The great migration Masai Mara Kenya expedition is one of the major experiences as to why the visitors from all over the world visit Masai Mara national reserve. The Maasai Mara Kenya was established in 1961 and from that time till today, it is one of the best conservation ecosystems in Africa. Masai Mara National Reserve is located in the western parts of Kenya.

Since Masai Mara Kenya covers an area of 1510, km, ² it is a suitable habitat for all kinds of animals including the herbivores. Also, these include the elephants and black rhinos that are part of the big five group in the Maasai Mara National reserve. The king hunters of the jungle, such as the leopards, cheetahs and the majestic lions are also part of the large group of animals that are conserved in the reserve.

The Masai Mara National reserve favors cohabitation of partly Mother Nature and the indigenous community of the Maasai people. In addition, they have lived in this area contributing to the preservation of the reserve. Also, the Maasai people also contribute to the tourism sector in Kenya by attracting tourist who want to land more about Maasai people. They play a big role for the great migration Masai Mara safari in Kenya. Let us look at the great wildebeest migration in Masai Mara in details below.

best time / where to stay / other Experiences

The great migration in Masai Mara is pushed by the need to live in a better secure environment, where they are less attacks from the predators, such as the hyenas, cheetahs and lions. Also, the urge to find fresh grazing fields makes the large herds of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles move actively anticipating for better weather conditions and safety from there chasers. This greatly causes the animal migration Kenya from Masai Mara to Serengeti National Park Tanzania.

More about the animal migration in Africa

Where do the wildebeest migrate to and from ? The great animal migration in Africa is done in between two countries along the Serengeti Mara region. In addition, that is from the Southern plains of the Serengeti Tanzania, where the calving season takes place. Later, they proceed through the central parts of the Serengeti National park and pass via the Western corridor and Grumeti River heading north wards of the park. This East Africa great migration continues with crossing through the Mara river to the Maasai Mara national reserve in Kenya. This is where these animals settle for a temporary period of time. Later, they head back to Serengeti np and the process continues year after year.

ultra wide angle shot of wildebeest herd crossing the mara river at masai mara national reserve in kenya

The Kenya migration safari is full of hindrances as wildebeests go through some migration routes, such as the Mara River that accommodates the Nile crocodiles. These see the movement of these large herds of animals through the Mara waters as a chance to prey on some of them. However, their movement in massive herds an additional advantage to them as they can form a defensive barrier against the predators.

Want to know the best time to visit Masai Mara to see the Migration? The great migration Africa time of year to see the animal migration in Kenya is from mid July to late August. You are promised to see the East Africa migration experiences like predator-prey encounters. Also, other experiences like river crossings are promised during this Kenya safari migration season in Masai Mara.

Today we are going to look at the month by month great wildebeest migration in Masai Mara Kenya. Read more about the wildebeest migration in Serengeti Tanzania here.

July

The wildebeests following the advantageous climatic conditions start heading northwards of Serengeti Park towards the Mara River. Mara river is found in the Serengeti Mara ecosystem between Kenya and Tanzania.  By the end of July, the great wildebeest migration begins with the crossing of Mara River to the Masai Mara National reserve in Kenya. This marks the beginning of the great migration safari in Kenya.

August.

This is the best of all the great migration Africa months to watch the river crossings from Serengeti to Maasai Mara Kenya. In addition, vast herds of wildebeests are on the move to the fresh grasslands of the Masai Mara Kenya. Some of the few herds would have already crossed over to the plains of the Masai Mara. So, they start making their settlements near the Mara River during this wildebeest migration in Masai Mara.

This great migration Africa time of year month of July is full of struggle for the wildebeest herds. As they cross paths with the predators waiting for them on the other side and in the Mara and Grumeti waters. Predator prey encounters during this East Africa animal migration  is observed in this month. Additionally, wildebeests and other animals still fight for their survival from crocodiles and they are able to traverse to the other side.

September.

A large number of the animals would have now settled around the Talek River, along the riverine banks of Mara. Also, in the lush grasslands of the Maasai mara National reserve during this wildebeest migration in Kenya. Nevertheless, a few wildebeests herds will still be crossing over from the  Serengeti to Masai Mara.

October.

The once fresh grasslands of Masai Mara Kenya will now have started to wither and become dry. So, this is because of the large settlement of the animals there. So, food and water competition and the conditions will now be unfit for the herds during this great migration Masai Mara Kenya.

The predators also increase in number as their chances of getting what to eat would now have been increased. This is because of the large numbers of their prey in the area. So, this will force the wildebeests and the other animals to move back crossing the Mara River to Serengeti national park. This will mark the end of the great migration Masai Mara Kenya expedition. So, it will be the beginning of the great migration Serengeti.

Below are the Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya wildebeest migration route maps to Serengeti np.

Masai Mara National Reserve has got all classes of accommodations to consider for your Kenya migration safari. No matter your budget, Masai Mara accommodations range from luxury, mid-range and budget hotels. check out the recommended Masai Mara hotels and camps for your Great migration in Kenya.

Luxury Masai Mara Hotels / Masai Mara Tented Camps / Cheap Hotels Near Masai Mara

Masai Mara Lodges and Camps (Per Person / Per Night)

• Hot air balloon Masai Mara safaris. Delight in the aerial view of the Masai mara Kenya plains. Also, the dramatic Mara River crosssings through the reserve. Lastly, have an aerial view of wild animals roam in the shimmering grasslands of the Maasai Mara Kenya.
• Visit the Maasai in their communities in Kenya. Indulge in the discovery of new traditions and culture of the habitats of the Masai Mara in Kenya. In addition, get to learn more about their history and how they live during your Kenya migration safari.
• Game drive experiences in Maasai mara. Each game drive experience in the Maasai Mara Kenya reveals new ventures. Also, this is because you never know what you are going to see or experience in every drive through the Masai Mara.
• Bird watching is another Kenya safari experience that one can experience rather than the great migration Masai Mara safari. So, this is because Masai Mara has a variety of bird species. Additionally, you could watch most of these around riverine banks and the Musiara swamp in the Masai Mara National reserve Kenya.
• Nature walking expeditions: Some travelers usually hike through villages and communities of the local people. They also can hike through Maasai Mara with the assistance of our Serengeti Masai Mara tour guide which is an adventurous venture.
• Sunrise expeditions and wilderness meals in the Maasai mara. Observe the breathtaking glow of the sun over the Maasai Mara Kenya as it goes down the landscape while you enjoy a classy wilderness dinner setting.

Wilderness meals in Maasai Mara Kenya

Serengeti Masai Mara safari company presents to you the most popular Masai Mara safari Packages for having the great wildebeest migration experience in Kenya. These Kenya migration safari tour packages are all tailored to meet your needs during your great migration in Masai Mara.