The great migration in Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the world’s most remarkable natural phenomenal. It is an annual movement involving nearly 2 million wildebeest accompanied by grazers such as the Thompson gazelles, Grant gazelles, zebras, elands and impalas as they cross the Masai Mara-Serengeti Eco-system of Kenya and Tanzania respectively. They cross through the 2 ecosystems via the Mara River for search for greener pastures and water.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s spectacular protected area lying in the Southwestern side on the Great Rift Valley just within Narok County. The wildebeest migration is undoubtedly a major safari highlight for holidaymakers on Kenya safaris to Masai Mara.
The Mara Reserve is popular for its huge concentration of lions and scattered trees. Besides, the reserve also inhabits leopards, elephants, cheetahs, buffaloes, antelopes, hyenas, birds and others which holidaymakers on wildebeest migration safari in Masai Mara National Park stand a chance to sight.
In the Masai Mara Kenya, the Great Wildebeest Migration can be witnessed at various points. You can travel in a 4×4 Land Cruiser or Safari Vehicle, by air or while on foot-walk. Also, some wilderness lodges within the Mara offer excellent viewing area for wildebeest.
Best time for wildebeest migration in the Mara.
The great migration in the Masai Mara Kenya occurs in various times of the year. But the dry months specifically July, August, and September are considerably the best for you to witness the wildebeest migration in Kenya’s Mara Reserve. The Mara River crossing movement is considerably the climax point for the wildebeest migration.
It is amazing spotting these creatures as they rush to cross through the crocodile infested river. This is why it is one of the thrilling experiences anyone on Kenya safari holiday shouldn’t miss out.
Calving
Wildebeest birthing/calving is one incredible event that holidaymakers on Kenya safari shouldn’t miss in the Masai Mara. The wildebeest begin birthing between January and February, giving birth to an estimated population of about 300000-400000 calves in just 14-21 days. They give birth in areas with short grass. The annual calving also offers a feast for predators and as you drive, higher chances are that you will spot out several hyenas and lions dotted around areas where wildebeest give birth.
Maasai Mara National Reserve Kenya entry fees; to access Masai Mara, you have to pay US Dollars 200 and the reserve is accessible through various entry points including the Oloololo gate to the Northeast, Talek Gate to the Northwest, Sand River gate, Oloolaimutia gate to the East, Musiara Gate. Places to stay while on wildebeest migration safari in the Masai Mara include among others Base Camp Masai Mara, Maasai Serena Safari Lodge, Elewana Sand River, Mara Ngenche Luxury Tented Camp, Mara Bush Camp, Mara West Chalets, Fairmont Mara Safari Club.