Wildebeest Migration in Kenya – Experience the Spectacular Wildebeest Migration in Kenya: Best time, Location & Travel Tips
The Wildebeest Migration in Kenya is one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events that attracts visitors from allover the globe. Each year, the vast savannahs of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve come alive with one of the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles on Earth — the Great Wildebeest Migration. This natural phenomenon (Wildebeest Migration in Kenya) is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and the most spectacular show on earth. The wildebeest migration in in Kenya sees large herds of mammal grazers especially wildebeests, accompanied by zebras, gazelles, and other wildlife journey into the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve due to a long round trek of drier lands from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
The Wildebeest Migration in Kenya isn’t just a migration — it’s a thrilling display of survival, strategy, and instinct, where predators lurk at every corner and the mighty Mara River becomes a battleground between life and death – making it one of the most spectacular wildlife events that you’ll witness on earth. The migrating mammals follow an old age route across the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem in search of nutrient rich pasture. The migration is dictated by the rain patterns across these two large conservation ecosystem. Embark on a Wildebeest migration safari in Kenya/Kenya Wildlife Safari with us and have an opportunity to experience every bit of this natural spectacle – from the thunderous hooves echoing across the plains to the heart-pounding Mara River crossings.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, or simply a lover of nature, a wildebeest Migration Safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve has you covered. Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with Nirvana Safaris and stir your soul, leaving unforgettable memories of the Raw African Beauty and biodiversity.
What is the Wildebeest Migration?
What is the great wildebeest migration? The great wildebeest migration refers to the constant movement of columns od wildebeest and their entourage (Zebras & Gazelles) following an old age route searching for water and nutrient rich pastures. This migration is the largest terrestrial mammal migration (large herd movement of animals) on the earth – with up to 1,000 animals per km². The migrating mammals move from the Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and back to Tanzania, making the movement constant. Annually, over 1.5 million wildebeest and over 300,000 zebra along with topi and other gazelle, embark on this long round trek following the rainfall patterns across the Serengeti–Mara Ecosystem. Although its is still difficult to understand how the wildebeest determine which direction to take, it is believed that the mammals are guided by survival instinct.
During the migration, each wildebeest covers about 800 to 1,000km on its individual journey along an age-old migration routes. The migration is a true testament of survival, strategy, and instinct as the hungry predators (lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, wild dog and crocs), and deadly rivers make sure only the strongest survive during the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya. A must include on your bucket list to Kenya when planning a Kenya Holiday Safari or Kenya Vacation.
Where does the wildebeest migration start?
The great wildebeest migration/Wildebeest migration starts from the southern part of the Serengeti National Park near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (although not into the Crater itself) in the early moth of the year. After arriving from Kenya, the large herds usually congregate around this area for some month. During their time here, the wildebeest give birth to a large number of calves, replenishing the lives lost during the long round trek across the Serengeti Mar Ecosystem. The calving season lasts for about three months (January, February, and March). From the southern part, the mammals start moving northwards towards the central Serengeti area. The journey is beset with danger as young calves are snatched by predators, the slow are brought down by prides of lion, and the brave beasts progress to the central part of Serengeti National Park.
From the central Serengeti, the migration continues northwards towards the Famous Mara River where the brave ones break legs on steep river slopes, crocodiles take their share of the stragglers, and the weak and exhausted drown in the fast running river waters. The strong ones make it to the other side of the River which is the Masai Mara National Reserve.
How do the herds move during the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya?
The migrating mammals usually migrate in three groups, each with a different grass-eating habits: as one group eats the top of the tallest grass, the next group will eat away some of the medium-height grass, until finally it is almost completely eaten, and the herds move on. With a different grass eating patterns, each group of the migrating mammals usually sticks to only their own kind and if there happens an overlap, it is usually small and caused by their distribution.
A Month-by-Month Breakdown of the Great Migration in Masai Mara National Reserve
Just like many other countries in the world, Tanzania and Kenya are facing the effects of climate change. The long and short rainy seasons in Tanzania and Kenya are no longer as predictable as they were before. In the current situation, the rains can be late or early, which disrupts the entire migration calendar, therefore necessitating long stay and proper planning before flying in for your wildebeest migration safari in Kenya. Unlike other adventures in Kenya, it is impossible to fly in for two nights, see a river crossing and fly out again – nature simply doesn’t work that way.
If you have looking forward to visiting Kenya for a wildebeest migration safari, this complete breakdown of the wildebeest migration in Tanzania will guide you on where to see the wildebeest each month of the year. Although this general breakdown gives you an understanding of how the wildebeest move, it is important to keep in mind that the entire event is triggered by the rains.
July – The Large herds of migrating mammals start arriving in the Masai Mara National Reserve
If you are looking forward to visiting Masai Mara or Kenya for a wildebeest migration Safari in July, you are guaranteed a sight of the migrating mammal. By July, the herds that have been congregating in the northern Serengeti begin crossing into the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. July marks the beginning of the dramatic river crossings at the Mara River — one of the most dramatic and photographed events of the migration. Both sides of the river present remarkable opportunities for visitors to witness the dramatic crossing as the herds take on the crocodile-infested River.
For those looking to an opportunity to witness the river crossing, July (from mid July – late July) is a perfect month for a wildebeest migration safari to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
August – Peak of the Migration; River crossings continue and mammals roam the vast plains in all directions
In Masai Mara National Reserve, August is arguably the best month to witness the migration in full swing as it large herds cross the Mara River. From the dramatic river crossing to witnessing the large herds roam the Mara plains in all directions. For those looking for an incredible experience, August is the perfect month for witnessing the dramatic Wildebeest migration in Masai Mara National Reserve.
The large herds also attract large predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs that you’ll witness actively taking advantage of the abundant prey. The weather is generally dry and perfect for game drives. If you are looking forward to booking your safari during this period of the year, we recommend booking your safari early enough since it coincides with the peaks season of Safaris in Kenya and most safari facilities sell out quickly.
September – Grazing and Predators
By September, most herds have already reached Masai Mara National Reserve and chances of witnessing the dramatic river crossings are generally low. During this month of the year, the mammals can be witnessed as they graze the vast savannas of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Also river crossings are less frequent during this month, some still occur, especially when herds move between different grazing areas. Predator activity remains high, especially near water sources where animals gather. It’s a great time for photography with clear skies, golden light, and dramatic wildlife interactions.
October – The Return Journey
The return journey starts in October as the large herds start moving southwards near the Mara River in preparation of the return journey. This is usually initiated by the short rains in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Smaller groups of wildebeests begin moving toward the Lamai Wedge and Loliondo areas of northern Tanzania. The migration starts thinning out in the Mara, but you can still catch the tail-end of the action if you are still looking forward to visiting during this month of the year or perhaps combine it with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. For visitors who are trying to avoid crowds, October offers a quieter, more exclusive safari experience with fewer tourists and lingering predator activity.
Book your Wildebeest migration safari to Kenya or Tanzania with Nirvana Safaris today. We also offer other top safari experiences in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. Let us customize your dream journey today.