Wildebeest migration in Masai Mara : Masai Mara national reserve is a safari destination which is found in the south western part of Kenya. From July, August and September, the wildebeest migration can be seen in the Masai Mara reserve in Kenya.
The wildebeest migration is among the famous attractions that tourists look forward to seeing during safaris around Masai Mara reserve as they visit Kenya. Over 2 million wildebeests migrate annually and can be seen as they graze around the savannah plains in the Mara.
To get to Masai Mara reserve in Kenya, the wildebeests cross the Mara river in the northern part of Serengeti which is among the greatest spectacles and highlights of the wildebeest migration that can be seen around July which is a time for the river crossings.
After crossing the Mara river from Serengeti national park, the wildebeests spread across the northern part of Masai Mara reserve in Kenya. Game viewing is also at its best around Masai Mara reserve around July to September.
Other wildlife species like zebras also follow the wildebeests during the migration to Masai Mara reserve and predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs can also be seen as they follow the wildebeest herds waiting to prey on the wildebeests.
Factors such as climate, the mating season, calving season among others also affect the movement of the wildebeests which is unpredictable throughout the year. However the best time to see the wildebeest migration during a safari around the Masai Mara reserve would be the month of August.
The wildebeest migration in Masai Mara can be seen during game drives which are among the activities that are carried out during safaris around the reserve. The game drives around Masai Mara reserve can be carried out during the morning hours, in the afternoon or evening.
Guides accompany tourists during these game drives around Masai Mara reserve as they enjoy seeing the wildebeest herds grazing around the savannah plains. Full day game drives can also be carried out for a chance to enjoy seeing the wildebeest migration for a full day when exploring the destination to thrill while on Kenya Safaris.
The wildebeest migration in Kenya takes place during the peak season and it is also a time when the wildebeests cross into the Masai Mara reserve while some of the wildebeests stay in the northern part of Serengeti national park.
After crossing to Masai Mara reserve, some of the wildebeests graze around the northern parts of the reserve while others continue moving to the private conservancies. Around October the wildebeest herds move southwards to western Loliondo and the lobo area in Serengeti national park.
Apart from Masai Mara reserve, the wildebeest migration also takes place in Serengeti national park in the northern part of Tanzania and also around the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro conservation area.
This migration takes place throughput the year and can be seen in different destinations during different months. Most of the migration takes place in Tanzania but can also be seen in Masai Mara reserve before the wildebeest herds return to Serengeti national park.
In Serengeti national park, the wildebeest migration can be seen in different parts of the park including the north, south, west and central parts of Serengeti. in the northern parts of the national park, the wildebeest migration can be seen during the months of June and July which is also a time when the wildebeests cross the Mara, in the central part of Serengeti national park, the wildebeest migration takes place around April and May and the central part of Serengeti is also known as Seronera area, in the western part of Serengeti the wildebeest migration can be seen around June and in the southern parts of Serengeti the wildebeest migration can be seen during the months from December to February which is a time for the calving season around Ndutu area where over 8000 wildebeest calves are born daily.
Activities which can be carried out during wildebeest migration safaris around Masai Mara reserve include nature walks, hot air balloon safaris and also cultural tours.
Nature walks around Masai Mara reserve involve moving on foot and getting a closer view of the surroundings in the reserve and wildlife species can also be seen during the activity. A ranger guide also accompanies tourists during nature walks around the reserve.
Hot air balloon safaris are also part of the safari experience when visiting Masai Mara reserve in Kenya. During the wildebeest migration in Kenya the hot air balloon safari ride is very exciting as tourists get to watch the wildebeest herds as the move around the savannah plains of the reserve. The balloon ride takes about 1 hour and costs around 500 USD per person during safaris around Masai Mara reserve.
Cultural tours are also carried out during safaris to Masai Mara reserve and this activity involves interacting with the locals and getting to know more about their way of life and culture. The Masai are among the locals who tourists can interact with during Kenya safaris.
How to get to Masai Mara during safaris in Kenya
Masai Mara national reserve can be accessed by flight and also by driving. The drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara takes about 5 to 6 hours.
Flights to Masai Mara reserve can be got from Wilson Airport to the airstrips around the reserve such as Mara Serena airstrip, keekorok airstrip, Musiara airstrip, Kichwa tembo airstrip, Siana springs airstrip among others.
