This year the Great Migration in the Masai Mara is expected to exceed pre-pandemic numbers with Kenya’s media reporting that early occupancy bookings have reached 95% of total capacity.
The migration peak season, from July to September, sees millions of wildebeests cross from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park to Kenya's Masai Mara. This natural spectacle draws thousands of international and local tourists, eager to witness the world’s eighth wonder.
The dramatic river crossings, where crocodiles prey on the wildebeests, are a key highlight.
A survey by Kenyan newspaper, The Standard, highlighted that investors are hopeful of “reaping big” from the phenomenon after devastating floods that wreaked havoc on some camps and lodges along rivers.
Masai Mara Chief Warden, Stephen Minis, agreed with this optimistic outlook, noting that the reserve’s management expects over 100 000 tourists this year.
He said there were increased bookings from the US, Europe and Asia this year. Minis reiterated that, despite ongoing protests in the cities, tourists in the Masai Mara are safe.
“We take the safety of our visitors very seriously and we have rolled out additional safety measures to ensure this over the peak period,” said Minis.
Real time viewing
Discover Africa has launched HerdTracker, an app where the migration can be viewed in real time.
The web-based app dynamically tracks the migration’s precise location and displays it on a user-friendly Google map. Anyone can follow these live updates from any device be it desktop, mobile or tablet.
The exact whereabouts of the migratory herds are updated weekly through reliable information from diverse sources. These include pilots flying over the Serengeti, tourists on safari, on-ground guides, rangers from National Parks and lodges within the Masai Mara region.
These trusted contributors not only provide updates but also share exclusive images and videos to enhance their reports of the wildebeest migration.
Readers can explore each HerdTracker update on the live-feed page.
Great Migration highlights
The Great Migration is unique to the Serengeti and the Masai Mara and savannah’s grasses become home to more than 1.5 million zebra, wildebeest and antelopes trekking from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara, in search of greener pastures and water.
From mid-Julythe herds enter the Masai Mara and embark on their fateful Mara River crossing. Crocodiles and hippos living on the banks of the Mara River are only two of the dangers the wildebeest and zebra encounter upon crossing the river.
Furthermore, a stream of migrating prey offers the big cats a seemingly endless buffet of meal options. Lions, leopards and cheetahs grow stronger during this time of year and are able to provide their cubs with a strong source of food.
