Wildebeest
migration update, July 2009 (by ATTA/Heritage Hotels): The wildebeests have now entered the Mara! This has been confirmed today after a fact finding mission round the entry points along the Mara and Serengeti border. Though this is still in its initial stages, every indication shows that the stage is set for the worlds most fascinating wildlife spectacle.Read full article here
Seventh modern wonder of the world
The endless plains of East Africa are the setting for the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle, and seventh modern wonder of the world – the yearly migration of millions of animals. It is thebiggest movement of land mammals on theplanet. From Tanzania’s vast Serengeti plains to the champagne colored hills of Kenya’s Masai Mara over 1.3 million Wildebeest, 360,000 Thomson's Gazelle and 200,000 zebra, relentlessly tracked by Africa’s great predators, migrate in a clockwise fashion over 1,800 miles each year in search of rain ripened grass.
The sight and sound of these huge animal herds massed in one place is truly spectacular and we believe that going on Kenya safari to view and witness the wildebeest migration is one of the ultimate safari experiences that Africa has to offer.
However, it is important to know where the migration is at which time so that you know which safari camps and lodges are best placed to see it. Read on for a description of the migration cycle.
The Migration Cycle
JANUARY to MARCH An estimated 400,000 wildebeest calves are born in Tanzania’s Serengeti during a six week period early each year - usually between late January and mid-March. This is when the wildebeest's perpetual journey begins - at the moment of birth. Its life is an endless pilgrimage, a constant search for food and water.
APRIL to MAY The new-born calves don’t have much time to get ready for the big trip – by April/May Serengeti’s plains have dried up and the pastures have been exhausted. Vast herds gather for the pilgrimage north- and westwards, heading for the already tall grass of the ‘Western Corridor’, near the shores of Lake Victoria. On the forefront of the migration movement are majestic herds of zebras. They prefer the long stems of the coarse grass, leaving behind the shorter growth for the Wildebeests.
JUNE to JULY Having quickly finished the grazing in the Seronera area, the herds continue into the 'Western Corridor' - the area around the Grumeti River. Here they take a sharp turn northwards and head into the Lobo area in the northern Serengeti. This is the last place to see the migration in Tanzania, before the wildebeest cross the border northwards into Kenya.
By July the countless herds have amassed along the swollen rivers - the final barrier from the sweet grasses of the Masai Mara. Herds cross the Mara River and sometimes Sand River, which is a tributary of the Mara River along the boundary of Kenya and Tanzania. Usually around this time heavy rains on the Mau Escarpment (origin of the Mara River) fill the Mara River to the brim.
This is a good time to watch the crocodiles hiding in wait for the feast to come. After having found what seems to be a good crossing point, the wildebeest venture into the river. Sometimes, the chosen crossing place is shallow allowing the majority of animals to pass safely. In other areas the waters boil with drowning wildebeest and slashing crocodiles. This fight for life makes for a gruesomely impressive spectacle and creates unimaginable wildlife scenes one won’t forget in a lifetime. AUGUST to OCTOBER After having spent 3 to 4 month in the Masai Mara, the arrival of the short rains in October call the herds to move southward again, back to the Serengeti. Here, the rains already have treated the southern grasslands to lush, green carpets of rich grass. Once again, the herds are heading to the southern plains back to Tanzania, arriving at the Serengeti plains by December. Here, a new generation will be born to start the cycle of life all over again.
Please note: because the migration is a natural event entirely depending on the timely arrival of the rains movement of the animals can be earlier or later than described. However, we will try to give you up to date reports when planning your safari to make sure you will be able to witness this fantastic phenomenon.
Wildebeest migration 
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