My First Trip To The Mara-Best time to see the Masai Mara wildebeest Migration.

After living in Kenya for a good part of my adult life, it was kinda a dishonor that I had never been to the Mara, so on one of my birthdays, I decided that instead of drowning myself in alcohol and stuffing my face with a piece of cake too sugary for my taste buds anyways, I was going to the Mara! It was unforgettable, awe inspiring and a totally bucket-list worthy experience.

Just the thought of coming face to face with an actual Lion right in the wild was thrilling, contrary to the ignorant popular western world belief, as ordinary Kenyans going about our lives we actually don't have lions roaming around in our backyards so when I did get to experience this reality, it was nothing short of exhilarating.

I was in awe observing the majestic way of the king of the jungle. Forget the tamed lion in a cage feeding on meat that has been hunted for it,and so meek you could pet it. A wild lion in the jungle is in its element and the carefree manner in which a lion moves with no sense of hurry or a care in the world, almost as if it knows its the King is marvelous to watch.

There's a non spoken sense of pride and palpable importance a Lion carries in its mannerism, but don't be fooled because this majesty can quickly turn into a life and death chase that almost always ends with another animal in a tight paw grip and a merciless tear of flesh by the lion's powerful jaws.

A Masai Mara game drive is an experience of its own, one minute you witness a life being birthed during calving, and the next an animal could be running for their very life!The craziness of it all! The obsession with the big five, will often see tourists vans racing across the plains at every opportunity to let their guests catch a glimpse of the rare to spot big five, most difficult of them being the cheetah so lo and be hold should one guide spot a cheetah, they will radio everyone else and the race to the spot is in itself a spectacle.

I was lucky and spotted all the big five during my stay in the Mara and game drives organized by Kenya's top travel company bonfire adventures. But my visit was in the month of September and after the wild game drives and bush picnics, the best was yet to come.

Every year in East Africa millions of wildebeest and Zebras in a battle of survival journey covering approximately 3,000 km across the two countries follow the rain, migrating north from the Serengeti plains of Tanzania to the world known Masai Mara national reserve in Kenya in search for grazing and water, but they are not alone!

Throughout the course of their incredible journey, wildebeest and zebras are closely followed by Africa’s most prolific hunters. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and wild dogs that track them across the plains.

The hungry crocodiles lie in wait , still and silent beneath the waters of Grumeti River in Tanzania and the Mara River in Kenya and as the wildebeest slide down the banks of the Mara River, the crocodiles strike mercilessly. It is survival for the fittest for if they don't drown in the swirling currents of the swollen banks of the Mara River, or fall pray to the open jaws of the hungry crocodiles and make it to the crossing points, the wildebeest then have to struggle up the steep, rocky embankments on the other side. Exhausted and beaten, many slip back down, their fight not yet over. Watching the wildebeest calves and weaker adults fight to escape the grasp of the blood-thirsty predators in the awe inspiring natural food chain in action.

Considered one of the most spectacular events on earth, the great migration is an all year round event and witnessing it will depend on what you want to see and whether you want to visit in the dry or wet season so here is a month by month migration calendar to help you navigate through planning your trip to the Masai Mara.

JANUARY TO FEBRUARY

The beginning of the year sees herds congregate on the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on the southeastern plains of the Serengeti in North Tanzania. If the recent December rains have been good, the pastures should be lush and green. Herds feed on the nutrient-rich grasses to build up strength and stamina for the long journey ahead. Wildebeest and zebras graze in harmony, the zebras munch on the longer grasses and clear them so wildebeest can graze on the shorter grasses, which they prefer. January and February also mark a very special time in the Great Migration calendar: calving season. In this period, around 8,000 wildebeest calves are born each day. The newborn calves are highly vulnerable and are welcome prey for the watchful predators who wait to pounce while mother wildebeests are distracted by grazing. However, the shorter grasses mean it’s easier to spot approaching predators. Newborns are born with strong survival instincts, and can run as fast as the adults at just two days old.

