The Wildebeest Migration

The Wildebeest Migration is The World Cup of Wildlife. If there is one safari you go on, this should be it. It is incredible, it is magical, it is indescribable and it is a must!

Nowhere in the world is there a movement of animals as immense as the wildebeest migration.  Over two million animals migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania into the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

The wildebeests, along with their accompanying zebras cross the Mara River where not only the crocodiles, but the carnivores – lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs lay in wait for them.

For this experience of a lifetime, Ahanasa Destinations works with select safari companies who set-up luxury mobile tented camps. These camps provide the same quality of hospitality, comfort, service and food as their permanent camps, while maintaining a wild setting and having an almost zero footprint on the environment.  The luxury mobile camps give our guests the opportunity to dive right into the heart of this thrilling and moving natural spectacle.

The Experience

The Wildebeest Migration Route

The beginning of their journey starts in the Ndutu area in the South of the Serengeti during the months of January to mid-March.  During this time most of the female wildebeest will give birth.  During the calving season approximately 400,000 new wildebeest are born – almost 8000 new calves are born in a day, providing a feast for the carnivores.

From mid-March to April the wildebeest migrate to Seronera in central Serengeti.  

From May the wildebeest are spread across the Eastern to Western parts of Serengeti, arriving  into North Serengeti in July. From here the wildebeest face their first big challenge – crossing the crocodile infested Grumeti River and as they continue into Kenya’s Masai Mara where they face the second challenge of crossing the crocodile infested Mara River.  Those who survive the raging waters, the crocodiles and the predators enjoy the lush plains of the Mara. The migration moves around the Masai Mara from July – October and by late October, when the first of the short rains are falling on the Serengeti’s plains, the wildebeest start heading south again, continuing the cycle.

Other Mara Experiences to Add onto your Migration Experience

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Hot Air Balloon Safari
A hot air balloon safari high above the plains of Masai Mara or the Serengeti is one of the most magical experiences anyone can experience. Floating silently above the endless savannah, you will get a 360o birds-eye view of the animals below – zebras, wildebeest, buffalo and giraffes grazing peacefully on the grass and pods of hippo languishing in the river. You may even come across a pride of lions with their early morning kill! The experience doesn’t end there. The balloon will land gently on the plain and you will disembark for your champagne breakfast – a setting like nowhere else in the world.

Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris
One of the best ways to experience the true African wilderness is to go on a walking safari. Being on foot gives you the opportunity to tune into the rhythm of the bush, to its sounds and smells. As you observe the landscape, the animals, the vegetation at eye level, instead of from a vehicle, your senses awaken. Your hearing sharpens, your sight refines – and your heart beats a little bit faster! Walking safaris are completely safe, and done with certified guides and armed rangers. Some camp’s offer an hour’s walk in the wild for the guests as part of the itinerary. For the more adventurous, a walking safari lasting a few days is a perfect safari experience, getting you deeper into the wilderness, areas that are inaccessible to vehicles, allowing you to truly get off the beaten path.

Horse Back Safaris

Horse back safaris in Borana
If you’re an intrepid equestrian adventurer then an African horse safari should be on your bucket list. Kenya is the original home of the African horse safari, a most unique way to experience the vast land and wildlife from the best seat available!

Fly Camping

Fly Camping

A sense of awakening, pure rustic adventurous safari experience. The name is deceiving – fly camping has nothing to do with flying! Adventure fly camping offers guests a unique safari experience of the early 1900s, complete with your private chef, butler and armed security.

Sample Itineraries

6 Nights Best of Both

Masai Mara

Wildebeest Migration

The Six Night Sample itineraries are designed to give guests a comprehensive safari experience combining three nights Masai Mara Reserve and three nights in the bordering conservancies. Start in the reserve where the action packed migration and wildebeest crossings happen, and then move to the conservancies which offers a much more exclusive and intimate safari experience. It’s in the conservancies that you can do walking safaris, fly camping and horse back riding.

Sample Itineraries

Walking Wilderness Safari

Masai Mara

Walking Safari

The Walking Wilderness Safari is an incredible and unique 5 night safari experience with Kicheche Camps. The walking wilderness safari gives guests the opportunity to walk across the Mara Conservancies and fly camp in between. It’s the only itinerary that gives guests this unique opportunity.

Itinerary Overview:

2 Nights at Kicheche Valley Camp

1 Night Fly Camping as you walk from Kicheche Valley Camp to Kicheche Bush Camp

2 Nights Kicheche Bush Camp

Sample Itinerary: Walking Wilderness 

The World Cup of Wildlife

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