The Great Wildebeest Migration-Why Maaasai Mara is a hot cake July-August
Kenya is strategically situated along the equator. The tropical weather gives Kenya an upper hand as far as choosing a holiday destination is concerned. On top of this, Kenya shares a spectacle with the neighboring Tanzania-The Great Wildebeest Migration. Being one of the 8 wonders of the World, it means a lot to the safari enthusiasts. This Magical phenomenon occurs once every year. It’s a cycle that ensures that you get to experience it next time, in case you miss it this time.
Every year millions of Wildebeests (also known as Gnus) migrates northwest from Serengeti to Kenya. This occurs at the end of the rainy season in Kenya. Their journey is informed by the fact that Kenya at that time has vast green pastures. As they move towards Maasai Mara, they are accompanied by other grazers such as Zebras and fellow antelopes.
Predators such as Lions and Cheetahs move along with them as well. As they cross rivers, Crocodiles and Leopards get their daily bread without a hustle. Kenya at this moment offers a conducive environment for mating, gestation and maternity. The food is plenty, both for the Gnus and their prey. Scavengers such as hyenas and vultures normally have a busy day in the office cleaning the jungle off the leftovers. In this wildlife kingdom of Maasai Mara, every animal is happy except when unlucky during this season.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is part of the reason why Kenya has been voted for seven years in a row as the World-leading Safari destination by the World Travel Awards. It deserves it. There is no complete safari experience without Kenya in it.
What makes it better to visit Maasai Mara during this season?
The entrance of Wildebeests to Kenya from July changes a lot of things. First, the wilderness is covered by Gnus. They occupy acres and acres of the jungle providing a beautiful sighting. From a far, they look like safari ants. As long as you are in Maasai Mara during this period, you cannot miss this sighting.
The second reason why Maasai Mara offers more this season than other times of the year is because it is super easy to spot predators. Most people who go on safari look forward to seeing the Big Five. Most of the times, it is not a walk in the park. It may require an entire day’s drive to even spot four of the Big Five. Fortunately, the wildebeest migration brings the cats closer to you. Within a short drive, you will have spotted Lions, leopards and even cheetahs. It is a holiday season for the cats in the Mara during this period.
The third reason and the most thrilling, is the Mara river crossing. Watching the gnus jump into the river and swim across is a magical and emotional moment. At times, you are rewarded by watching live as the Crocodiles battle it out for the freshest meals of the day. The thing with river crossing is that it is based on luck. There is no guarantee that you will witness Gnus crossing the river. In fact, the Gnus can stay at the banks of the river for the entire day without crossing. They normally depend on the guts of one of them to lead the pack across. Therefore, do not roast your tour operator if you fail to witness the crossing. To film this spectacle, you would require considering to stay in Masaai Mara for several days.
In July and August, it is peak season in Maasai Mara. Accommodation prices are on the higher side. You can’t blame them, can you? This is the only period of the year they experience full or close to full occupancy. However, if you didn’t care much about luxurious accommodation, there are budget tented camps that can make your safari affordable. A 3 days safari to the Maasai Mara can cost as low as $150 per person without park entrance fees and with shared transport. The three days are enough to experience the thrill of Wildebeest Migration. As I mentioned before, watching them cross the river is by luck. You will need to pray before departing 🙂
This year’s Wildebeest Migration should not pass you by. However, if you miss it, start making plans for next year’s phenomenon.
As a bonus, Maasai Mara offers an opportunity for visitors to experience authentic Maasai culture. There are cultural villages close to the park that demonstrates the Maasai culture and gives you an opportunity to participate in some activities such as lighting fire without a lighter, dances, tour inside the manyattas, traditional medicines, etc. You also get an opportunity to buy souvenirs that are authentically Kenyan made.
Maasai Mara Awaits………….
Photography by Travel With Eliud
