The annual wildebeest migration from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya is expected to be delayed due to the heavy rains experienced in the country.

This is due to the additional rains extending the water and pasture availability for the herds, delaying their need to move across to the Masai Mara region. The withering of the grass at Serengeti in northern Tanzania drives the wildebeest to begin their annual migration – this took place on June 6 last year – when the herds started crossing the Mara River. But this year's migration was delayed because of rains that kept the grass green on the other side, said tourism executive, Joseph Koila. “This is unlike last year, when migration started almost a month earlier. There is plenty of grass compared to the same period last year; that is why the wildebeest may not cross over as expected.”

Koila said the arrival of large herds of some of the wildebeest had been sighted in the western Serengeti, and others along the crossing points. “This shows the migration will start any time soon.”

The Masai Mara has been named one of the ‘eight wonders of the world’ because of the wildebeest migration, and sees thousands of tourists descend on the region to witness this spectacular natural journey, with local hotels recording full bookings.

"This year's migration, dubbed the 'World Cup Migration', is expected to be the biggest, and is expected to last through to September. About 98% of hotels are booked," said Koila. He said tourists expected to visit the region hailed from Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, amongst others. “The wildebeest migration from Serengeti to the Mara is a lifetime dream safari to many wildlife lovers. This is also the peak season for hoteliers and businesses in the region to make profits,” said Koila.

The five entries to the Maasai Mara reserve as well as the airstrips have received enhanced security ahead of the event.