By July the wildebeest and their entourage have begun the journey from the Serengeti plains towards the green pastures of the Masai Mara. As the plains of the south and east dry out, there is a movement to the north and west, where there is more grass and more dependable water. In a dry year, the first wildebeest could be near the Mara River (the only decent permanent water in the ecosystem) in early July; in a wet year - mid August. If conditions are very good, and there is plenty of grass and water, the herds will be spread out all the way from Seronera to the Mara River.
The northward wildebeest migration is divided between two main population groups with different migration routes. The main group follows the Mbalageti and Seronera Rivers from the southern plains into the western corridor, crossing the Grumeti River. This watercourse is their first real obstacle and gigantic crocodiles are waiting for the hesitant wildebeest to stumble at the crossing. Here they remain until July when the land dries out completely. They must then head towards the Masai Mara and its greener pastures. From Grumeti, the herds move before crossing the Kenyan border into the Masai Mara. Here again, they must cross a river, this time the Mara with its masses of hungry crocodiles.
The second main group heads directly north from the plains through the Central Serengeti and directly into the Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara without entering the Western Serengeti.
In the Masai Mara, the grassy landscape and nutrient wealth for the great herds are created by abundant rains. Up to one and a half million animals pour in from the dry plains of Tanzania. Being in the reserve between August and September when the wildebeest have arrived is a mindblowing experience. The sheer numbers are staggering. The variety of species is also unique. In one place you may be able to see ten or more species at a time - wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, elephant, hyena, lions, eland and gazelle. And if you are lucky enough to witness a river crossing, you are sure to develop a new understanding and respect for the struggle for survival in the African wild.
The mass of animals remain on the productive Mara grasslands until October or November. And then, as the storm clouds gather in the south, the vast herds return to their breeding grounds which, by the time they arrive, are once again green and lush.
Recommended Migration Safaris between July and November:
Please note this is a general description of the migration cycle. Due
to the spontaneous and unpredictable timing of the migration we cannot be held
liable for any misrepresentation of the current situation in East Africa. Please
consult with your Go2Africa representative for up to date reports when planning
your safari.
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