Great Wildebeest Migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve: Maasai Mara National Reserve is found in Southwestern Kenya and close to the Tanzanian border. The reserve covers an area of about 1510 square kilometers. When combined with the neighboring Serengeti National Park of Tanzania, the two form arguably the best place to spot wildlife in the world. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to over 95 species of mammals and 570 of birds. Between June and November, the Maasai Mara is host to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, Thompson’s Gazelles and Zebras cross the Mara River from the Serengeti in search of greener grass. They encounter many challenges along the way. Apart from stalking predators, the migrating animals have to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River where thousands drown or get eaten by crocodiles. Those who cross the river have to contend with Africa’s big predators. The scale of the migration is so large that it can be observed from space. Tourists visit to witness the great concentration of animals, the calving season, and the battle between predator and prey.
Embarking on a Great Migration Wildebeest viewing safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve offers a front-row seat to this awe-inspiring event. Visitors have the chance to witness the massive herds as they navigate the savannahs, grasslands and river crossings, offering a truly unforgettable wildlife experience. The Reserve has well-trained guides who are responsible for leading tours in the park, taking tourists to strategic viewpoints and locations where the herds are likely to be found. These guides are knowledgeable about the behavior of the animals as well as the best time and places to witness the Great Migration in action. From the comfort of safari vehicles, tourists can observe the wildebeest as they move in synchronized patterns, grazing and communicating with each other. The sheer size and scale of the herds are a sight to behold, screeching as far as the eye can see across the open plains.
For those seeking to elevate their safari experience, hot air balloon rides over the Maasai mara offer a unique perspective of the Great Migration from above. Drifting silently over the landscape at sunrise, visitors can witness the herds in motion, as well as the stunning scenery and wildlife that make up this iconic park. in addition to the wildebeest, the Great Migration also attracts predators such as lions, leopards and hyenas, creating opportunities for thrilling wildlife sightings. Watching a lioness stalk her prey or a cheetah chase down a gazelle adds an extra layer of excitement and drama to the safari experience.
Best tips for viewing the great migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Expert guiding
Participating in this thrilling activity in the reserve is only conducted with the help of experienced guides, who will be able to take you to the best viewing spots and provide you with interesting insights about the migration and wildlife in the area and the best ways to complete the activity.
Horseback riding.
Horseback riding is one of the thrilling activities that offers you a chance to explore the hidden treasures of the park which may not be accessible by vehicle allowing visitors to see wildebeest in the reserve up close. When visitors explore and get up close and personal with the wildebeests as they enter the Maasai Mara National Reserve, it’s the ultimate safari experience. As seeing the natural wonders that provide lifelong safari memories is a singular joy for many motorcyclists.
Visit during the peak migration season
The best time to witness the great migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve is between July and October when millions of the wildebeest, zebras and gazelles cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing pastures. The wildebeest migration occurs in Tanzania in the southern portion of the Serengeti National Park between January and March. Because you will know the exact moment when the wildebeest is in the national park, this will enable you to conduct the most astonishingly flawless wildebeest-watching experience.
River crossing.
The wildebeest river crossing typically occurs between the months of July and October, as the massive herds make their way north from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The Mara River offers you the best opportunity to see the spectacle of the wildebeest crossing as they migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, so if you’re interested in witnessing the spectacle, this is the place to be
Getting to Maasai Mara National Reserve
If you’re driving, Maasai Mara National Reserve is 270km (168 mi) west of Nairobi. The road to the reserve is paved all the way from Nairobi to Sekenani Gate, and the driving time is about 4 to 5 hours. If you’re driving to the northern end of the Mara including to the Mara North and Mara Triangle conservancies, there’s an unpaved stretch of 70km soon after leaving Narok, although there are plans to seal the road. You can also use a bus, taxi or even a private means. Tourists are recommended to use 4×4 vehicles to help you navigate through the rugged and muddy landscape of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Visitors who want a luxury trip, can book a charted flight that operates from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport in Nairobi
Where to stay
Travelers planning to want to take part in the great migration wildebeest viewing in Maasai Mara National Reserve have not to worry about where to stay. The reserve has a lot of accommodation facilities where visitors can stay or spend a night while on a wildebeest migration viewing safari in the park such as Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara Intrepids Luxury Tented Camp, Royal Mara Safari Lodge, Kicheche Mara Camp, Kickwa Tembo Camp, Ashnil Mara Camp, Mara Explorer Luxury Tented Camp, Governor’s Camp, Basecamp Explorer’s Safari Camp, Keekorok Lodge and Serova Mara Game Camp among others.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about Great Migration Wildebeest viewing in Maasai Mara National Reserve and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on you are in the country.
