Wildebeest Migration
The Great Migration Every year countless numbers of journalists, filmmakers and
tourists camp out paparazzi style on the banks of the Grumeti and Mara rivers eager
to witness what must surely be one of natures most documented spectacles, the annual
migration. Here, up to two million wildebeest face a ravenous and prolific crocodile
population as they embark on the hazardous river crossing, mention the migration
and it is this image that springs to mind.
There is little that has not been previously written about the region and this remarkable
phenomenon. Yet ask a few friends where the Great Migration takes place and you
will undoubtedly receive a few blank stares or vague mumbled replies, “Africa” or
“Kenya”. Despite all the hype very little is actually known about this incredible
spectacle. So here is a brief guide to the greatest show on earth.
Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara are all part of the same
ecosystem. In the Maasai language Serengeti means endless plain and this classic
landscape can be found in the southern part of the region but the Serengeti offers
a range of habitats. As you journey in a clockwise direction you will pass through
moist wooded savannah, lush riparian woodland interspersed with huge granite boulders
before arriving at the rich rolling grasslands of the Mara Plains. A fine setting
for the big event when up to 2 million wildebeest herd together and are joined by
thousands of zebras and gazelles to form superherds which follow the rains in search
of lush new grass.
Zebra and Wildebeest are found together often as the Zebra tend to feed on long
tough grass stems preparing them for the broad muzzle of the wildebeest more suited
to close short grasses.
In essence, the wildebeest are taking advantage of the strongly seasonal conditions,
spending the wet season on the plains in the south-east, and the dry season in the
woodlands of the north-west, but the sheer weight of their numbers means that they
themselves play a role in shaping their environment to their needs.
Although the migration is often portrayed as an intense phase of activity the 800
km pilgrimage is actually an ongoing cycle of movement and dispersal. Lions and
other carnivores do not migrate with the grazing animals but feast on them when
their paths cross. Each year over 250,000 wildebeest alone will die as a result
of injury, exhaustion or predation.
The Migration is not a continually forward motion. As the wildebeest need to drink
daily their movement is very much dominated by the accessibility of water and they
seem to have a sixth sense in following the storms.
Planning Your Trip
There is never really a right or wrong time to visit as each season offers its own
highlights but it is important to be in the right area according to season.
Dependent on rainfall, the timing of the cycle is never totally predictable, but
generally around April/May prompted by vanishing water the migration sets off North
West to the Masai Mara. Between June and July the migration splits and one column
passes west to Lake Victoria, another passes north through Lobo before crossing
the Grumeti River before finally dispersing on the Mara Plains.
One of the most popular times to visit is late January to early March when the wildebeest
calves are born over a 3-5 week period. Most calves are born within a 'calving area'
before midday. They quickly gain their feet and begin nursing within 3 - 8 minutes.
If the mother moves away at this time, it will run beside her. The defenceless young
provide easy picking for lions, hyenas, and other predators but because so many
calves are born in such a short time the predators do not have time to eat them
all. Ndutu safari lodge and Kusini camp provide the best viewing for this but due
to the popularity you really need to book a year in advance.
As a spectacle, the Migration offers so many varied views but perhaps the most poignant
image is the famous crossing at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers. This spectacle has
been well documented by some excellent photography from the likes of the BBC and
National Geographic. Forced on by the power of the herd the wildebeest have no choice
but to take a suicidal plunge into the crocodile infested waters often drowning
in their thousands. One report from the migration this year estimated between 5
and 10 thousand died at one place, amazingly this natural tragedy was simply attributed
to a poor choice of crossing.
Kirawira Tented Cap and Grumeti River Camp are excellent locations for viewing the
Grumeti crossing but luck has to be on your side to choose the right dates as the
crossing is over quite quickly.
From August to October the migration is usually in Kenya’s Masai Mara before returning
south across the Tanzanian border in November and usually by December the wildebeest
disperse on the southern plains of the Serengeti.
In general East Africa is busiest and therefore most expensive in the dry season
(July – October). As the water dries the animals flock to the remaining water holes
and rivers, the foliage is less dense and game viewing is made much easier with
more frequent sightings. The Migration during these months is usually found in the
Northern Serengeti in Tanzania and the Mara in Kenya. Early booking for these locations
is essential as accommodation is limited.
The wet season, sometimes called green season due to the abundance of life offers
value for money with sometimes 40% difference in price compared to peak season.
Although the green season is offered at a much lower rate than peak season some
visitors would consider it a better time to visit with an abundance of bird life,
lush green vegetation and healthy looking wildlife. The long rains usually fall
between mid-March through to May, these tropical thunderstorms tend to arrive in
the afternoon and usually disperse after a couple of hours so travel at this time
is possible and offers excellent value for money.
Kenya and Tanzania offer a daunting selection of accommodation styles and the Mahlatini
can offer everything from luxury lodges and classic tented camps to simple bush
camping.
Generally, lodges are much larger and not as personal as the other options but offer
more amenities such as swimming pools, shops and perhaps a choice of restaurants,
just like a large hotel. One of the most important considerations is location, for
example the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge has superb views of the Crater and the Mara Serena
Lodge has a prime setting for the wildebeest crossing of the Mara River. These lodges
offer good value and an abundance of scenery and game viewing which is especially
important for families and groups.
Tented camps are the perfect way to experience the African bush and this is the
most popular choice with Mahlatini's discerning clients! Sleeping under canvas reminds
you that you are in Africa, but there is no need to compromise on comfort. Indeed
most of our luxury options are tented, for example Kirawira Tented Camp and Kleins
Camp in the Serengeti. The Masai Mara is famous for its luxury camping options.
The Governors Camps are synonymous with this Hemingway inspired tented safari and
along with Elephant Pepper, Cottars 1920's and Saruni camps offer unparalleled exclusivity
and tranquillity. Luxury is just as much about experience as material extravagance.
In these camps you are guaranteed personal friendly service from people with a passion
for the surrounding wilderness and wildlife.
Mobile safaris enable you to get into the heart of the African bush. Whether you
choose a private luxury camp or a rustic option, mobiles are all about privacy and
flexibility; a luxury in its self. The camp is moved from location to location,
the more up market options are set up in advance of your arrival. At the top end
of the scale the mobile tents have proper beds, en suite bathrooms with hot showers,
your own chef and even a mobile bar. The simple options using private camp sites
still offer relative comfort with a shared shower and toilet and comfortable mattresses,
there is even a separate mess and bar tent or dine out under the stars depending
on the season. This style of trip is particularly recommended in order to focus
on the migration as mobile safaris enable you to respond to game movements as you
leave the crowds behind and immerse yourself in the wilderness.
Flights between London Heathrow and Nairobi are daily and take about 8 hours. Call
Mahlatini African Holiday Specialists if you would like to enquire about viewing
the migration or visiting these wonderful areas yourself on 028 90 736050, or visit
www.mahlatini.com.