Subscribe iStudy

Come to Kenya

By Haider Ali

Posted: 6th December 2012 12:46

Witness one of nature’s most phenomenal spectacles you have to follow from the beginning of the migration, which starts in the Southern Serengeti plains of Tanzania ending in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. It is a lengthy process and one cannot simply devise a plan revolved around the migration despite the consistency of the time frame within which it happens. Environmental factors are taken into due consideration as rain plays a decisive factor in determining when the migration takes place.

Best Time of Year

The Wildebeest migration usually takes place between May and December. It is an arduous journey dependent on the Wildebeest’s need for food. Roughly during the latter end of April, the Wildebeest are still occupying the plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania.

As rains stop and the land dries out they start to migrate in their droves north and westwards often accompanied by Zebras along a similar trail. Between June and July after the few grass patches of the savannah have dissipated, they move northwards and launch their drive towards the Maasai Mara. By August and early September the Wildebeest reach their destination, often is the case not going beyond the Northern Serengeti into Kenya because the journey is dictated wholly by rainfall.

Some Wildebeest will often cross the border between Tanzania and Kenya and will continue to do so through the period between October and November before deciding to go back to the breeding grounds of the Serengeti.

What to Expect

The Wildebeest migration is absolutely action packed with excitement around July when the Wildebeest have to cross “Crocodile river.” The most iconic image of the entire migration is watching the Wildebeest cross the river, trying to avoid the jaws of crocodiles that have patiently waiting for this time of year. The crossing offers a frenetic view of panicked Wildebeest struggling to get through the river as quickly as possible.

There are even bouts of comedy to endure as Wildebeest, not famed for their intelligence can stand on ceremony for hours imagining threats that do not exist at the edge of the river. Once they do cross the river’s there are other predators like the Cheetah to avoid also, which conjures up more exhilaration.

Round Up

Lovers of nature will find the Wildebeest migration fascinating. The migration is a lengthy process so for those who lack the time to take off months on end for this trip may decide to watch the migration period between June and July during the river crossing. It is jam-packed with stimulating action, breath-taking scenery of vast open grass-filled land and wonderful animals on display.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up here and get the latest news and updates delivered directly to your inbox

You can unsubscribe at any time