Almost a decade ago, I ticked off one of the biggest bucket list items – The Great Migration of Wildebeest in Africa’s incredibly popular Masai Mara national reserve.
Influenced by binge-watching episodes revolving around migration and river crossing on National Geographic and Animal Planet; both Mara and Serengeti were easily top of my must-visit list.
Finally, after much contemplation, planning and budgeting, I booked my very first trip to Kenya. This was a turning point for me and gave fire to my pre-existing passion for wildlife. Africa turned out to be love at first sight and the great migration was sight for sore eyes.
What is The Great Wildebeest Migration of Africa?
For those who haven’t heard of the Great wildebeest migration – it is the biggest, most popular wildlife spectacle in the entire world. As a wildlife enthusiast, you would’ve either already witnessed it OR it’s perhaps at least on your bucket list.
For me, even though I have witnessed this mighty event, it still remains on my list (more about that later in the post).
So what is the fuss all about?
More than half a million wildebeest cross the savannahs of Serengeti in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya, every year in search of greener pastures as they follow the rains. They follow a circular motion spanning across over 500-1000 kilometers. Â
This grand show includes thousands of zebras and other antelopes as well and predators and scavengers, lurking on the sidelines – No wonder it is said to be one of the most awe-inspiring natural events in the world!Â
It is quite a sight to witness in person and draws thousands of tourists from all corners of the globe.
What to Expect from The Great Migration Wildebeest Masai Mara?
During my ten days in Kenya, there was literally never a dull moment. I booked a tour and with parents in tow, we set off on our wild adventure.
Since it was our very first time in Africa, we are glad we took a tour package that included everything from accommodation to food, all safaris, transfers – plus the services of a knowledgeable full-time guide who drove us to (and within) five different parks.
Tip – It is recommended to book an all-inclusive tour package in Africa. It turns out to be cheaper unless you plan on self-driving which some parks don’t allow. Plus if you are a first time visitor, it is best to go with someone who knows the terrain well and your chances of sighting the big five (and other animals and birds) are much higher. Opt for a reputed tour company like Far and Wild Travel so as to avoid any disappointments. Be sure to read reviews before you book and choose an easy itinerary as safaris and transfers can be quite long and tiring.Â
Out of the five parks we had planned to visit during our time in Kenya, we were most excited about visiting Masai Mara – especially to see this grand extravaganza outside the idiot box.
As soon as our vehicle entered Masai Mara – we were stunned. Prior to Mara, we visited Amboseli for wild elephants and Lake Elementaita for birds – but Mara had it ALL!
There were birds and mammals wherever you looked – and we were not even close to where the migration was happening yet. Masai Mara was thriving with game and we simply didn’t know which direction to point our cameras – everything was new and exciting for us. Having never seen such wide range of game in dense national parks of India, we were gawking like little kids in Disneyland.
After taking perhaps a million photos, we suddenly saw thousands of black dots on the horizon – our guide informed us that those were wildebeest. I could not believe my eyes.
As we went closer, there were wildebeest everywhere. Our vehicle could barely move and we were flocked by wildebeest left, right and center – AND as far as our eyes could see. I have never seen so many mammals in one place in my entire life (and doubt there is any place on earth where you can feast your eyes on this).
Just being amidst hoards and hoards of wildebeest sprinkled with zebras, topis and other assortments of antelopes – was an experience in itself.
This is how our first sight of thousands of wildebeest felt. I took this video while we gawked in amazement –
The real show, however, is the mindboggling river crossing. Wildebeest risk their lives as they gallop through rough waters where Nile crocodiles lay in ambush.
The poor antelopes will either die of hunger OR will have to bravely face rough currents of the Mara river or falling prey to predators in the interim – Crocodiles, Lions, Cheetahs or Leopards. They have to make a choice and fight for their lives and cross the vast savannahs no matter what.
It’s a do or die situation for them so if they chose to chicken out and not cross the crocodile-infested waters, they die of hunger nevertheless.
Our guide took us to the point where wildebeest cross the Mara river and that was another sight to behold. We saw thousands of wildebeest forming a straight line and the first few ‘leaders’ of the pack shuffling between proceeding or backing out. In the mayhem, they would either fall into the river by mistake or see a crocodile and run away. It was such a sight in itself though we didn’t see them “actually” cross – just wait and fumble on sidelines, waiting for the courage or the right time to do so.
We managed to sight a cheetah hunting while wildebeest were lining up patiently. That was another magnificent sight.
So to be honest, even if you don’t see the actual crossing there is a LOT to see during migration season in Masai Mara and its a wildlife lovers haven!
Best time to visit Kenya for The Great Wildebeest Migration
July all the way through up till October is surely the best time to go for the ultimate great wildebeest migration experience. However, the slow circular movement of wildebeest from Tanzania to Kenya is pretty much a year-round spectacle. With plenty of prey moving around freely, predators lurk and its the best time to watch some live game hunting.
These months are also optimal to experience the amazing river crossing. Witnessing this event from either Serengeti or Masai Mara during these months is ideal.
Reasons to Re-add This Spectacle to my List
To Visit Serengeti
Since I only visited Masai Mara in Kenya, viewing this grand show from the plains of Serengeti in Tanzania is another bucket list item that needs to be ticked off. Plus, I get to experience another beautiful African land.
To Experience River Crossing
As I missed the actual river crossing not once but twice – I must revisit to view this extravagant event in its entirety – with the crossing forming a major part of the show. Though some advice to skip the crossing to avoid crowds, it is something I have dreamt of seeing as a kid.
It’s absolutely amazing to see “Survival of the fittest” happening live in front of you. From lurking predators on the hunt, scavengers feasting on the dead and antelopes fighting for survival – it is the most amazing natural event you will ever see.
So friends, have you witnessed the great wildebeest migration Masai Mara? If not, add it to your bucket list NOW!
This alongside regular visits to Indian jungles in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger, fueled her zest for adventure, nature and wildlife.
Now she is a renowned travel blogger, outreach expert and has worked with over 500 travel brands in the last 15 years.
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