Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safari Tour

Great Wildebeest Migration 2024 – Masai Mara Package

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular natural events on the planet. Each year, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles embark on a journey from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara, creating an unforgettable experience for travelers. The 2024 migration promises to be an incredible spectacle, and with the right planning, you can witness this amazing event firsthand. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Great Wildebeest Migration 2024, including the best times to visit, what to expect, and how to make the most of your Masai Mara package.

Understanding the Great Wildebeest Migration

What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?

The Great Wildebeest Migration is an annual event where over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, travel in search of greener pastures. This migration is driven by the rains and the availability of fresh grazing land. The journey covers a distance of approximately 1,800 miles and is fraught with danger as the animals face predators like lions, leopards, and crocodiles.

Why is the Migration Important?

The migration is not just a spectacle for tourists; it plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. The movement of such a large number of herbivores helps in maintaining the balance between vegetation and herbivores. It also provides food for predators and scavengers, ensuring the health of the entire ecosystem.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit the Masai Mara for the Migration

The timing of the migration varies each year, but generally, the best time to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara is between July and October. During these months, the wildebeest cross the Mara River, which is one of the most dramatic events of the migration.

July – August: The River Crossings

The river crossings are the highlight of the migration. Watching thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River is a thrilling experience. It’s important to note that the exact timing of the crossings can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to stay for a few days to increase your chances of witnessing this event.

September – October: The Plains of the Masai Mara

After crossing the Mara River, the herds spread out across the plains of the Masai Mara, grazing on the lush grasslands. This is a great time to see large concentrations of animals and enjoy game drives in the reserve.

Choosing the Right Masai Mara Package

When selecting a Masai Mara package, it’s important to consider factors such as accommodation, transportation, and guided tours. Here are some key elements to look for:

Accommodation Options

There are various accommodation options available in the Masai Mara, ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites. Some popular choices include:

  • Luxury Lodges: These offer high-end amenities, gourmet dining, and excellent views of the wildlife. Examples include Angama Mara, andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, and Mahali Mzuri.
  • Mid-Range Camps: These provide comfortable accommodations with essential amenities. Examples include Mara Intrepids Tented Camp, Ashnil Mara Camp, and Basecamp Explorer.
  • Budget Campsites: For those looking to save money, budget campsites offer basic facilities and a closer connection to nature. Examples include Aruba Mara Camp and Crocodile Camp.

Transportation

Most packages include transportation from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, either by road or by air. Flying is the fastest and most convenient option, with flights taking around 45 minutes. Road transfers take approximately 5-6 hours but offer the opportunity to see the Kenyan countryside.

Guided Tours and Activities

A good package should include guided game drives led by experienced guides who know the best spots to see the migration. Other activities to consider include:

  • Hot Air Balloon Safaris: These offer a unique perspective of the migration from above and usually include a champagne breakfast.
  • Bush Walks: Accompanied by a guide, bush walks provide an intimate experience with nature and the chance to learn about the smaller details of the ecosystem.
  • Cultural Visits: Visiting a local Maasai village can provide insight into the traditional way of life and the Maasai culture.

Africa Photographic Safari

Africa Photographic Safari – African Photographic Tours, Photography Tours in Africa, African Photographic Tours; Africa photographic safari or Photography Tours in Africa generally caters for small groups of different skill levels, from the enthusiastic amateurs to seasoned professionals. Africa plays host to dramatic landscapes, incredible wildlife and exceptional scenery. Our Africa Photographic Safari – African Photographic Tours generally cater for small groups and are conducted with a professional grade guide, guaranteeing individualized attention and on-going instructions.

Africa Photographic Safari are conducted in the very best game reserves in Africa; photographic tours provide the perfect opportunity to discover the wonders of the African bush, while learning the art of wildlife photography. Led by professional wildlife photographers, Africa Photographic Safari are dedicated to wildlife photography, people and Africa photographic safari takes place in specially-designed photographic safari vehicles.

Africa Photographic Safari – African Photographic Tours

Photo safaris cater for small groups, guaranteeing individualized attention. Our onsite professional wildlife photographers will be on hand to offer ongoing expert advice and instructions, including pre game drive and post-game drive briefing and image editing.

A successful African photographic safari or an African photography workshop is dependent on many different factors and as a professional African wildlife photographer and expert safari guide, we will help make sure that your African photography safari is a safari of a lifetime and that you return home with exceptional wildlife images in the bag!

Africa Photographic Safari – African Small Group Photo Safari Specialists

We focus exclusively on African photo safaris, taking you only to the most photo-productive destinations. Be part of a small group photo safari atmosphere where each wildlife photographer is guaranteed a FULL ROW of seats in the safari vehicle. We pay full attention to photographic aspects of a photo safari and the specific needs of both serious and amateur wildlife photographers.

Africa Photographic Safari – African Photographic Tours

Photograph the drama and pure intensity of the East Africa migration by capturing the sight of the great migration crossings of thousands of wildebeest and zebra, and the interplay between predators lurking in the background. This is one of the most phenomenal wildlife spectacles on earth. Photographic safaris include accommodation, game viewing activities, use of photographic vehicle and tuition by a professional wildlife photographer. When booking a photo safari we recommend packing a notebook or tablet, memory sticks, card readers and enough memory cards.

Africa Photographic Safari – African Photographic Tours

Kenya’s Masai Mara is famous for its spectacular migration of wildebeest and zebras, with Nile Crocodiles, Lions and other big cats lying in wait at the Mara River crossings, making for awesome wildlife photography! Our Kenya photography tours are based on a private concession where we share the experience with just a few other people, not the crowds who visit the Masai Mara reserve proper. We also explore the Laikipia Plateau, the best place in Kenya for African Wild Dogs. One of Africa’s very best photo safaris!

Africa Photographic Safari – African Photographic Tours

Tanzania photography tours focus on the wildlife spectacle of the world-famous Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, arguably the best place for wildlife photography in the whole of Africa. More than a million wildebeest and zebras flood into Tanzania’s southeastern Serengeti between February-April and the predators, Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards and hyenas, take full advantage. The wonderful scenery of Serengeti and Ngorongoro, including great clouds capes, is the icing on the cake during this extraordinary photo safari.