This is one of the most wondrous natural events on Earth — a mass movement of over one million wildebeest, nearly 200,000 zebra and gazelles across the vast savannahs of East Africa. Though often associated with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the migration actually begins and ends in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. The wildebeest gather here to feast on the lush grasses and give birth to their young.
A safari to see this spectacle in Kenya is an unforgettable experience. One of nature’s greatest shows, the migration offers a chance not only to witness one of the highest concentrations of wildlife anywhere on the planet but also to observe up close its raw magnificence. Be it herds thundering across plains or mothers giving birth to calves in rolling hills, you will be left awestruck by these creatures’ resilience and adaptability.
The Maasai Mara Migration
Maasai Mara National Reserve is a sprawling, iconic wilderness in southwestern Kenya that spans over 1,500 square kilometers. It’s part of the larger Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. It’s home to a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), as well as other African creatures.
However, the wildebeest really shine in the Maasai Mara. These large antelope are perfectly suited for life on the savanna with their shaggy manes, curved horns and signature grunting calls. Anyone who has ever been on an East African safari will recognize them.
The Great Wildebeest Migration begins in the Maasai Mara. The circular journey takes these animals from the southern Serengeti plains, where they give birth to their offspring, to the lush grasslands of the Mara before returning south to start anew.
The migration is propelled by hunger and thirst — with each raindrop that falls and blade of grass that shoots up across the landscape. The wildebeest must negotiate a maze of predators along this path such as lions, hyenas and crocodiles at every turn; as well as treacherous river crossings and other obstacles.
The Mara River: A Dangerous Float
One of the most exciting and interesting moments of the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya is the crossing of the Mara River. This wide and fast waterway splits through the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The river is a big issue for the wildebeest, and to cross it becomes life or death.
When they approach the river, they often hesitate on the banks, moving around scared as they evaluate their surroundings. The water is deep and fast-moving, with strong currents that can easily sweep a wildebeest away. But what’s more dangerous is what’s lurking below – the river houses one of Africa’s largest groups of Nile crocodiles, huge reptiles that can grow up to six meters in length and weigh over a ton.
When the wildebeest finally take the plunge, things become chaotic fast. The animals go into the water together, their hooves kicking up mud from shore and making grunts and bellows fill open air. While some are carried off by currents, others fall victim to crocs waiting for them. But most make it across safely , climbing up far side bank before shaking off water and carrying on their way.
Watching these wildebeest cross this river is nerve-wracking at best. It shows just how amazingly resilient these animals are. It also reminds us all about nature’s power and shows us an endless lifecycle that unfolds right in front of our eyes while we’re standing on African soil watching it all happen..
The Mara Triangle
When people think of the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya, they usually conjure up images of wildebeest dramatically crossing the Mara River. While this is certainly the most famous moment of the migration, there are plenty of other incredible sights and experiences to be had in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
One such experience is a visit to the Mara Triangle — a stunning section of the reserve that’s known for its excellent wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities. This wedge-shaped area is sandwiched between the Mara River on one side and the Oloololo Escarpment on the other.
Though it’s less crowded than the main part of Maasai Mara, there are still plenty of hotels and campsites in this remote area. And what it lacks in development it makes up for in sheer beauty and abundance of wildlife.
Some of the most iconic scenes from nature documentaries have been filmed here. The vast herds grazing on open plains while predators lurk nearby, waiting for their opportunity to strike. Lionesses wrestling with each other as they battle over territory or food. And hyenas scavenging from another animal’s kill — their bizarre laughs echoing through these wide-open spaces.
Landscape photographers will also find much to love about this place. Rolling hills covered with acacia trees stretch all along both sides, making it impossible not to get at least one great shot if you point your camera randomly toward them.
Suffice it to say that there’s no shortage of images to capture here in general nor lack inspiration for specific subjects within those images. Just make sure you never stop shooting!
The Predators: Lions, Leopards, and Hyenas
Wildebeest are not the only ones benefiting from the Great Wildebeest Migration. They serve as a buffet for predators who take advantage of the abundance of prey during this special event.
Lions are a common sight in Maasai Mara. This migration season they can be seen trying to coordinate their pounce on wildebeest or other large animals. Lions often hunt in groups called prides.
Leopards also find their way into Maasai Mara, though they are much more sneakier than lions. These stunning cats have incredible speed and agility that can take down smaller animals such as gazelles and impalas.
Hyenas are perhaps the most overlooked predator of Maasai Mara but play an important role in its ecosystem. These annoying opportunists follow wildebeest herds waiting for any chance to steal a kill from a lion or to attack something weak which would include an injured animal.
The Challenges of the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya
The Wildebeest Migration in Kenya is a natural wonder that’s been happening for thousands of years. But even this ancient phenomenon isn’t immune to the threats facing animals all across the planet. Along with climate change and losing their homes, these animals face poaching and just humans being too close to them.
One of the challenges they face is droughts. It can devastate entire herds, leaving the once lush ecosystem dry and barren. Their migration is driven by the need for food and water but when those things start to disappear so do they. And if the population gets far too low because of it then there will be no more wildebeests on this planet.
Another danger lies within disease, usually after droughts or another environmental strain has weakened them beforehand. Some diseases these animals get are spread rapidly through a herd and can cause mass death as well.
And when it comes to human impact there’s quite a bit. Humans tend to mess up everything they come into contact with, for example: habitat loss caused by agriculture or development (we probably don’t need either), reduction in available grazing land, illegal hunting because people like meat and killing rare things makes them feel special.
Climate change is also something looming over this huge annual event. The savanna might not be able to handle how hot our earth is getting, it could even cause changes in vegetation that might make it impossible for these creatures to survive any longer than one year without water.
But there’s always reason for hope! Conservation organizations are working hard everyday alongside Kenyan government agencies to protect the Maasai Mara and millions of other animals that live there from us humans who just keep making life harder for everyone involved.
When To Go For The Wildebeest Migration in Kenya
The Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya is a natural spectacle that can vary in timing from year to year, depending on the weather and other environmental conditions. However, there are a number of general patterns that can help you plan your safari to witness the most exciting moments of the migration.
July to October: This is when it all goes down. When the wildebeest herds migrate north from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Maasai Mara for fresh grass. During this time, they also must cross rivers. Navigating through dangerous streams so they could reach their destination.
November to December: As soon as short rains start falling in Maasai Mara, these herds head back south again where they follow nature’s growth back towards the Serengeti. They will be scattered during this phase but still comes with excellent viewing opportunities.
January to March: The calving season! How lovely. So many babies being born over a span of a few weeks! Although this stage primarily happens in Tanzania, it’s still an incredible sight to see and you won’t want miss it.
April to June: Long rains fall The moment when all these herds start moving up north again but this time towards the Maasai Mara for new grass.. A transitional period yes, but with these animals spread out over such a vast area it’s impossible not to get caught up in it.
Predicting anything about this is hard and an experience like no other each time around. Your odds go up when planning your safari around these general migration periods though! Who knows you might just bump into one of these incredible natural spectacles while you’re there.
