Migration news

It’s that time of year again when one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in Kenya – and on Earth – takes place. The first waves of migrating wildebeest arrived last month at the Mara River to make the treacherous crossing over the water from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara. Herds of zebras added their mass monochromatic decoration to the busy scene as they followed behind.

Masses of wildebeest and zebras have made their way
into the Masai Mara.

We have been lucky to see the action unfold while in the Masai Mara with guests again this year. And the groups we’ve hosted have been treated to some of the most dramatic scenes we remember seeing here in July. The sheer number of animals making the crossing has been striking, with thousands upon thousands of wildebeest already seen struggling to traverse the Mara River. There has been an awesome sense of excitement in the camp – and a wonderful show for the big family group and a regular Africa House safari-goer who have been here with us during these magical few weeks.

This movement into the Masai Mara is part of a wider circular migration which takes place in East Africa every year. Over a million wildebeest, together with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelle, make the continuous journey in search of fresh grass to eat. The animals follow a clockwise path around the Serengeti ecosystem of Tanzania and the smaller Masai Mara region which extends into Kenya.

The river crossings, which begin at variable times around the middle of the year, are considered a highlight of the migration. Large concentrations of the travelling animals gather to make the dangerous swim across the Mara and Talek rivers, facing the threat of crocodiles from below and the prospect of lions and cheetahs at the other side. This spectacle shows African nature at its most bountiful and most brutal.