Great Migration Kenya

Each year around millions of wildebeest make the perilous journey between the Serengeti plains in north Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.Known as the Great Migration Kenya, this phenomenal event was named one of the seven wonders of Africa and has a place on the bucket list of many travellers.

Timing is crucial for those who wish to see the Great Migration Kenya first hand and, for this reason, it’s important to plan the Kenya Safari Tours carefully. Visitors should decide at which point during the migration they would like to see the animals.

Although the exact timing and route can vary according to the climatic conditions, the general Kenya Safari Guide below will help visitors organize their stay in Kenya to coincide with the migration.

What Is The Great Wildebeest Migration Kenya?

As the dry season commences, the wildebeests’ habitat in the Serengeti dries up, making it necessary for the animals to head towards a more dependable water and food supply. The route is a circuit, as the creatures return to their starting point as the seasons change.

The path that the wildebeest take follows the rains north, leading them from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, covering some 1,000 miles.

How Many Wildebeest In The Great Migration?

Each year around 1.5 million wildebeest begin the journey from Tanzania to Kenya, although not all make it. It is estimated that some 250,000 wildebeest die en route, affected by hunger, thirst, predation, or exhaustion.

Although the Great Migration Kenya is associated with wildebeest, thousands of zebras and gazelles are also involved with predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas never far away.

When Is The Great Wildebeest Migration?

As mentioned previously, the Best Time For Safari In Kenya from the Serengeti to Kenya is dependent on factors such as the climate and the animals themselves.

The good news for travellers is that, as the herds are always on the move, they can be seen throughout the year provided the correct location is selected.

August: The grasses of the western Serengeti are turning yellow and the herds continue north. After crossing the Grumeti River in Tanzania, the wildebeest and zebra head to Kenya's Lamai Wedge and the Mara Triangle. Before they get to the lush plains of the Mara, they have to make another river crossing.

This time it's the Mara River, and that too is filled with hungry crocodiles. The best places to stay to watch the migrating wildebeest tackle the Mara River include KichwaTembo Camp, Bateleur Camp and Sayari Mara Camp.

September: November: The Mara plains are filled to the brim with large herds, naturally followed by predators. Some of the best places to stay while the migration is in the Mara include Governors' Camp and Mara Serena Safari Lodge.

November - December: The rains start in the south again and the herds begin their long trek back down to Tanzania's Serengeti plains to give birth to their young. During the short rains of November, the wildebeest migration is best viewed from Klein’s Camp, while campsites in the Lobo area are also good.

Experience Great Migration Safari In Kenya For Yourself!

There’s no reason to wait to see this magnificent spectacle for yourself on a Kenya Safari Tours.

There are plenty of excellent places to stay in and around Maasai Mara National Reserve. African Outback Safaris offers an abundance of trips, even for a first-time Globetrotter, focusing on the Masai Mara and the Great Migration.

If you are planning a Kenya Safari do give us a ring first - we would be delighted to talk you through the seasons and the migration and offer recommendations for both your safari to the Masai Mara and your overall itinerary. Call or email us to start planning your Kenya Migration Safari adventure!