Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris 2013 in Masai Mara and Serengeti National Parks

Undeterred Perilous Crossing the crocodile infested rivers.  Many wildebeest loose their lives

The Wildebeest/ Gnu (Connochaetes taurinus gnu)

The wildebeest often referred to as the gnu is an antelope found in Africa south of the equator.  The name wildebeest is Afrikaans / Dutch for wild beast or wild cattle. Gnu is the Khoi Khoi for the same animals.  They are even-toed ungulates, belong to the family Bovidae.  The name Chonnochaetes is descriptive, derived from the Greek Konnos for beards.  Simply put, Wildebeest refer to the wild cattle with a beard found in the plains of East and Southern Africa.  Two species- the blue wildebeest and the white tailed gnus have been identified.  The white tailed gnus are found in southern Africa while the blue wildebeest are found in East Africa. Both the male and the female wildebeest have curved horns.

In the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems the wildebeest outnumber all the other ungulates combined.

The clown of the plains

The term "clown of the plains" in reference to wildebeest can be attributed to its funny behavior shaped by inherent characteristics of the animal. It is a dustbin of body parts of the remnants of creation.  A closer look reveals at the forequarters gives the impression of one looking at an ox-horse.  The head with curved horns tell us its an ox with a main of the horse, while the menacing look gives it some characteristics of a buffalo.  The neck and the shoulders have tiger like stripes while the tail belongs to the horse. To complete the picture is the gait and the characteristic confusion gives an impression of animal that is likely to topple over any time.

Female wildebeest synchronize their estrus thus giving birth at the same time. Mating takes place between May and June in Masai Mara while calving takes place between February and March in Southern or central Serengeti. The mating season is characterized by a period of heightened sexual period of the males called the rut.  At this time males establish temporary territory and mates with estrus females venturing into them.  90% of calving takes place in first two weeks of February. Simultaneous calving increases the chances of survival of the foals.  Young ones born out of calving period are not likely to survive.

Masai Mara And Serengeti Ecosystems

The wildebeest shapes, conditions and maintain the Mara Serengeti Ecosystem.  Covering a total of 25,000 Km sq, the contiguous ecosystem is extremely rich, self sustaining and hence it has earned the label of the only "true ecosystem" on earth.  The Masai (Maasai) Mara enjoys a magical panorama.  From the tops of the rounded hills, the panoramic views of  expansive grassy plains teaming with herds of animals resemble a canvas painting. The overwhelming populations and the rich species presentation is mesmerizing.  "The Masai (Maasai) Mara ecosystem has one of the richest assemblages of wildlife in the world and supports about 237 herbivores per km² , making it one of the most productive natural terrestrial ecosystems"  On other hand Serengeti National Park is the best place to see predators in actions. The predator population is over 10,000 individuals. 8000 0f these are spotted hyenas and 3000 lions whose males famed for their black manes.  Seronera with its visitor centre is not only ideal for information but it a major wildlife hub with all the species represented. Hippos, lions, leopards, crocodiles, giraffes and primates can all be spotted within the area. Birdlife is profuse. The park has a total of 500 species recorded of birds

Great / Annual Wildebeest Migration Serengeti 2012

The  annual or great Maasai (Masai) Mara /Serengeti wildebeest migration is not about wildebeests migrating per se but rather its influence on life on the whole ecosystem.  The migration is a natural phenomenon, a never ending milling of over 2.5 million wild animals comprised of about 1.7 million wildebeests, 800,000 common Zebras and gazelle, followed closely by their predators-lions, hyenas, leopards, jackals.   Hovering in the skies are thousands of vultures, the super predators. Patient in nature, the vultures survey the migrating herds descending on the dead carcasses reducing them to skeletons in a matter of seconds.  The hazardous crossing of crocodile invested Mara and Grumeti rivers is magical wonder of nature attracting thousands of human beings.  This survival of the fittest spectacle has been described at the "seventh wonder of the modern world".  Strategic sighting of the migrating herds tend to influence the setting up of tourism facilities.

Why they migrate.

