The Great Migrations in Kenya

The great wildebeest migration in Kenya also known as the Gnu migration is an annual event that involves the migration of millions of wildebeests, thousands of zebras and gazelles from Serengeti National Park which is found in Tanzania to Kenya due to several reasons including a change in the weather patterns and search for food and water. This is the only remaining mass terrestrial wild animal movement in the world and the entire planet. The wildebeest migration in Kenya is the main highlight for tourists and the reason why there are so many tourists visiting Kenya and Tanzania mid-year.

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Timing the wildebeest migration is extremely vital but there is no perfect way to time the movement of the wild animals because they have a mind of their own. Nobody can tell exactly when the wildebeest migration can be carried out but for the past years, it has been happening around June to October other factors remain constant although the times and migrations change.

Fortunately, we have enough experience and have been organizing the wildebeest migration safari for years now and we have planned for thousands of travellers at the best price and the best time. We have come up with a few tips and a beginner’s guide on how to plan and enjoy the wildebeest migration.

Can the Mara River crossings be predicted?

No, the Mara crossings cannot be predicted because the wildebeests themselves cannot predict when they will cross the Mara River. Some of the wild animals get to the river and cross immediately whereas others arrive and spend days grazing and hanging around the river banks as they wait for others to cross whereas there are others that fail to cross and turn back to where they came from. This is the reason why tourists need to have ample time as much as possible if they want to see the river crossing. You can still travel to Kenya for the wildebeest migration starting end of July because there will be something to watch even when the wildebeests are late.

Why do the wildebeest migrate?

No one knows the main reason as to why the wildebeests migrate but it is believed that they migrate as a response to the change in weather. The migration from Serengeti usually starts after the rains have stopped in Serengeti and the grass has started to thin out. The animals follow their natural instinct to find food and water to survive. There are other scientists who believe that the wildebeests migrate because of thunderstorms and lightning although this has not yet been scientifically proven.

Where does the Great Migration start from?

The Great Migration in Kenya starts from Serengeti National Park and this is why it is called the crossing of the wildebeests across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. There are no start and end points depending on where you are watching the wildebeest migration because it is a continuous movement of the animals. The epic journey starts from the Serengeti plains through the Mara and Grumeti rivers before crossing into Masai Mara in Kenya and then back to Serengeti on a continued cycle.

A Month by month breakdown of the Great Wildebeest migration in Kenya

Tourists often ask what happens during the wildebeest migration and below we are discussing a breakdown of what happens month by month during the migration. Note that this is a general guideline other factors remain constant and are viable to change.

July: The Great wildebeest migration in July has reached the Grumeti River peering closely at the waters of the River because of the crocodiles infesting 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 that you get a mobile safari as this will be the best way to spot the crossings.

August: This is the best time to witness the mighty crossing of the wildebeests at the Mara River from Serengeti into Masai Mara Nature Reserve in Kenya. Tourists can be seen waiting near the river bank to see the mighty crossing where some animals drown and are washed away, others bravely cross the Mara River and others return to Serengeti without crossing,

September: After crossing the Mara River, the herds usually break out into smaller groups because not all the wildebeests migrate into Kenya. This is the best time to watch the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara and tourists who have a mobile safari get to follow the wildebeests around the National Reserve.

October: October is still the best time to watch the wildebeest migration in Kenya but note that there are more tourists during this period so expect large crowds and higher rates. Your visit to the Masai Mara Nature Reserve will not only contribute to the conservation of wildlife as you watch the wildebeest migration, but you will also be contributing to the Masai communities around the reserve.

November: The wildebeest migration starts its way back to Serengeti National Park from Masai Mara as the short rains have begun in Serengeti. It is a good time to watch the Mara crossings again, especially for tourists who love fewer crowds.

The Mara River crossings

The Mara River crossings are considered to be the best and biggest event in the entire wildebeest migration. Tourists that visit Masai Mara during this period can never forget the life and death experience of the wildebeests as they cross the crocodile infested rivers fighting for their lives just to be able to cross Mara for better pasture and a change in weather. Get to 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 Masai Mara.

