The great wildebeest migration is recognised as the most enjoyed, thrilling and breathtaking wildlife event in the whole world. This lifetime activity involves the migrating of animals in a large population following the rain patterns, searching for enough food and drinking water. This interesting wild event only happens in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.

About 2 million herds of zebras, impalas, wildebeests, Thompson gazelles and grants migrate in a clockwise direction from the southern part of Tanzania in Serengeti National Park to the northern part of Kenya in Masai Mara National Park before returning once again in Serengeti national park.

Right away after the calving season is when the migrating animals kick off their journey and most of the calves are born during this period around the end of February. By April and May, the migrating animals are already heading North before encountering the Grumeti River around June where the aquatic predators are always waiting to feast for a long and this is when the lives of these animals start to face threats.

River Crossing

The migrating animals are forced to congregate first in large numbers so they can all cross the rivers at once. A large number of them can be seen along the banks of the River still plotting on how to survive the death trap as other predators inform of lions and leopards also plan to play fast on them before they can cross the river.

Watching these migrating animals crossing the river is an unequalled experience yet exciting in the end. The animals are seen struggling for their lives as the Nile crocodiles patiently wait underwater for their long-awaited meal. It is at that point where the young and weak migrating animals as a result of long journeys fall into the predator’s teeth that touches the most.

A big number of these migrating animals will survive to their destination and just a few of them fall into the death trap. But as they struggle out of the river, a feeling of relief catches up with the viewers. From July to September, the migrating animals are welcomed in the Masai Mara National Reserve after encountering another death of the River Mara.

Planning For The wildebeest migration

The great wildebeest migration is such a not-to-miss wildlife event that gives such an ultimate full wildlife experience. During the peak seasons especially in dry seasons, the tourism destinations of Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve are almost inaccessible as visitors from across the world flock to these spots with great wildebeest migration first on their bucket list.

Visitors who wish to be part of this lifetime experience are advised to book in advance so they can get space with accommodation and other neighbouring spots.

The two countries of Kenya and Tanzania have attracted international attention and this has seen their tourism sectors and infrastructures progress. Masai Mara National Reserve is therefore the leading popular tourism destination in Kenya and attracts both international and domestic visitors from across the world and generates a lot of tax income for the Kenyan government.

The Best Time To Undertake The Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris

 The great wildebeest migration in both Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Park can be undertaken throughout the whole year however the dry period of the year remains the best time to undertake this great wildlife activity. During the dry season, visitors can have the most spectacular unremarkable views of the herds of wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, impalas and more.

This is because during the dry season of months like December to February and July to September is when the migrating animals gather on the only remaining water sources of the Grumeti and Masai rivers for drinking water.

 When all the water is dried up as a result of the prolonged dry season, the migrating animals will seek the only remaining drinking water sources hence all gathering in one spot to give visitors the most remarkable breathtaking wildlife views. The dry season also concedes with the summer holidays of Europe and Western countries hence giving visitors on summer vacations an opportunity to be part of this breathtaking wildlife event. we always advise our travellers to consider the Africa gorilla safaris during the exploration of the pleasing nature.