Masai mara national park: The wildebeest migration

Masai mara national park is located in the southwest of Kenya with the most incredible scenic views of rolling African savannah plains. Masai Mara boarders Serengeti national park in Tanzania to the south sharing the same eco system. The Masai mara national park is a wildlife conservation famously known for a rich diversity of wildlife like prowling prides of lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes and African buffalo.

What is the best time of visiting Masai mara national park?

The best time of visiting Masai mara national park is mainly in the dry season in the months of July to October. This is the very best time of the year to visit Masai mara national park when there is absence of rain. As during this time, the herbivores gather near the water source while being closely followed by cats who feeds on them. Furthermore, the dry season is characterized the shorter grasses which improve the visibility on top of the sky being clear.

However, you must note that the park is open for the visitors all year round and the time of your visit should be determined by your personal interests and note that the accommodation costs during the rainy season is relatively low compared to the dry season which is considered to be the peak season. Therefore, it is advisable for the budget traveler and last-minute traveler to always consider the wet season for lower charges and availability of accommodation.

When is the best time for the wildebeest migration?

The best time for the wildebeest migration is in the months of August to October. The herds sometimes might arrive in Masai mara as early as July depending on the rains. September is usually the best time to watch the Mara River crossing in Masai mara. The river crossing is arguably the most thrilling stage of Africa’s great migration with large herds of grazers plunging into the crocodile infested waters. The river crossing can be witnessed from northern Serengeti or Masai mara.

When do the wildebeest migrate to and from?

Wildebeests migrate normally after the calving season in the northern part of Tanzania in Serengeti near the Ngorongoro conservation area. The migration covers two famous parks in Serengeti of Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya and also include crossing to rivers in R. Mara and R. Grumeti. Here is the course of migration.

January and February

The calving process take place between January and February. This is the best time for travelers who might be interested in seeing the newborns to visit the Serengeti national Park. The calving period also attracts predators who would wish to feed on these helpless creatures during this time.

March and May

After calving between march and May, the vegetation remains green due to the rainy season that is continuing. The herds of wildebeest will continue to stay in Serengeti as the young one grow and the greenery is still in abundancy.

May and Jury

Between may and jury, as the dry season approaches, the herds of wildebeest start moving northwards towards River Grumeti as they are searching for a green pasture. This period is characterized by territorial dominancy, mating, courtship among others within the wildebeest.

Jury and October

The period between jury and October is the most thralling period for wildebeest as the herds will have to cross to rivers in R. Grumeti and Mara River in south Kenya. It is the most dramatic event that draw thousands of people all over the world is crossing Mara River. The herds while trying to cross over finds a lot of obstacles which include river water current, the predators in form of crocodiles within waters and cuts which are waiting patients for the wildebeest to cross. This period is the highlight of the migration.

November and December

Between November and December, the migration will continue to the west of south Serengeti through the eastern and central Serengeti. This will mark the end/ completion of the migration cycle

December to January is characterize with the green pasture because of the shorter rainy season the ends in December. Therefore, the wildebeest settle in south Serengeti as there will be pretty of food.

Best things to do in Masai mara national park.

Game drives

The game drives normally take 2-3 hours in the different conservancies with a 4×4 tour vehicle. The park has morning game drives that start from 6:30 am to 9 am, afternoon game drives that start from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm, full day game drives that start from 10 am to 4 pm with an inclusion of a lunch picnic and night game drives that are privately organized in different conservancies with skilled game rangers. With the game drives, you have a chance to see the enriching beauty of wildlife in their natural environment at a closer range that create the best memorable experiences and most importantly the Big 5.

Nature walks

Nature walks are excluded exciting trails that share an incredible and exciting experience with nature lovers and the locals. These are mostly made by researchers with a help of game rangers with a gun for protection in case of anything. These researchers mostly learn more about different vegetation, behaviors of animals and relationship between locals and the park. Nature lovers be in local sandals exploring and moving around watching different animals in a close view like elephants, giraffes, antelope and buffalos. The nature walks also create a great sight of different bird species so tourists are advised to carry binoculars and recorders for memorable photography.

Horse riding

Horse riding is offered in surrounding areas of a larger Masai mara region in private conservancies and game ranches like in the fringe of Olerai conservancy. Horse riding normally takes 2 hours with 2 sessions, the morning session that ends with breakfast out on the plains of the Mara and the afternoon session that ends with a sundowner out on the plains of the Mara and surrounded by wildlife. With horse riding you get a chance to see animals in close proximity.

Masai village visit

The Masai village visit is characterized with a tribal group in the southern area of Kenya. The visit starts with a brief interaction to see the village which normally takes 1 hour where you get a chance to engage and talk with the Masai and see their culture, unique way of life and see their customs and practices. During the visit, the Masai people show case their jumping skills most especially the morans and cooking skills.

Hot air ballon safaris

Hot air ballon safaris are a lifetime experience with absolutely the best thrilling unforgettable experience. The safari is normally one-hour experience with small ballons carrying 2-3 people and big ballons carrying 4-16 people, the ballons are immerse and compatible giving the most panoramic landscape views. These hot air ballon safaris are best for couples most who always come for vacations. The overall execution is always flawless from the clear and concise safety training to the breath-taking panoramic view to the safety landing with an experienced pilot who acknowledges the entire team, and the onsite photographer set to memorize the whole fantastic experience with the best picnics lunch after the whole experience.

Birding

Birding is most termed in Masai mara as the birding paradise, Mara is best at hosting migratory birds annually between the months of October and February. The park is blessed with birds like beautiful ostriches, cattle egret, little birten, grey heron, great egret, marabou stork, hadeda ibis and sooty chat. The reserve receives more Palearctic migrants like swallows, tens, warders and others. While around June to July, Mara River swamp is fully occupied by weaver birds and bishops as they come for breeding. Mara is also blessed with 342 bird species you could see with in 24 hours.

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