Masai Mara National Park is a popular destination in Kenya magnificently placed in the southern part of the country. It is home to a large number of animal species including the so-called big five of the wildernesses (African buffaloes, lions, leopards, Rhinos, and elephants). The park is named in honor of the Masai People – the original natives of the region who also occupy northern Tanzania around the Serengeti National park. They live in traditional homes called “manyatta’s”. The dotted landscape contains a variety of ecosystems characterized by savannah grasslands, trees, shrubs, woodland, marshes and swampy areas which are habitat to a variety of wildlife species. Here is all you need to know about the Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara National Park.
See: Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park
Wildebeest migration is the highlight of safari experiences in the Masai Mara National Park. It is the most sought-after adventure taking place annually, and animals are on the constant move all year round from northern Tanzania in the Serengeti National Park to the southern part of Kenya through the Masai Mara National park. This movement is in search of water and grazing green grasses. There are millions of wildebeests, gazelles, and antelopes accompanied by their predators moving in the ecosystems. The run in the wild is a magical experience. It is one thing that can not easily be explained but rather witnessed, which is why it is named among the 7 wonders of the world, with Mara and the Serengeti being the only places to witness it.
There is so much drama happening in the conservation area. As the animals move around imagine they cross through a crocodile-infested river Mara, and it is survival for the fittest. While here, thousands of animal species are eaten by their predators while others are born, the circle seems continuous and these have adapted to the harshness of the condition in the park, the animals arrive in the Mara around June, and July by the mid-August the whole of the park is filled with so many wildebeest both young and old ones., Zebras and gazelles.
Best time to see wildebeest migration is best witnessed during the dry season between the months of mid-July to August when the park is fully loaded with millions of Zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and cats. The Masai Mara National Park receives the highest number of cats in the ecosystems, when viewing wildebeests, you will not only encounter these animals but rather other animals for example giraffes, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, Jackson hartebeests, elands, gazelles and several bird species like flamingoes, herons, pelicans among others.
Many travelers to the Masai Mara National Park aim to see the animal species cross the river, the experience is an all-day viewing of animal species, and it is done using 4*4-wheel car drives characterized by their open rooftops to enhance the guest experience the game drives are extensive. Hot air balloon safaris give beautiful aerial views of wildebeests, the above view of the animals running the ecosystem is epic to experience.
In conclusion, wildebeest migration in Masai Mara National Park is the most thrilling attraction of the conservation area.