The Wildebeest Migration
When and where to enjoy the wildebeest wonder
One of the most popular times to go on an African safari tour is during the wildebeest migration. Acknowledged by a jury of experts polled by US' ABC Television in 2006 as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, about 1.2 and 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra and several species of antelopes, make a circular tour in search for greener pastures every year between the Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya. The Serengeti is an area of grass and woodland extending approximately 200 miles north-south and 200 miles east-west in an irregular pattern. About 80 percent lies in Tanzania and the rest in Kenya.
The start of the Wildebeest Migration
The African animal exodus begins between January and March in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area where the calving season brings forth a record of 500,000 new calves. Enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra can be seen grazing on rain ripened grass. As the food supply quickly diminishes the herds are forced to head to the long grass plains and woodlands of the Serengeti's western corridor near Lake Victoria. Here the animals divide where some swing further west than others who head northwest. They will meet up again in the Masai Mara of Kenya. To watch the beginning of this mass migration, the best observation points are from Ndutu Safari Lodge, Kusini Camp and the Serengeti Serena Lodge.
April to July is a transitional period between the rains and the dry season and the wildebeests start moving north towards the Masai Mara for greener pastures. As they go, they attract numerous predators such as the lions, cheetahs and hyenas. They are all heading to next watering point, the Mara River. The Serengeti Serena is a central, easily accessible lodge for viewing the migration at this time. Grumeti River Camp, Migration Camp and Kirawira Camp, Seronera and Moru area campsites also offer great views.
The Spectacular Wildebeest moment
July to October, the grazing animals take a four long month trek towards the Mara River. In desperate need of water to drink and grass to graze, the countless herds need to cross the river to the green lush grasslands in Masai Mara. The world's truly most spectacular sights happen at the mass crossing of the swollen Mara river. Depending on the amount of rainfall, the chosen crossing place is shallow allowing the majority of the herds to cross safely. But often the river is deep and fast flowing, with steep banks either side. Many of the weaker animals are swept away by the strong river currents or from the stampede of other wildebeest as they swim. Hundreds of animals die during the crossing. The close following predators are always in for a treat this time of year.
To view this expedition, make sure you stay at the Governor's II Moran Tented Safari Camp in the Masai Mara. Other exotic neighboring camps to stay for the view include Governor's Main Camp, Little Governor's Camp, Bataluer Camp, and Mara River Camp. Some Tanzanian lodges also offer a great view of the wildebeest crossing during this time including Kirawira Tented Camp, Migration Camp, Moru Camp and Grumeti River Camp.
The Wildebeest exodus back
In November, the short rains call the migration southward back to the Serengeti. About 250,000 wildebeest die during this 1,800 mile journey due to predator attacks, exhaustion and sickness. Most of the old and very young die too. But the next calving will produce another 500,000 new calves to continue this great Seventh Wonder of the World in Kenya. To view the return of the exodus to the starting point, Lobo Wildlife Lodge or Klein's Camp are good locations during this time.
You can enjoy an adventurous experience of this Safari in Kenya with professional guides in open toped 4WD vehicles and first hand tours to remote villages of the neighboring communities. The wildebeest migration is definitely a Kenya attraction and a great reason for a safari in Kenya.