Best time to see the Wildebeest Migration in Maasai Mara

When to See the Wildebeest Migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Best time to see the Wildebeest Migration in Maasai Mara: As a traveller planning a Kenya safari to see the wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara National Park, the most asked question is “When to see the wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara?

Though the wildebeest migration enters Maasai Mara National Reserve in July, staying until late September, the exact dates around this period are not predictable until the first large wildebeest herds actually gather at the north edge of the Serengeti.

nearing the Mara. The initial herds are sometimes known to gather at a spot for days on end without crossing the river over to the Maasai Mara, so when exactly the final leg of the movement starts is difficult to predict.

July to August – The Mara River Crossing

July marks the start of the Mara River crossings; the herds have reached the western Serengeti and Grumeti River, and are peering closely at the brown waters of the Mara River they have to cross. Thousands of wildebeests fling themselves into the fast-running waters, where hulking crocodiles lie in wait. However, do not expect all the action to take place in one day. You will find the river crossing taking place over a number of days, with the herds crossing the Mara back and forth.

In August, the herds that survive the Nile crocodiles and fast-running water continue moving northwards into the northern Serengeti and begin crossing into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. The herds break into small herds; almost half of the wildebeests remain in the northern Serengeti, and the rest will have crossed the Mara River, and the majority of the herds will be in the Great Maasai Mara Area, feasting on the lush green grass before venturing north towards the private conservancies (Mara North and Olare Orok conservancies). Usually, this is the most preferred event of the migration: watching the frantic herds of the wildebeest crossing the treacherous Mara River.

Where is the wildebeest migration in July?

July is a primetime viewing the wildebeest migration’s Mara River crossing. This month, the herds will migrate from Tanzania to Kenya and to the golden grasslands of the Masai Mara. To view the Mara River Crossing, head to Kogatende or Lamai for the best chance of viewing the crossings; however, you need to be patient, as some days will see thousands cross and others none.

At the end of the famous Mara River, the crossings begin. In search of fresh grass, the migration keeps pushing north through the savannah plains of the northern Serengeti. As the landscape transforms from lush and green to the savannah field, it gets easier to spot wild game of all kinds.

Miles away, you can spot other wildlife species like elephants, giraffes, and warthogs, among others.

Is July a good time to see the wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve?

The weather is warm with no rainfall in July; sunny skies bring about beautiful mornings and evenings, which are extraordinary for photography. As the land drives out, driving conditions are much improved over the previous months.

However, with the pleasant weather comes the big wave of tourists, as it is the peak season. Prices skyrocket, and you need to book in advance to guarantee a place to stay. If you are travelling on a budget, try a different season.

The Drama of the Mara River Crossing

The wildebeests congregate on the banks, awaiting the moment when the more fearless among them will take the plunge. Meanwhile, the scavengers and predators await.

Driven by hunger, the herds on the frontline jump, then the rest follow. As they reach the other side, they learn that getting out of the river is just as dangerous as jumping in. Sometimes, the opposite bank wall is too steep, and rocks offer little grip.

Yet the wildebeests seem to be programmed to carry on with their annual journey. Some break their banks as they leap from the steep banks, but what matters is to keep going. This is the last step of their long journey, and they must reach the opposite bank without drowning or being swept downstream by the river’s strong current. The herds that don’t get eaten by crocodiles make their way out, while some get trampled on in the process.

Where is the wildebeest migration in August?

August is the climax of the high season, and every traveller has an idea of witnessing the most action-packed river crossing. This month, the wildebeests that survive the crossing into the Maasai Mara will be the favoured safari destination for most travellers.

Is August a good month to see the wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve?

August is one of the best months to see the wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve; the days are action-packed, as this is the peak time for the spectacular river crossings with the crocodiles lying in wait for wildebeest to stumble into their ferocious jaws.

Similar to July, the weather is warm and sunny, and there is no need to worry about the rain. The tourist population is bigger than ever, so ensure you have booked your wildebeest migration safari well in advance.

Travel Tip: Despite what is being shown in the wildlife documentaries, you still have to be very lucky to see an actual Mara River crossing.

Just like other animals, wildebeests behave unpredictably, especially wildebeests and zebras. Most of the time, they just come up to the river, then wait for hours only to turn around. You have to be lucky and patient to witness the Mara River Crossing. Often, safari drivers become stressed out because they want to see the Big Five: lions, leopards, Cape buffaloes, elephants and rhinos. However, if the wildebeest migration is your top priority with its river crossings, make sure to bring a packed lunch and tell your driver-guide to make it an all-day drive mission.

So, when is the best time to see the wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve?

Based on decades of experience in planning wildebeest migration safaris in Maasai Mara, mid-July to late August is the best time to see the wildebeest migration; keep in mind that it is a gradual event that takes place over several weeks at different locations along the Serengeti–Maasai Mara border. Narrowing it down to what month is the best to see the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara National Park, August is the best pick.