ways: through safari drives or mobile safaris, and hot air balloon rides.
- Safari Drives/Mobile Safaris: This is the most commonly used mode of transport for spotting the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara, Kenya. Mobile safaris are best because you can follow the wildebeest migration wherever it goes. Tourists can also opt for a full-day game drive around the Masai Mara as they watch the wildebeest migration and other wildlife species in the country.
- Hot Air Balloon Rides: If you want to add more spice to watching the great migration in Kenya, you can opt for hot air balloon rides and watch the migration from above. Floating above the wildebeest migration offers an enjoyable experience that includes an hour of flying over the animals, recording videos, and taking photos. Hot air balloon rides usually occur early in the morning, and after the ride, you receive a bush meal and champagne as a celebration for participating in the hot air balloon ride.
The Best Time for the Great Migrations in Kenya
The best time to watch the wildebeest migration in Kenya is from July to November. You can use the rest of the months for other safari activities in Masai Mara Nature Reserve, including hot air balloon rides, bird watching, guided nature walks, game drives, and photography safaris. The wildebeests start gathering around the Mara River banks, and the crossing begins at this time. However, note that crossings can change with a change in weather, and the Mara crossings can come either late or earlier than usual.
The wildebeest migration in Kenya is the best and most participated-in activity in the Masai Mara, and you can combine it with other safaris in the nature reserve and other national parks. Get in touch with us for more details about the great migration, and let us help you plan a fun-filled wildebeest migration to Kenya.
