The Great Migration in Masai Mara National Reserve : The Great Migration is the world’s spectacular natural event. It is the biggest mammal migration on earth featuring over 1.5 million wildebeest, 500,000 zebras, and about 250,000 gazelles. It is the main highlight that draws visitors from the rest of the world to the Serengeti Ecosystem.
Some safari enthusiasts get confused about which destination to visit to see the Great Migration: Serengeti or Masai Mara. Some cannot figure out where to begin their safari from Tanzania or Kenya. Whatever the case might be, is an interesting natural event in the world. It is one of the Seven Wonders of Africa.
The Great Migration
The animal migration in the Serengeti Ecosystem happens annually. The main cause of this inaugural migration is the search for fresh pasture. The animals follow the rainy season to graze on the fresh grazing grounds.
The migration cycle starts in the southern part. Over 500,000 baby wildebeest are born on the fresh grazing grounds of the Ndutu area and southern Serengeti. Calving lasts from mid-December to March. The size of the herd grows. Competition for pasture intensifies. A few are killed by predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, and wild dogs.
The herd stays in the southern plains and Ndutu until late May. At this time, rainfall starts to decline. Pasture and water become scarce. Therefore, the animals start to move following pastures passing the central Serengeti in June. They head to the Western Corridor where they encounter their first obstacle, the Grumeti River.
After the Grumeti River, wildebeests move further to the north. By July and August, they cross the mighty Mara River. The scene is epic and dramatic. If target to see it, you better be a good timer because it is unpredictable.
When do wildebeests enter the Masai Mara?
Between September and October, animals have crossed the Mara River. They are in the Masai Mara National Reserve. If aim to witness the great event in the Masai Mara, plan your safari between September and October.
However, circumstances change. And the wildebeest may have reached the Masai Mara early before September or late. The only way to be assured of this event is to keep in touch with our team.
Events happening in the Masai Mara
With major events happening in the Serengeti, you may be wondering what else is new in the Masai Mara. The migration experience in the Masai Mara is superb. Some river crossings happen in Kenya. Some parts of the Mara River are in Kenya. So, the chances of witnessing this huge event are better.
In the Masai Mara, you can expect to see the fate of weak animals being decided by lethal predators. Over 3,000 crocodiles reside in the waters of Mara. They submerge in water and wait. When animals come to drink, they ambush and kill it.
The Masai Mara has thousands of predators. They usually long for the wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras to come. Surprisingly, these predators have changed their mating schedule to comply with the wildebeest migration cycle. The secret behind this is to ensure there is enough food for their newborns.
What if I miss the wildebeest migration?
Animals spend 2-3 months in the Masai Mara. Although it rarely happens that you miss the animal migration. You cannot regret being there. You will explore other attractions like the Big Five, birds, evergreen vegetation, and stunning landscapes.
The Big Five
The Big Five animals include lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos. These animals thrive in the vast Serengeti Ecosystem. Besides the animal migration, you can search for these animals.
Elephants, lions, and buffalos are very common. Leopards are elusive and very difficult to see during the day. They usually hide in trees and come out in the early mornings and late evenings. The black rhino is extremely rare but it is possible to spot it.
Lions live in small groups of up to 15 and are territorial. Male lions protect the territory while female lions take care of cubs and hunt for the pride. The Masai Mara has 800 to 900 lions.
Other wildlife
Masai Mara has plenty of wildlife species to see. It is one of the premier wildlife destinations in Africa for game viewing. Common species include giraffes, impalas, warthogs, duikers, hyenas, and more.
Stunning landscapes
You will be wondering to witness the landscape. Hot air balloon safaris are available. Floating in the air while seeing the magnificent landscape, vegetation, and wildlife is appealing.
Birdlife
The Masai Mara is a birder’s paradise with over 470 bird species. If you are not a fan of birds, you will probably be one after visiting the Masai Mara. This Park is home to secretary birds, ground hornbills, white storks, Kori bustards, crowned plovers, and many more.
Being part of the animal migration is something you should not miss. It is you who decides where you should see it from. If you want to see it from Serengeti, it’s fine. If you to see it from the Masai Mara it is fine too. Explore African Safaris will organize your migration safari at any time. Kindly reach out to our team for personalized safari programs.
