Monteero Safaris presents the unique tour experience of witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya. The Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya is an annual biological marvel that involves approximately 2 million angulates, mainly wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. From Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, the ungulates cross the Grumeti and Mara rivers into Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. These angulates make a dangerous journey in search for better quality and quantity of pastures and water. It is dangerous since a number of them die, thanks to predators (lions, crocodiles, cheetahs and leopards), exhaustion and accidents.
Witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya
You can observe the fascination Great Migration in Masai Mara National Park during a game drive. You must be seated comfortably in a safari vehicle, preferably with an open roof. A knowledgeable driver guide should accompany you to ensure that your car is paused at a vantage point, safe enough to spot the stampede. Some vantage points are close to the Masai River and preferred by a lot of visitors. Ensure to arrive early, as the time for their migration is quite unpredictable. However, it is better if you stay in Masai Mara National Reserve, to ensure that you arrive much faster if migrations have been detected by the ranger guides.
Best time of the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya
The months of July and August are the best time to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya. During this time, over 500,000 wildebeests and other angulates can be seen crossing from the northern part of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. From September to October, they instinctively make the journey back into Serengeti National Park using a different route south-eastward. This is because the rainy season in Masai Mara is brief. By November and December, the wildebeest reach Serengeti National Park via the Namiri Plains and then the cycle continues.
Traveling to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve is about 300 kilometers west of Nairobi, and you can travel to the place by either road or air transportation. A scenic road trip takes 5.5 to 7 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions. Monteero Safaris, a reputable tour company can organize your transfer, in a comfortable 4X4 safari car. A faster domestic flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to an airstrip (Musiara, Serena, Keekorok, Ol Kiombo and Mara North) in Masai Mara takes an hour. The flight offers aerial views of Kenya’s unique physical features. Safarilink, AirKenya and Governor’s Aviation offer flights to Masai Mara National Reserve. You can make your reservation for a flight with Monteero Safaris.
Other activities to experience in Masai Mara National Reserve
Besides the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara National reserve, visitors can relish a number of tour activities during their tour in Masai Mara National Park. These include the following,
African Big 5, which is another way of getting the most out of a game drive in the Masai Mara plains. While driving on the tracks, you will spot the lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes. You will take exciting photos of these iconic African wild animals in their natural homes. If you are fortunate enough, you can also witness a predator-prey action physically.
Hot-air ballooning, which is a fun way of getting aerial views of the lovely plains of the savannah plains in Masai Mara National Reserve. Highlights to observe include the Mara River, birds, aquatic wild animals, and landscape. This experience will take around an hour and will conclude with a picnic lunch or breakfast and mostly champagne.
Cultural encounter, usually with the Masaai people who are traditionally semi-nomadic pastoralists. You will have an intimate encounter with these lovely Africans who love dressing in flamboyant colorful garments. They will kindly offer to give you insight into their way of life such as their relationship with their cattle in terms of culture, food and economy. You will else get deeper knowledge regarding their rituals, social structures and identity.
Guided nature walk, which is a delightful adventure involving the hiking on foot to spot the wildlife and landscape of Masai Mara National Reserve. You will have a chance of spotting numerous colorful birds, angulates and their predators etc. A ranger guide will lead you through certain routes as you appreciate the panoramic views of the Masai Mara plains.
Birdwatching, where a passionate birder will be presented an unbelievable array of birds to spot in Masai Mara National Reserve. There are at least 470 bird species here. These include martial eagles, ostriches, cormorants, dwarf bitterns, black crake, Lannar falcon, black-crowned night-heron, white stork, sacred ibis, bateleur, Egyptian goose and secretary bird.
Other tour activities offered at Masai Mara National Reserve include bush breakfast, photography, camping, horseback safaris and sightseeing among others. With Monteero Safaris you will plan a tour that prioritizes your expectations and budget. The tailor-made tour package will also include transportation, meals, and accommodation.
Packing for the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya
The Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve cannot be successful if travelers do not prioritize the following essential items,
Wide-brimmed hat
Comfortable pair of shoes
Light clothes
Rain jacket in case it rains
Sunglasses
Suncream
Refillable water bottle for drinking water
Insect repellent
Binoculars
Camera
Daypack
Basic first aid kit
Extra cash for emergencies, buying souvenirs and tipping