The wildebeests have always managed to cross the Mara River although there are those that fail to cross and after crossing, the wildebeests are rewarded with lots of green grass but they still have to face the big cats that prowl through the nature reserve hunting them down.

Mara River is also known as ‘the river of death’ and there are two main crossing points along the river and these include the Main crossing below the Serena Camp and the Lookout Hill which is in the south of the reserve.

Where to stay during the wildebeest migration in Kenya

There are several camps and lodges that tourists can use during the wildebeest migration and some of the best we recommend include the following:

The Rekero Tented Camp:

Rekero Tented Camp is an eco-camp that is the perfect place to spot the wildebeest migration. This is a seasonal camp where tourists can easily spot the wildebeest migration through the comfort of their rooms as it is strategically located in an area that overlooks the Talek River located in Masai Mara Nature Reserve. Tourists enjoy watching the wildebeest migration from the comfort of the tents and along the decks.

II Moran camp:

This is an intimate and small luxurious camp that is part of the prestige camp of the Governor’s camp. There are 10 luxurious tents that are located right along the banks of the Mara River making it one of the best camps to use during the wildebeest migration.

Kichwa Tembo camp:

Kichwa Tembo camp is located in the western region of Masai Mara in the private concession along the Saparingo River overlooking the Masai Mara plains. It is considered to be a good camp to use when spotting the wildebeest migration but you need to book in advance to be able to get rooms, especially during the peak season. The best time to watch the wildebeest migration from the Kichwa Tembo Camp is from the end of August to October as the wildebeests move northwards.

Governor’s camp:

This is one of Kenya’s original camps located along the banks of the Mara River making it a perfect place for the wildebeest migration. The Governor’s camp has 37 luxurious tents that are lined up along the bank river tucked among the forests with a view of the Masai Mara plains and the river. This is an intimate and quiet camp and can be approached using a boat ride across the Mara River and a guided walk through the forest. For tourists who wish to have some peace and quiet, Governor’s Camp is the best.

Sala’s Camp:

Sala’s Camp like the Giraffe Manor, are part of ‘The Safari Collection’ which is popular among tourists visiting Kenya for a safari. The camp is located along the Mara River banks that are lined with trees in the Masai Mara Nature Reserve. Sala’s Camp is close to the border of Kenya and Tanzania and this means that all tourists using the camp as a safari accommodation will be the first to spot the wildebeest migration as the animals cross from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park into Masai Mara Nature Reserve in Kenya.

Serena Mara Lodge:

The Serena Mara Lodge is located within the Mara Triangle Conservancy atop a hill that overlooks the Mara River. The luxurious lodge is 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 is also a short journey from the lodge to the best spot for spotting the wildebeest migration.

Factors affecting the wildebeest migration

The wildebeest migration has been happening for many years making it the most watched trek in the world every year. Although the migration normally starts from south to north, the timing can change especially with the changes in the rain and as a result, the migration changes course. Research has proven that due to the climatic changes, the south to north migration detours implying that the migration can move in a zigzag nature.

This therefore means that it is hard to predict the movement of the wildebeest migration as it can be witnessed at any time of the year.

How to watch the wildebeest migration in Kenya

There are two main ways of watching the wildebeest migration in Kenya and these are 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 Masai Mara in Kenya. Mobile safaris are the best because you get to follow the wildebeest migration everywhere it goes. Tourists can also opt for a full day game drive around 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 the hot air balloon rides and watch the migration from above. Floating above the wildebeest migration is an enjoyable experience which includes an hour of flying over the animals, recording videos and taking photos. Hot air balloon rides are usually carried out early morning and after the ride, you are treated to a bush meal and champagne as a celebration for participating in the hot air balloon ride.

The best time to go for the great migrations in Kenya

The best time to watch the wildebeest migration in Kenya is from July to November. The rest of the months can be used to carry out other safari activities that are carried out in Masai Mara Nature Reserve and these include 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 starts at this time. However, note that the crossings can change with a change in weather and the Mara crossings can either come in late or earlier than usual.

The wildebeest migration in Kenya is the best and most participated in activity in Masai Mara and can be joined 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 for you.