Migration is influenced by various factors. Wildebeest have a very selective diet.  They are attracted to the lush green grass hence they have keep on the move following the rain patterns.   In addition wildebeest are known to congregate in plains with grasses rich in nitrogen and phosphorous.  Luck or availability of these two minerals will influence where they will go.  The herd mentality is an anti predation behavior.  Safety in numbers come into play. This phenomenon of acting in herds or swarms has been described as "swarm intelligence", ganging up to overcome an obstacle as one.  This comes into play especially when crossing turbulent rivers.  In a group, they will probably succeed in slowing down the turbulent and hence cross. In a group, they can discourage a predator from attacking.  Also running in large groups makes it very difficult for a predator to focus on a specific prey. Tradition has been advanced as another factor influencing migration.  That it's normal or the nature of the wildebeest is to migrate.

Dangers / Benefits migrating herds:

Migrating herds have to contend with crocodile infested and often flooded rivers.  Crossing Mara river is perilous and more so putting into consideration that they have to cross and re-cross it several times.  Besides the migrating herds sometimes will contract diseases along the way.  A good example is the turning disease, which makes the animal turn, turn and collapses in death.  Some migratory routes have been blocked by agriculturalists. Poaching is intense in protected areas like Ikoma Open Area and Mara Group Ranches. The high predation and poaching have little impact on population of the gnus.  The benefits of migration far outweigh the dangers. The migration attracts large number of visitors from a diversity of countries.   They help to fertilize the plains.  Migration has also influenced the behaviour of other animals including the human being who have to follow the migration from one park to another.

Where are the Wildebeest? Maasai (Masai) Mara or Serengeti? The Migration Cycle:-

The wildebeest migration is mostly influenced by rainfall patterns. Thus no one can predict with precision where the migrating herds will be at a definite time.  However just as in whether, a prolonged study migrating cycles has produced some good guess as regards general movements of migrating herds and some definite facts.

The wildebeest migration follows a clockwise direction dictated by the rain patterns in the Mara/Serengeti ecosystem.  The Migration has been going on for as long as our ancestors can remember and where it started is debatable.  If we take the calving period as the beginning of migration then we can say that migration starts in plains of  Eastern Serengeti around March.

December to April 2012

The herds spread out over wide area covering Plains of Eastern Serengeti stretching all the way to the Northern and Western plains of Ngorongoro conservation area; and Masawa Game Sanctuary. January marks the beginning of  calving season.  Calving continues from January to March with bulk of the calves born in mid February. During this period the plains of Seronera all the way to Western Ngorongoro are teaming with vast herds of wildebeest (about 1.7M) with their calves.  It is the feasting time of predators as they take advantage of the weak and venerable foals.   The wildebeest are always on the move and not even calving will disturb this rhythm.  Upon delivery, within minutes, they young calf can stand and walk with the herd.  In a few days, it can outrun any predator.  The best migration lodges to stay at this time are Kusini Camp and Ndutu Lodge.

Wildebeest herds covering the whole plain like a carpet.  From the sky, it looks like a ceaseless flow of a mighty river.

May To July 2012

May marks the end of long rains in Eastern Serengeti and Northern Ngorongoro.  Meanwhile the calves have matured and it is migration time.  The scattered herds gather into long columns of up to 20 miles and the march westwards begins.  The migrating herds cross central Serengeti  into the Ngurumet (popularly called the western corridor), cross the Ngurumet river into western and northern plains  of Serengeti.   By the end of June, the rains in western and northern Serengeti have subsided.  At this time, heavy rain is falling in the Mau hills and the crocodile infested Mara river is heavily flooded.  But nothing will stand between the wildebeest and the abundant succulent grass readily available in western Masai Mara, not the floods nor the crocodiles.  The wildebeest must cross of else risk starvation.  With lots of vocalization wildebeest gather in herds along the banks of the Mara river. Unmoved by the noise the crocodile patiently waits and guards their territories against the intruding wildebeest.  Any wildebeest venturing into the river is met with immediate hostility and retreats but cannot go far due to the ever increasing multitudes of the wildebeest.  As time goes, the impatience grows and the wildebeest in front can no longer withstand the push from behind.  There is no turning back.  They have to take a plunge. As if to confuse the crocodiles, they jump into the river in mobs.  The lucky ones wade across into the land of plenty.  The unlucky ones drown, others are killed or maimed by the crocodiles .  By the end of the cross, the banks of mara river are lined with carcasses of the dead.  It is survival of the fittest and those maimed will not survive the predators of Masai mara. Plenty of 2013 Wildebeest Migration Safaris are available for those who wish to witness the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara Serengeti in 2013.  Migration safaris can be short like the 4 days 3 nights Nairobi, Nakuru Masai Mara or long like the 8 days Masai Mara migration safari 2012 . An extremely good combination is the  9 days Nairobi / Mt Kenya/ Samburu / Sweet Waters / Nakuru Masai Mara .  The 11 days Masai Mara Serengeti migration safari includes visits to Ngorongoro,  Lake Manyara, and Amboseli .  This is an extremely good option for  those that wish to familiarize with with migration route from Masai to Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

