Masai Mara Wildebeest migration

The endless plains of east Africa are the setting for the world's greatest wildlife spectacle - the 1.5 million animal ungulate (wildebeest) migration. From the vast Serengeti plains to the champagne colored hills of Kenya's Masai Mara over 1.4 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra and gazelle, relentlessly tracked by Africa's great predators, migrate in a clockwise fashion over 1,800 miles each year in search of rain ripened grass.

There is no real beginning or end to a wildebeest's journey. Its life is an endless pilgrimage, a constant search for food and water. The only beginning is at the moment of birth. An estimated 400,000 wildebeest calves are born during a six week period early each year - usually between late January and mid-March.

DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH
The Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Conservation Area is arguably the most impressive wildlife sanctuary in the world. During the months December through March the seemingly unending plains of the southern Serengeti and the Conservation Area are inhabited by enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra. The great herds graze on rain ripened grass. In the calving season (late January through mid March) the herds concentrate at the Ndutu and Salei plains ( Southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area) attracting the attention of predators like lion, cheetah and hyena.

APRIL, MAY
During the months April and May the depleted plains are unable to sustain the endless herds. The migration, sweeping west and north, moves from the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the long grass plains and woodland of the Serengeti's western Corridor, almost to Lake Victoria . This period is during the long rains and is considered off season for wildlife viewing in east Africa as roads are often impassable.

JUNE
By the end of May the wildebeest have exhausted the Western Corridor's best pastures and the herds must move further north. Entering the Lamai Wedge and the Mara Triangle breeding occurs May through June. This is a transitional period between the rains and the dry season.

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER
By July the countless herds have amassed along the swollen Mara River - a final barrier from the short sweet grasses of the Masai Mara. Sometimes the crossing place they have chosen is shallow allowing the majority of animals to pass safely. In other areas the waters boil with drowning wildebeest and slashing crocodiles. Between July and October the wildebeest reside in the Mara.

NOVEMBER
The arrival of the short rains call the migration southward. As November ends the migration is making its way back to the southern Serengeti and early in the year they once again give birth. The circle of life is complete.

*Note - the migration is a natural event and the timing varies month by month; year by year.

Below is a sample itinerary that gives you the once in a life time opportunity for you to witness this great wonder of the world. There are tailor made safari packages to give you the most ideal package in regards to your needs.

6 Days Amboseli/Lake Nakuru Maasai Mara Departs on Tuesdays
Mountain high valley low - the vast contrasting national parks of Kenya offers the best game viewing with backdrops of lofty mountains and stunning lakes.

Day 1: Nairobi - Amboseli National Park
Leave Nairobi and drive south through Maasai land to Amboseli. Short game drive en route to campsite arriving in time for lunch. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at campsite.

Day 2 : Amboseli National park
A full day in this photogenic park. Morning and afternoon game drives. Meals and overnight at a campsite
The park has an endless supply of water which is filtered through thousands of meters of volcanic rock from Mount Kilimanjaro. Animal species seen include elephant, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala and leopard. The birdlife seen here includes pelican, bee eater, kingfisher, African fish eagle and pygmy falcon. Amboseli is one of the most popular parks and offers excellent accommodation facilities.

Day 3 : Amboseli - Lake Nakuru National Park
Depart Amboseli in the morning Via Nairobi for Lunch and drive to the Great Rift Valley viewing sceneries enroute, arriving at the Pink Lake often referred so due to its Great masses of Flamingos. Arrival is in the early evening and proceed for game drive. Dinner and overnight at campsite.

Lake Nakuru's claim to fame is anchored on its flamingo's and the over 400 species of birds found here. The lake itself is a soda lake on the floor of the rift valley. The sight of the at times millions of flamingos is quite spectacular. From a distance the lake appears ringed in pink. The Lake has also earned a reputation as an important haven for endangered species- particularly the Rothschild Giraffe and the black and white rhino. Lions, waterbuck, buffalo and baboons are all residents here.

Day 4 : Lake Nakuru - Maasai Mara National Park
Morning game drive, Watch and photograph Birds and Animals, breakfast and depart for Maasai Mara, Arrive in time for lunch. Afternoon game drive is taken. Dinner and overnight at campsite.

Day 5: Maasai Mara
Full day in Maasai Mara. Morning and afternoon game drives. Meals and overnight at campsite.

The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephant. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following

Day 6 : Maasai Mara - Nairobi.
Breakfast then view game as you exit the park and drive to Nairobi to arrive early in the afternoon.