Five facts about the wildebeest migration

1. The great wildebeest migration is an annual clockwise movement of wildebeest around the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. Each year, around 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, travel in unison on the journey, which can exceed a thousand miles, driven by the search for fresh grasses and drinking water brought by variations in rainfall around East Africa.

2. The wildebeest stop in the Serengeti for their calving season during February and March. Each year, around 400,000 wildebeest are born in a remarkably condensed time-frame. The calves are capable of standing and running with their mothers within minutes of entering the world.

The masses of wildebeest on the move

3. Wildebeest are one of the few types of antelope to have increased their number and range in East Africa during recent years. In fact, their population has grown six-fold from a quarter of a million in the 1960s to 1.5 million today – disease had diminished the number of wildebeest in the late nineteenth century but an inoculation programme had allowed the population to skyrocket in more recent years. This population increase revived the great migration to the form it currently takes, as competition for food and water intensified.

4. The migrating herd of wildebeest is understandably a huge attraction for predators. Their progress is watched closely by lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and crocodiles – with vultures awaiting any leftovers of an attack. The considerable strength of wildebeest, combined with ‘swarm intelligence’, makes captures surprisingly difficult for attackers, and protects the young and weak. Even so, around 250,000 wildebeest are estimated to meet their end during each annual cycle.

5. The most formidable challenges for the animals during the migration come when they are forced to cross rivers, especially the Grumeti in Tanzania and the Mara River in Kenya. Crocodiles await their chance to strike, and the tired wildebeest wrestle against the current. As the wildebeest concentrate in bottlenecks at crossing points, these attempts to get across the rivers are a dramatic highlight for anyone visiting the region at the crucial time.

The perfect spot for migration spectacle

There are few greater wildlife spectacles on Earth than the great annual wildebeest migration. And with the colossal herd just starting to arrive in Kenya now, there are few better places to witness the event than at the perfectly positioned Sala’s Camp.

Preparing for dinner at Sala's Camp

Located on the very southern edge of the Masai Mara, Sala’s Camp has the privilege of being the very first camp in the game reserve to observe the arrival of the wildebeest from the Serengeti. The camp is just a short drive away from the river which the animals must cross as they arrive on Kenyan soil. This allows guests to get a sensational view of the high-drama struggle of thousands upon thousands of wildebeest making the crossing. Predators, which are numerous in this area, stalk the travelling herds, awaiting their opportunity to attack. As well as the numerous big cats found here, there are leopards, zebras and a plethora of other wildlife, making it a dream for wildlife-lovers.

Despite being set in the world famous Masai Mara reserve, Sala’s Camp enjoys a surprisingly remote location with the magical Sand River providing a beautiful feature. This makes for a true African wilderness experience, and a tranquil and serene stay – aside, of course, from those countless thousands of hooves which are passing through around now!

Sala's Camp at night

In addition to its remarkable location, Sala’s offers world-class hospitality. The hosts are warm and welcoming, and have a knack for making guests feel special with their great food, attentive service, and activities to enthral kids. And although this is simple tented accommodation, the camp is stylish, with a distinct feel of cosy African homeliness.

Sala’s Camp would be an enticing prospect at any time, but with the migration converging here, the camp also becomes a front row seat for one of the most breathtaking scenes in nature’s great theatre. The latest news on this year’s migration is that the wildebeest have been slow to make the passage across from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara but that the move is now underway, led by a herd of zebras, the wildebeest’s travelling companions – so guests at Sala’s Camp can expect an incredible show.