The Wildebeest Migration
When and Where to Enjoy the Wildebeest Wonder
The wildebeest migration - it's ultimately one of the most popular times to go on an African safari tour. A jury of experts polled by the United States' ABC Television in 2006 selected the event as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. During the migration, about 1.2 to 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra and several species of antelope, make an annual, circular tour between the Serengeti in Tanzania and Maasai Mara in Kenya, in search of greener pastures.
The Serengeti is an area of grass and woodland extending approximately 200 miles north to south and 200 miles east to west in an irregular pattern. About 80 percent lies in Tanzania and the rest lies 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 zebras 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, with some swinging further west and others heading northwest. They will meet up again in the Maasai 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 Maasai Mara for greener pastures. As they go, they attract numerous predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas. They are all heading to the 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 Luxury Tented Camp, Seronera Wildlife Lodge and Moru area campsites also offer great views.
The Spectacular Wildebeest Movement
From July to October, the grazing animals take a four-month-long 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 reach the lush, green grasslands in Maasai Mara. The world's most spectacular sights truly happen at the mass crossing of the swollen Mara River.
Depending on the amount of rainfall, the chosen crossing place is usually shallow enough to allow the majority of the herd to cross safely. However, most of the river is deep and fast flowing, with steep banks on either side. Many of the weaker animals are swept away by the strong river currents or are trampled by the stampede of the other wildebeest as they swim. Hundreds of animals die during the crossing. The close-following predators are always in for a treat at this time of year.
The best place to view the wildebeest expedition is at one of Kenya's strategically placed safari lodges, including the luxurious Governors' Il Moran Tented Safari Camp in the Masai Mara. Other exotic neighboring camps that offer an excellent view of the migration include Keekorok Lodge, Governor's Main Camp, Little Governors' Camp, eco-friendly Ilkeliani Luxury Tented Camp, Bataluer Camp, and Mara Springs Safari Camp. Some Tanzanian lodges that also offer a great view of the wildebeest crossing during this time include Kirawira Tented Camp, Migration Camp, Moru Camp and Grumeti River Camp.
The Wildebeest Exodus
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. Although the trek culls most of the old or very young wildebeests from the herd, the next calving season will produce another 500,000 new calves to continue Kenya's great "Seventh Wonder of the World". To view the return of the wildebeest to the starting point Lobo Wildlife Lodge or Klein's Camp (both in Tanzania) are good locations to stay during this time.
You can enjoy the adventurous experience of a Wildebeest Migration Safari in Kenya with professional guides in open-topped, 4WD vehicles and first-hand tours to remote villages of the neighboring communities. The wildebeest migration is definitely a must-see Kenyan attraction and a great reason to go on a safari in Kenya.
Where to Book Your Kenya Wildebeest Migration Safari Tour
There are many online and traditional travel agents who will book a guided Kenya Wildebeest Migration tour for you before your arrival. Most of these companies are guaranteed to be highly professional. If you are staying in a game resort, you may enquire about or book a wildlife safari or game drive through the park at the travel desk.
6 Day Mara Migration Tour: Amboseli > Nakuru > Masai Mara
This unique Kenyan wild safari is designed to show you Kenya's largest wildlife, the African elephant, as well as many endangered animal species and Kenyan birds. The safari culminates with a chance to experience one of the great wonders of the world - the famous wildebeest migration at the Maasai Mara, all with stays at luxurious lodges.
Masai Mara National Park - Kenya's most popular park is the park where the Wildebeest migration takes place.
Different choices and possibilities for a Kenya safari.
Luxury & budget Kenyan safaris, including guided safaris, wildebeest migration safaris, vacation tours and Masai Mara safaris.
Accommodation in Masai Mara - luxury lodges, tented camps, budget camps, and more. Find and book your safari lodge online
Book your domestic flight to Masai Mara Kenya or find regional flights from Kenya to other African destinations.
Find travel books about Kenya, including books by Kenyan authors and more.
Back to TOP of Wildebeest Migration Page
