The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth, often referred to as the “World Cup of Wildlife”. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles, and eland, move in a circular migration route between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This incredible journey is driven by the need for food and water, and it is fraught with peril, as the migrating herds face predators and dangerous river crossings. Witnessing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara is a bucket-list experience for many wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to see dramatic predator-prey interactions and the famous Mara River crossings.
What is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration refers to the annual movement of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles in search of fresh grazing land. This movement is continuous throughout the year, with animals traveling across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, following the rains and the growth of grass. The migration is a vital ecological event, as it supports numerous species of predators and maintains the health of the grassland ecosystems.
- Species Involved:
- 1.5 million wildebeest
- 300,000 zebras
- 200,000 gazelles (Thomson’s and Grant’s)
- Eland, topi, and other antelope species also join the migration.
These herds are followed by some of Africa’s most iconic predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles, making the migration a prime time to witness dramatic hunting scenes.
The Migration Cycle: Key Stages and Timing
The migration is a year-round phenomenon, but the Masai Mara becomes the focus from July to October when the herds arrive from Tanzania. Here is a breakdown of the Great Migration’s annual cycle:
- December – March (Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti)
- The migration begins in the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area where wildebeest give birth to hundreds of thousands of calves. This is the calving season, and it attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas looking for easy prey. The short grasses of the southern plains provide nutrient-rich grazing for the herds.
- April – May (Moving North)
- As the grass in the southern plains gets depleted, the herds begin moving northward toward the Seronera and western Serengeti regions. By April, the migration is in full swing, and the herds begin splitting up, with some moving toward the Grumeti River.
- June – July (Grumeti River Crossings and Entering the Masai Mara)
- Around June, the herds reach the Grumeti River in the western Serengeti, where they face the first major obstacle of their journey: crossing a river filled with large Nile crocodiles. After crossing the Grumeti, the herds continue north toward the Mara River, which marks the border between Tanzania and Kenya.
- By July, the herds begin entering the Masai Mara National Reserve, where the lush grasses offer much-needed sustenance.
- July – October (Mara River Crossings in the Masai Mara)
- The most dramatic part of the migration occurs between July and October when the herds face the treacherous Mara River crossings in the Masai Mara. This is the highlight of the migration, as thousands of wildebeest and zebras gather on the banks of the river, often hesitating before plunging into the crocodile-infested waters.
- Not all animals survive the crossings, as many are swept away by strong currents or fall prey to waiting predators such as crocodiles and lions.
- This period offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife photography, particularly along the Mara River and in areas where large predator populations thrive.
- October – November (Return to the Serengeti)
- As October progresses, the rains begin to fall in the southern Serengeti, and the herds start to move back into Tanzania. The grasslands of the Masai Mara dry up, and the migration continues its cycle, returning southward to the Serengeti for the calving season.
Where to See the Great Migration in the Masai Mara
The Masai Mara is an ideal location to witness the Great Migration because it offers prime viewing of the Mara River crossings and the open grasslands that attract thousands of herbivores. Here are some of the best locations inside the Masai Mara National Reserve to witness the migration:
1. Mara River
- The Mara River is the most famous location for witnessing the dramatic river crossings. Large herds of wildebeest and zebras gather on the banks, waiting for the right moment to cross the crocodile-filled waters. The crossing points change each year, depending on water levels and weather conditions, but the most popular areas are along the northern section of the river.
- Camps near the Mara River, such as Ashnil Mara Camp and Mara Crossing Luxury Camp, offer guests direct access to this spectacle.
2. Talek River
- The Talek River, which runs through the central part of the Masai Mara, also offers excellent wildlife viewing during the migration. While it’s not as dramatic as the Mara River, the Talek area is home to many big cats, particularly lions and cheetahs, which are often seen hunting the migrating herds.
- Mara Intrepids Camp and Mara Ngenche Safari Camp are well-located for access to this region.
3. Mara Triangle
- The Mara Triangle is the northwestern section of the Masai Mara and is a less crowded area with excellent game viewing. This region sees high concentrations of wildebeest during the migration and is known for large predator populations, including the famous Musyoka lion pride.
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge is perched on a hill in the Mara Triangle, providing panoramic views of the migration.
4. Southern Mara Plains
- The southern plains of the Masai Mara near the Sand River are some of the first areas to receive migrating herds as they arrive from the Serengeti. This area offers peaceful, off-the-beaten-path migration viewing opportunities, away from the more crowded regions of the reserve.
- Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana is a luxury camp located in this secluded area.
Predators and Wildlife During the Migration
The Great Migration not only involves the massive movement of herbivores but also the intense predator activity that follows the herds. The concentration of prey attracts Africa’s top predators, and witnessing their hunting strategies is a major highlight for visitors.
- Lions: The Masai Mara is known for its large lion prides. Lions target the wildebeest and zebras as they pass through their territories, often ambushing them at river crossing points or in the open grasslands.
- Cheetahs: The Mara’s open plains are ideal hunting grounds for cheetahs, which are frequently seen chasing down smaller prey like gazelles. The high concentration of prey during the migration season provides them with ample hunting opportunities.
- Leopards: Leopards are more elusive but are often seen along rivers and in woodlands, ambushing their prey as it grazes near the edges of the migration routes.
- Hyenas and Jackals: These scavengers play an important role in cleaning up the remains of kills made by other predators. Hyenas, particularly, are also effective hunters in their own right.
- Crocodiles: The Nile crocodiles in the Mara River and Grumeti River are a key feature of the migration, lying in wait for wildebeest and zebras to cross the rivers. Their ambushes during the crossings are some of the most dramatic moments of the migration.
Best Time to Visit for the Migration
The best time to witness the Great Migration in the Masai Mara is between July and October, when the herds are in the reserve and the Mara River crossings occur. However, migration patterns can vary slightly depending on rainfall and environmental conditions.
- July to August: This is typically when the wildebeest and zebras begin crossing the Mara River. It is also the peak tourist season, so bookings for lodges and camps near the migration routes should be made well in advance.
- September to October: The herds spread out across the Masai Mara, with more river crossings taking place. The crowds are slightly smaller during this period, but the wildlife action is still intense.
Safari Tips for Witnessing the Great Migration
- Stay Near the Action: Booking accommodation near the Mara River or key migration routes ensures that you’ll be close to the herds and able to witness river crossings without long drives. Camps like Ashnil Mara, Mara Crossing Luxury Camp, and Sand River by Elewana are well-situated for migration viewing.
- Use Expert Guides: Experienced safari guides know the best spots for river crossings and predator action. A knowledgeable guide can also predict when the herds are likely to cross, maximizing your chances of seeing the action.
- Be Patient: River crossings are unpredictable, and the herds can gather on the banks for hours before crossing. Patience is key to witnessing this incredible spectacle.
- Bring the Right Gear: For photographers, a camera with a telephoto lens is essential for capturing dramatic moments from a distance. Binoculars are also recommended for spotting wildlife in the distance.
Final Thoughts
The Great Migration in the Masai Mara is an awe-inspiring event that showcases the sheer scale of nature’s cycles and the interdependence of species in the African savannah. From the heart-pounding river crossings to the dramatic predator hunts, every moment of the migration offers unforgettable wildlife encounters. By understanding the migration cycle, choosing the right time and place to visit, and staying in a well-located camp, you can experience one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth in its full glory.