Wildebeest Migration in Kenya | 8th Wonder of the World

The annual wildebeestmigration in Kenya is the 8th wonder of the world and is one of the greatest natural spectacles in the world. This enormous migration happens between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya between July and October each year.

The immense herds of wildebeest migrate in search of greener pastures by crossing the crocodile-infested Mara River. You should make sure that the 2021 season of the migration does not pass you… It is one event worth everything.

In March, towards the end of the short dry season, the grasslands of the southernmost Serengeti start to dry out. This triggers the onset of the wildebeests’ journey, towards the western woodlands in the Mara. Â

Behaviorist and conservationist Harvey Croze, co-author of “The Great Migration” has been following this phenomenon by observing weather trends. The wildebeest’s journey is guided mainly by their reaction to the weather; they move towards rain and the growth of grass.

Well, there is no documented scientific evidence that this is true. In addition, it is also indicated that the wildebeest and other animals respond to lightning and storms in the distance.Â

Croze stated that it would be surprising if the wildebeest overlooked the protuberant portents of change. Moreover, there is no solo entity of the wildebeest migration. There is no start nor finish to their relentless search for pastures and water, as they round the Serengeti – Mara ecosystem.

However, in Kenya, the migration typically kicks in somewhere in June…

The 8th Wonder of the World

The wildebeest migration was chosen in 2007 as the eighth wonder of the world. It has also been ranked among the most magnificent safari scenery. The Maasai people baptized the Reserve -Mara, which denotes spotted, this is about the landscape, which is covered with orchards of acacia and thorn savannahs.

It is possible the name was derived from the spotted blizzard of wildebeest and millions of other animals during the relocation. Besides its progressing plains and wide-open grassland, the Masai Mara Game Reserve is an amazing place to be.

In addition, the type of African landscape is the one you might see in the cinemas and films such as the – Big Cats Series. This rare spectacle happens here in Kenya sometimes from June to October and is one event that you should bookmark and then attend.

The wildebeest migration cycle

At the Ngorongoro Crater highlands, wildebeests can give birth to up to 400,000 calves. These highlands are very conducive for nurturing new calves as there are lush green pastures.

Around March, grass dries up in the Serengeti forcing the wildebeests to move westwards to the woodlands. In addition, the herds move towards the Ndutu plains where they feed on the short grass.

As the wildebeests follow the rain, they settle briefly at the Western Corridor of the Serengeti. At this point, the wildebeests mate under the full moon. As the rains keep attracting the wildebeest herds, they move northwards from the Western Corridor to the Maasai Mara.

On the Serengeti side, the herds have to cross the Grumeti River and the Mbalangeti River. Wildebeests are the most unpredictable herbivores when it comes to reasoning.

Their inherent lack of proper reasoning subjects them to danger when selecting a crossing point. At the Mara River, some crossing points are marred with blood-thirsty reptiles and hippos.

However, due to group thinking and spontaneous movement, some crossing points may present a less hazardous crossing while some may prove quite disastrous. In some instances, wildebeests graze near the river as they await their counterparts before moving as one massive group.

At the Maasai Mara, wildebeests graze on short scattered grass and bushes as they keep reproducing and nurturing young ones. As they follow new pastures, wildebeests begin to move south towards the Serengeti at the onset of the October rains.

The Wildebeest Migration Journey

Well, the wildebeest move in a constant sequence that involves their life. The death of these amazing animals is an occurrence that happens. East African authors stated that the only beginning they have is birth. Likewise, the only ending is demise.

This year the migration will begin somewhere in June and could run till September and should be on your travel bucket list. In the year 2020, the wildebeests first crossed the Sand River heading towards the more significant Mara ecology.

The second crossing was noticed at the Mara River bridge headed towards the Mara Triangle. Wildebeests get to the Mara River in their tens of thousands and gather ahead of the crossing.

In addition, as the numbers increase they finally begin off the crossing at a point of their choice thus there is no specific point of the passage. This enormous crossing can be observed best in mid-morning at around 0900 hrs to 1100 hrs and at times in the afternoon from 1500 hrs to 1600 hrs.

They traverse the Mara ecosystem during their whole stay in Kenya at different times in massive herds accompanied by zebras and big carnivores that prey on them. Furthermore, the wildebeests move through great distances – and very fast to try and keep off the big cats and other predators from attacking them.

This ensures that they get the pastures to feed on and be discreet within the massive Mara grasslands. The massive herds of wildebeests move down through the eastern woodlands of the Serengeti, some 90 percent of the wildebeests with the new season’s young.

Strongly congregated as they move through the forested country, the wildebeest distribute and spread out again once they arrive at the open grasslands.

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Getting to the Masai Mara National Park

There are two main routes to get to the Maasai Mara game reserve one by road and the other by air. Additionally, there are daily scheduled flights from the Kenyan coast and Nairobi to the Mara.

Well, the sanctuary is serviced by several airstrips within and around the park and depends on the place where the visitor intends to spend his/her days. The reserve is roughly 300km from Nairobi, thus easily accessed by excellent road networks.

There are only six entrances to the park; Oloololo gates, Sekenani, Sand River, Maria, Talek, and Ollolaimutiek. The Maasai Mara, however, has a couple of rules and regulations that every visitor is expected to adhere to during their visit and stay at the park.

They include;

• Not feeding the animals because this upsets their diet
• Being aware of the animals because they are wild and can be unpredictable
• Leaving no litter nor fires unattended, among other rules and regulations   Â

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Book an Experience of the Annual Wildebeest Migration in Kenya

The annual wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania is a phenomenal wildlife event that every tourist yearns to experience. This amazing migration of wildebeests into the Maasai Mara National Reserve often occurs from July to October.

In addition, Wildebeests rely on rain patterns to determine their feeding grounds. Kenya being a tourist hub attracts tourists in hundreds of thousands to the Maasai Mara to witness this rare phenomenon.

Witness this year’s spectacular wildebeest migration with us… Here at Zunguka Safaris, we promise to deliver beyond your expectations. Are you looking forward to visiting the Masai Mara? we got some amazing safari packages that might suit your interests.

At Zunguka Africa Safaris, we provide our clients with the best transport and accommodation packages to the Mara. If on a budget, don’t miss out on the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya Safari – we have amazing Joining Packages just for you…

Book With Us for a seamless wildlife experience at the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

You may also like to read more about:

• The Masai Mara National Park

• National Parks and Reserves in Kenya

We do truly hope that you enjoyed the above read… Kindly share your thoughts and comments below…

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