Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve is located in South West Kenya on gently rolling savannah plains on a1510square kilometers of land bordering Serengeti national park in Tanzania to the South. The word Mara means ‘spotted’ in a local Masai language due to the short bushy trees which dot the landscape. Masai Mara is considered a wildlife haven in Kenya and most tourists go to this national park for the famous annual Wildebeest migration.
The reserve is famous for the diversity of wildlife and is a premier safari location in Kenya with animals like lions, elephants, rhinos, wildebeest, African buffalo, giraffe, and zebra among others. Masai Mara hosts the great migration, secured as one of the seven natural wonders of Africa and also considered one of the ten wonders of the world.
Maasai Mara Expedition Kenya Safari
Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara National Reserve
This happens every year on a loop path through Kenya and Tanzania following seasonal rains even when it involves passing dangerous territories. More than a 1.5million wildebeest migrate in an enormous loop every year with the annual migration North West at the end of the rainy season which is in May and June and is recognized as one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Around 400,000 zebras, 300,000 Grants, and Thomson’s gazelles trekked from Southern Serengeti to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
This search for greener pastures does not come without trouble as the migration involves crossing dangerous rivers which are mostly filled with dangerous Nile crocodiles. These herds travel around 800kilometres clockwise in a circle through Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems in search of greener pasture rich in minerals and water. This is also one of the most sought-after experiences for both nature and wildlife lovers as this migration involves a host of companions.
After calving in the Southern part of Serengeti near Ngorongoro Conservation Area, animals take the journey South before returning towards the end of the year. As the animals take on their journey, a lot of incidents take place during this process. Some of the animals are taken by predators while others are born hence replenishing the numbers as well as sustaining the circle of life.
These animals are met by big cats as well as dangerous crocodiles in the murky waters of the Mara River. This is an unforgettable experience as you get to see the herds blindly jump from the river bank into the river waters. As the food and water supply goes down, the herds also decrease in number.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
When to Expect the Herds in Masai Mara National Reserve
The best time to visit Masai Mara for the great wildebeest migration is between July and October.
July
Around this time that is from late July to mid-August, herds leave the arid plains of Serengeti in search of food and water and this is the time to watch a dramatic Mara River crossing.
August
The wildebeest and their companions by this time will have reached the Mara though they are always greeted by an eagerly waiting hunting party of big cats.
September
This is one of the most perfect times as the Masai Mara National Reserve is relatively quiet and peaceful. The herds are relatively relaxing on the plains.
October
Rains begin to come and during this time the pastures are relatively starting to grow up. By November, the herds head back to Serengeti as the great migration never-ending cycle continues circulating.
Maasai Mara Exclusive Adventure
Masai Mara National Reserve is a true haven of wildlife and
Migration, but obviously there is no way to know for certain that the herds will cross a river during a particular period of time. Weather can be unpredictable and late rains or early rains can result in a delayed or early migration pattern. The good news is that the Masai Mara has plenty of wildlife to enjoy all year round. The months that are most frequently mentioned as the best time of year to visit the Great Migration, July to October, are also the busiest months in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
It is safe to say that you won’t have the herds to yourself during these months. You can expect more safari travelers within the Masai Mara National Reserve proper and may have to queue up during safari game drives. For a quieter stay in this period we recommend staying in one of the Masai Mara conservancies. Here is an outline of what to expect from the Great Migration.
Life is good in Mara in September. The herds enjoy relative peace and quiet on the plains. This is the perfect time of year for epic safari game drives across the Masai Mara National Reserve.