- The Great Wildebeest Migration is an ongoing event that plays out on the grassy plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Mara.
Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara, Kenya - Herds of around 1.7 million wildebeest and several hundred thousand zebra and gazelle move from the southern Serengeti in the beginning of the year…
Herds of zebras and wildebeests during the Great Migration - Where they give birth to their young…
Zebras give birth to one young, called a foal, every 2-3 years - To the northern tip of the Serengeti, which extends into the bottom of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, towards the middle of the year.
A mother and her calve - The movement of the herds is strictly governed by the rains.
Dark clouds over the savannah - As grasses are depleted from over grazing, the herds are forced to move onwards…
Stormy skies above a herd of zebras during the Great Migration - Following the rain which prompts new shoots of grass to spring up.
Wildebeest wandering in the savannah - Around the middle of the year, Mara River crossings are a big attraction.
Observing the Great Migration - This is the time of year when hordes of wildebeest clamour to cross the river to get to the green grasses on the other side.
River crossings are a thrilling spectacle - But the Mara River isn’t only deep and wide…
Where is the best section to cross? - Or rocky and treacherous…
Wildebeests mastering a difficult crossing - It’s also home to the largest crocodile population in Africa
Crocodiles make the river crossings even more dangerous - And dramatic scenes often unfold any time the herds are near.
Crocodile attacks happen regularly - Dust flies…
Zebra sprinting to join the herd after crossing the river - Eager scavengers lurk nearby…
Vultures waiting for their turn to feed - And despite everyone’s best efforts to maintain order…
Watch the current! - Chaos reigns supreme
Wildebeests rushing to get out of the water - After the grasses have been depleted in the the north, the herds move back down south, and the whole cycle begins again.
Back in the savannah - While following the herds as they make their long trek is definitely the highlight of East Africa safaris…
Wildebeests seen from a safari vehicle - That’s not to say you shouldn’t visit parts of the Serengeti and Mara when the herds have moved on.
Postcard view of the savannah - Many of the predators in the Serengeti and Mara ecosystems are territorial and will stay long after the herds of left…
Lion sunbathing on top of a rock - Which is when the competition for food becomes fierce, promising some of the most exciting predator sightings in the world.
Cheetah relaxing in the shade - From lion and hyena…
Hyena mother and her cub - To cheetah and leopard.
Leopard hanging out in his favourite spot - You can see them all!
The kings of the savannah: Lions! - A cultural holiday goes hand-in-hand with an East Africa safari with the Maasai tribe having lived here for centuries…
Maasai warrior overlooking the plains - And this is one of few places on earth where you can see man and animal living alongside one another as they have for generations.
Maasai warrior in the grasslands - It can be tough to self-drive here because the area is so vast…
Wildebeests crossing the road in front of a jeep - Luckily, there are plenty of air strips which will give you easy access to different parts of the landscape through a fly-in safari.
Fly-in safaris allow you to enjoy the landscapes from above - You can enjoy fewer vehicles at sightings and additional activities in the private concessions…
Who’s watching whom? - Such as night drives and bush walks.
Private game reserve safari experiences include walking and photo safaris - The sunsets are phenomenal…
Sunset drinks and aperitifs in the bush - As are the sun rises, best enjoyed with coffee in hand…
You’ll never forget your safari sunrises - Or from the air in a hot air balloon
Hot air balloon taking off at dawn - One thing’s for sure, East Africa will change you.
Witness the circle of life - And witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
When will you see the Wildebeest Migration?
Book your East Africa safari now! Our Travel Experts look forward to tailor-making your dream safari.
To find out more about our Great Migration adventures:
A Great Migration Safari & the Search for a Mara River Crossing | Part 1
A Great Migration Safari & the Search for a Mara River Crossing | Part 2
A Great Migration Safari & the Search for a Mara River Crossing | Part 3
Excellent piece. Do u give talks. How do we contact u tks Bee