MARCH TO APRIL Wildebeest and zebras continue to congregate on the Serengeti plains before gradually moving westwards towards the woodlands of the Western Corridor, where the long rains begin to fall. The rains in this period are particularly heavy and sometimes last right up until June. This is the least popular time to see the Great Migration. The heavy rainfall makes viewing wildlife particularly difficult, and many of the roads are impassable. The rains also bring an abundance of mosquitoes and a higher risk of malaria for travelers during this period. MAY TO JUNE Smaller herds join larger groups and merge into one massive movement. May to June is also mating season for wildebeest. The migration moves north up the western edge of the Serengeti towards the Grumeti Game Reserve and the first river crossing at the Grumeti River. If you want to witness the first river crossing, June is the best time to visit Tanzania, as this is when it usually occurs. JULY TO AUGUST Those who survive the perilous Grumeti River crossing regroup into smaller herds to continue their journey north. In a dry year, the herds begin to arrive in the northern Serengeti at the beginning of July. In a wet year, they may arrive in August. As the dry season continues, the grasses of the Serengeti begin to turn yellow and the herds head further north towards the Masai Mara in search of wetter, greener pastures. Before they can cross the border between Tanzania and Kenya to arrive at the Masai Mara National Park, they must face the infamous and perilous mighty Mara River crossing. Thousands of wildebeest line up along the steep riverbanks that separate the Serengeti from the Masai Mara, ready to take the plunge into the high, turbulent waters of the deep Mara River. Many drown in the fast, racing currents, while others are prey to large, hungry crocodiles. The crossing is confusing and frantic, as panicked wildebeest desperately try to get to the other side. It’s not something for the faint-hearted, but it’s certainly one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring sights you’ll ever witness. Those who make it across must then face the added threat of lions that take advantage of the exhausted and often injured wildebeest making their way to the Masai Mara.

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER The dramatic Mara River crossings continue up until October when most of the herds reach the northernmost point of their journey in the Kenyan Masai Mara Game Reserve. As the Masai Mara gets hotter and drier towards October, and the first rains begin back down on the Serengeti, the herds begin to make their way back south, once again facing the perils of the river crossings. NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER

As the rains begin, the weather starts to cool and the herds move southeastwards back towards the Serengeti, where they can graze on the first green grasses of the season. The weather may be unpredictable, but it’s an ideal time to experience the Great Migration as the two seasons merge. There aren’t as many camps and visitors in this month, but there’s still plenty to see as young lions cubs learn hunting skills and are eager to test them out on the grazing wildebeest and zebras. December is the most tranquil period of the Great Migration. Heavily pregnant wildebeest and zebras are back on the Serengeti feeding on the lush, sweet grasses of the plains in preparation for calving season in January and February. The herds spread out and divide into smaller groups and a sense of calm envelopes the area; a short reprieve before the Great Migration cycle starts all over again.

Nature is unpredictable, so it’s not possible to pinpoint exactly where the herds will be at any given time. However, if you want to witness the river crossings, your best chance is between June and October. This is the most popular time of year for visitors, so ensure you book accommodation early to avoid disappointment. January and February are the months to visit if you want to see calves being born. The weather is cooler in November and the rains are more sporadic than earlier in the year, so it’s still a good time to come. You’ll also get the added benefit of seeing the first green grasses and wildflowers covering the plains. As the main tourist period has ended, it’s easier to find accommodation and enjoy the Great Migration in relative seclusion. April and May are the least popular months to visit. Heavy rains make viewing difficult and many of the roads are flooded and impassable.

Travel Tip

Obviously, bring a camera and video recorder for capturing the spectacle! And don’t forget your binoculars. Early mornings can be chilly, so make sure you pack warmer clothes that can be worn in layers, and that you have a hat to protect you from the midday sun. Ensure you have antimalarial medication, insect repellent, high factor sunblock, and check that you’re up to date with the essential vaccinations. #wildebeestmigrationkenya #wildebeestmigrationtrucker #wildebeestmigrationseason #wildebeestmigration2020 #wildebeestmigrationwonderoftheworld #besttimetoseethegreatmigration #serenggetimigrationbesttime #masaimarawildebeestmigrationkenya