The Great Wildebeest Migration happens in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in Southwestern Kenya, near the border with Tanzania. The reserve is about 1510 square kilometers in size. Together with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, they make one of the best places in the world to see wildlife. The Maasai Mara National Reserve has more than 95 types of animals and 570 types of birds. From June to November, the Maasai Mara holds one of the largest wildlife events in the world. More than 1.5 million wildebeest, Thompson’s gazelles, and zebras cross the Mara River from the Serengeti looking for better food. They face many difficulties on their journey. Apart from stalking predators, the migrating animals have to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River where thousands die or get eaten by crocodiles. People who cross the river must face Africa’s large animals that hunt. The movement is so big that it can be seen from space. Tourists come to see large groups of animals, the time when baby animals are born, and the fights between hunters and their prey.
Starting a Big Journey Wildebeest viewing tour in Maasai Mara National Reserve offers a front-row seat to this awe-inspiring event. Visitors can see large groups of animals as they move through the savannahs, fields, and rivers, creating a memorable wildlife experience. The Reserve has skilled guides who lead trips in the park and take visitors to important viewpoints and places where they might see animal herds. These guides know a lot about animal behavior and the best times and places to see the Great Migration. Tourists in safari cars can watch wildebeests as they graze and communicate in groups. The large herds are an impressive sight, stretching endlessly across the open fields.
The Great Wildebeest Migration happens in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
game drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
If you want to improve your safari experience, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara. It gives you a unique view of the Great Migration from the sky. At sunrise, tourists can quietly float over the land and see the moving herds along with the beautiful scenery and wildlife of this famous park. The Great Migration not only includes wildebeests but also brings in predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas, providing exciting chances to see wildlife. Watching a lioness hunt or a cheetah chase a gazelle makes a trip more exciting and dramatic.
Best tips for watching the great migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Expert guidance.
You can only take part in this exciting activity in the reserve with experienced guides. They will show you the best places to see wildlife and share interesting information about the migration and animals in the area. They will also help you with the best ways to enjoy the activity.
Riding a horse.
Horseback riding is an exciting activity that lets you discover areas of the park that cars can’t reach, giving tourists a close look at wildebeest in the reserve. When tourists explore and get up close and personal with the wildebeests as they enter the Maasai Mara National Reserve, it’s the ultimate safari experience. Many motorcyclists find great joy in experiencing the nature wonders that create lasting safari memories.
Go during the busiest time for movement.
The best time to see the great migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve is from July to October. During this time, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River looking for fresh grass to eat. The wildebeest migration happens in Tanzania, specifically in the southern part of Serengeti National Park, from January to March. Knowing the exact time the wildebeest are in the national park will help you have an amazing and perfect experience watching them.
Crossing a river.
The wildebeest river crossing usually happens from July to October when large groups of wildebeest move north from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The Mara River is the best spot to see wildebeests crossing as they move from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. If you want to experience this amazing event, this is the place to go.
How to get to Maasai Mara National Reserve.
If you’re driving, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is 270 kilometers (168 miles) west of Nairobi. The road to the reserve is paved all the way from Nairobi to Sekenani Gate, and the driving time is about 4 to 5 hours. If you’re going to the northern part of the Mara, including the Mara North and Mara Triangle areas, you’ll encounter a 70km unpaved road right after leaving Narok. However, there are plans to pave this road in the future. You can also take a bus, cab, or use your own vehicle. Tourists are advised to use 4×4 cars to get through the rough and muddy areas of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Visitors who want a luxury trip, can book a charted flight that runs from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport in Nairobi
Where to stay.
Travelers who want to see the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve don’t need to worry about where to stay. The reserve has many places for visitors to stay overnight while watching the wildebeest migration. Some options include Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara Intrepids Luxury Tented Camp, Royal Mara Safari Lodge, Kicheche Mara Camp, Kickwa Tembo Camp, Ashnil Mara Camp, Mara Explorer Luxury Tented Camp, Governor’s Camp, Basecamp Explorer’s Safari Camp, Keekorok Lodge, and Serova Mara Game Camp, among others.
Get in touch with our reliable tour operators for details about watching the Great Migration of wildebeests in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. You can also book with our travel companies.
Related reading: Activities for a daily day in Nairobi and Top Nine Locations to See in Kisumu, Kenya.
Ready to see it for yourself? Explore our Tanzania safari tours, including the 5 Days Tanzania Safaris itinerary, or get in touch with our safari experts to start planning your trip.
