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Shaila Sultan

The Great Wildebeest Migration!


The Great Wildebeest Migration also known as the “Seven wonders of the natural world” is the movement of a million plus wildebeest from Serengeti in Tanzania northwards into the adjoining Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya.

The migration takes place every year with the animal's primal instincts guiding them towards greener pastures and plentiful water following the climatic rainfall patterns over the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem. This marvel to behold has encountered up to 1.5 million wildebeest, close to a million Zebras, and large numbers of other animals undertaking the long trek that lasts many weeks.

It seems reasonable to call the wildebeest birthing season the start of the migration which takes place around late January and February. The herds occupy the short-grass plains that spread over the lower northern slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater highlands and around Olduvai Gorge where around 400,000 calves are born within a period of two to three weeks. The birthing season attracts big cats like Lions, Cheetahs, and more ready to pounce. It is a wonder to behold.

After bearing their young in February and March, the wildebeest herds drift Northwest toward the fresher grass of the central Serengeti, drawing thousands of zebras and smaller groups of antelope shortly after mating season begins, and male wildebeest battle head-to-head to get the female. As June moves into July, the hundreds of thousands of Wildebeest and Zebras continue to head north along the edge of the park toward an even riskier barrier: the Mara River in the North of the Serengeti. These river crossings are arguably one of Earth's most exciting wildlife events. Standing at the lip of the bank, entire herds suddenly cascade downwards towards the river, thundering hooves and desperate paddling, some animals are suddenly pulled under the water as crocodiles lie and wait under the surface, ready to lock their jaws around the vulnerable bodies of the traveling wildebeest.

Later in July and August, the animals that have successfully made it across the Mara River will also be in Masai Mara. In years when the river is in full flow, the panic and confusion at the crossings — combined with waiting for predators and surging currents — can cause massive loss of life. But, even in years of relatively gently flowing water, the crocs take their toll, not to mention the lions and other large predators that patrol the banks, ready to ambush any wildebeest that make it to the other side.

By December, you can find them in the eastern and southern Serengeti. As the new year comes, the cycle begins again. The Wildebeest migration is called “the greatest show on Earth” and you must see it!


We have the perfect migration packages for you! Contact us and book one of the below!


Maasai Mara National reserve 3 Days/2 Nights (Valid from 1st July - 30th October 2023)

1.Jambo Mara Camp Cost per adult Sharing Ksh. 22,860

2. AA Mara Camp Cost per adult Sharing Ksh. 36,360

3. Mara Leisure Camp Cost per adult Sharing Ksh. 39,515

4. Ashnil Mara Camp Cost per adult Sharing Ksh. 43,860

5. Sarova Mara Game Camp Cost per adult Sharing Ksh. 47,360

6. Mara West Camp Cost per adult Sharing Ksh. 40,860


Inclusions:

  • 2 Nights’ Accommodation on Full Board basis

  • Transport to and from Nairobi in a Safari minivan with a pop-up roof

  • Services of an English-speaking driver guide

  • Complimentary drinking water

  • Game drives

  • Exclusions

  • Guest Park fees

  • Any other item not mentioned in the inclusions


Terms & Conditions:

Apply Child & Single room policy applies

Subject to Availability at the time of booking

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