This year's annual wildebeest Migration finally arrives to Masai Mara . Big herds have been sighted near Sand River border and expected to be spread out acros Mara in the next couple of days. Word have it that the delay in arrival this year is due to amount of grass on their way.
The great annual migration of millions of zebra, wildebeest (gnu) and other antelope in East Africa tops almost every list of safari experiences. When you plan your trip, you'll need information about the annual migration, the best times to witness this wildlife spectacle, where to stay, and when to see it in Kenya and Tanzania.
The Migration
Each year around 1.5 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebra (along
with other antelope) gather up their young and start their long trek from
Tanzania's Serengeti Plains, further north to Kenya's Masai Mara National
Reserve. They go in search of food and water. Their journey runs in a clockwise
circle and the animals cover a distance of around 1800 miles. It's a tough
journey, and every year an estimated 250,000 wildebeest don't make it.
One of the most spectacular sights of the migration is when the
herds gather to cross the Grumeti River (Tanzania) and the Mara River (Kenya)
from July through September. As the herds cross, crocodiles are lying in wait
for any weak and feeble ungulates that can't cope with the strong currents or
lose their mothers.
But the river crossings aren't the only spectacle. Just
witnessing hundreds of animals on the plains is a sight in itself. Particularly
because they attract many of Africa's impressive predators. Lions, leopards,
hyenas and wild dogs follow the herds and give safari goers excellent chances
of seeing a kill in action.
Being a natural event, the migration changes year to year in
both timing and location. Use the information below as a general guideline.
The Migration in Tanzania
In December through March the Serengeti plains and the
Ngorongoro Conservation areas in northern Tanzania are home to giant herds of
wildebeest, zebra and other ungulates. This is calving season. Most of the
wildebeest calves are born in just a three week period, usually the beginning
of February. Calves attract predators and this is an amazing time of year to
watch impressive lion kills. It's also quite spectacular to see almost half a
million little wildebeest being born and running alongside their mothers.
The southern Ndutu and Salei plains are the best areas to see
the large herds during this time of year. The best places to stay include Ndutu
Safari Lodge, Kusini Camp, Lemala Ndutu Camp and any mobile tented camps in the
area.
By April/May the herds begin to migrate west and north to the
grassier plains and woodland of the Serengeti’s western Corridor. The rain
during this time of year makes it difficult to follow the herds during this
stage of their migration. Many of Tanzania's smaller camps in fact shut down
due to impassable roads.
By the end of May, as the rains stop, the wildebeest and zebra
gradually start moving north and individual groups begin to congregate and form
much larger herds. This is also the time the wildebeest mate. Western Serengeti
is the best place to watch the migration unfold.
By July the herds reach their first big obstacle, the Grumeti
River. The Grumeti river can get deep in places, especially if the rains have
been good. This is the first of the spectacular river crossings you can
witness. The depth of the river makes drowning a distinct possibility for many
wildebeest and there are plenty of crocodiles to take advantage of their
distress.
Camps along the river during this time make for an incredible
safari experience. The best places to stay are The Serengeti Serena which is a
central, easily accessible lodge for viewing the migration at this time.
Grumeti River Camp, Migration Camp and Kirawira Camp are also options. Seronera
and Moru area campsites are the best for those on a budget. Kleins Camp is also
ideally situated.
The Migration in Kenya
By late July, 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 CC Africa's Kichwa Tembo and Bataleur Camps, the Mara
Serena Safari Lodge, and Sayari Mara Camp.
September through November, the Mara plains are filled to the
brim with large herds of ungulates, naturally followed by predators.
Best places to stay while the migration is in the Mara include
the Governors camps and Mara Serena Safari Lodge. In Tanzania, the Kirawira
camp, and Grumeti River Camp.
There are plenty more places to stay inside the Masai Mara
Reserve and just outside the Reserve (equally good for wildlife spotting).
By November/December the rains start in the south again and the
herds begin their long trek back down to the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to
have their young.
During the short rains of November the wildebeest migration is
best viewed from Klein’s Camp. Campsites in the Lobo area are also good.
Interesting Facts
- Wildebeest are also called Gnu because of the grunts they make which sound like "gnu" "gnu".
- Wildebeest young are almost all born during a three week period (an estimated 400,000 each year). This overwhelming supply of potential food for predators means more of them survive.
- Wildebeest are born to run. They can run alongside their mothers just minutes after they are born.
- Zebra and wildebeest graze in harmony because each animal prefers a different part of the same grass.
- No two zebra look exactly the same.
- It is estimated that around 250,000 wildebeest die while on the migration circuit.
- The migration is a natural phenomenon that only started in the 1960's.
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