August and September 2012

The arrival in Masai Mara coincides with the mating season.  The bulls establish temporally territories and mate with the females crossing into them.   The herds settle in Masai Mara moving from the Western side to the Eastern boundaries.  By October the succulent grass in Mara is finished and the migrating herds heads for Serengeti where curving will take place and the entire cycle starts all over again.  i

Masai Mara / Serengeti Self Drive: Self drive safaris are available to Masai Mara  and Serengeti National Parks.  However we always recommend the pictured safari land cruiser with certified driver guides.

Our all inclusive 11 Days seventh wonder of the world Maasai Mara Serengeti Migration  safari  give you the best opportunity to follow the migrating herds from Masai Mara into Serengeti and witness this great spectacle.  Book this safari between now and Aug 2012 at only USD 4050 PP Sharing for two.  This is an all inclusive private safari.  See Nairobi Masai Mara Lake Nakuru Lake Naivasha 4 Days Safari

Accommodation in Masai Mara National Park:

Game lodges also called safari lodges, tented camps, private houses and campsites are all found in Mara Game Reserve. The tented camps and safari lodges in Masai Mara fall under three categories- luxury, mid range and budget. While only 12 properties are inside the Mara reserve others are in the neighboring group ranches.   Does it matter where you spend the night while in Mara? Yes.  If you are interested night game drives and lots of local culture then you can stay in the group ranches.  Group ranches are privately run by the local people. However unplanned development coupled with large number of visitors threatens the very survival of the reserve.  Large numbers of visitors are associated with high degree of pollution in terms of noise, dust and changed animal behavior which can lead to extinction of venerable species like the cheetah which hunts only during the day.

Maasai Mara has the largest number of lodges and tented camps in any park of East Africa.  AS of now Masai Mara has 108 properties with a abed capacity of 4000. Our aim is to feature as many properties as we can focusing on their location (Inside or outside the reserve), prices and facilities. Masai Mara National Reserve( National Park) is divided into three sectors- Mara Triangle, Musiara and Sekanani.  The fourth and unofficial sector comprises of the community, group and private ranches surrounding the park- Koyaki Group Ranch, Lemek Group Ranch, Siana Group Ranch, Olderikesi Conservancy and many more are coming up.  Accommodation properties-lodges, tented camps, hotels or mobile campsites are mushrooming in these conservancies at an alarming rate, endangering the very existence of the ecosystem.

Lodges in Maasai (Masai) Mara in Masai Mara include- Mara Serena Lodge, Mara Olkuruk Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge-Sopa Elewana Lodges, Keekorok Lodge, Mara Simba Lodge, Base Camp Maasai Mara, Mpata Safari Club.

Tented Camps  in Maasai (Masai) Mara  offer highest degree of comfort.  These include, Mara Sarova Camp - Sarova Hotels, Kichwa Tembo Tented , Mara Explorer  - Heritage Hotels, Fig Tree Camp- Mada Hotels, Olonana Tented Camp-Sanctuary Lodges & Hotels, Mara Intrepids -Heritage group of Hotels, Mara Safari Club- Fairmont Hotels, Governor's Camps -Governor's Hotels & Lodges, Siana Springs - Heritage Hotels and Oseur Tented Camp.