The Great Migration at Masai Mara Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve is 1510 sq km of open rolling grasslands that extend northward from Tanzania’s Serengeti. The Great Migration at Masai Mara Reserve is the largest movement of animals on the planet. Numbers vary annually, but it’s estimated that herd sizes can reach 1.5 million wildebeest, not to mention just under a million zebras, topi, and eland. Waves of zebras arrive first, mowing through the tall, coarse grass stems that shot up during the rains, and exposing the green leafy grasses preferred by the wildebeests following behind them.
From July to September the Mara welcomes the Great Migration of thousands of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya. … The sheer the sight of the first herds of animals rushing into the crocodile-infested river will make you long for this wildebeest migration every year
The Mara is perhaps best known for the Great Migration, which takes place every year from July to September. During these months the yellow savannah is dotted black by more than 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra and antelopes that migrate from the Serengeti to the Mara in search of food and water.
Mara and Serengeti parks are interdependent wildlife havens. This is where the world’s largest multi-species migration takes place. The movement is, centered around the wildebeest migrating from Serengeti into Masai Mara during the dry period in Tanzania, crossing the mighty Mara River on their way. The Great Wildebeest Migration rightfully deserves its standing as one of the natural world’s most astonishing spectacles. Compromising of more than 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes, the Great Migration constitutes the last surviving multi-species migration on the planet.
Kills are common during the migration, especially in the early morning, late afternoon, and during the shelter of night. But no matter how many safari videos you may have already seen, nothing can prepare you for this raw display of nature. The hairs on the back of your neck stand at attention, and an emotional mix of awe and sympathy takes hold. Often the prey is not aware that it is about to lose its life. Other times, the struggle to survive is fierce and even inspiring. But when death does take hold in the wild, it is anything but a pretty sight.
The Sekenani Gate in the east leads into the rolling Ngama Hills, dominated by stands of thorny acacias that are often picked clean by giraffes. Plenty of animals beyond the seasonal migrants can be seen along the side tracks including warthogs, elephants, buffaloes, hartebeests, and gazelles. Troops of vervet monkeys and olive baboons are also commonly seen fanning out to forage. Less common are the dik-diks, a tiny species of antelope that hides out in thickets. Even rarer is the endangered black rhino, a few dozen of which can be found in the south-eastern corner of the reserve.
The Mara boasts no less than 540 different species of birds. Huge vultures can easily be spotted wheeling in the thermals or gorging on the remains of a kill. Large grassland birds range from the familiar common ostrich and hornbill to the lesser-known secretary bird, a large eagle-crane hybrid that hunts on foot. The skies are home to 57 types of raptors, the most famous of which is the African fish eagle. If you’re an avid birder hoping to expand your checklist, the Mara has plenty of colorful specialists including yellow-mantled widowbirds, purple grenadiers, and cinnamon-breasted rock buntings.
Domestic flights and private charters touch down at the various airstrips in the Mara. By vehicle, it’s a bumpy 270km ride from Nairobi as the tarmac disappears after Narok. Self-drive safaris are permitted, though the vast majority of travelers prefer to arrange guided drives through their accommodation. All budgets are catered for in the Mara, from budget camping trips to all-inclusive luxury lodges. Advanced reservations are highly recommended, and absolutely essential during the migration. Get in touch with Enclose Africa Safaris, to have your safari to Masai Mara booked in advance, such that you don’t miss this great wildlife migration on your African Safari