Africa Adventure

One of the most bewildering and epic spectacles available to you when you embark upon a Kenya safari is the annual Wildebeest Migration. Over a million wildebeest, zebra and types of antelope leave the plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania for the drier season-friendly environment of the Masai Mara in Kenya. The migration occurs between January and March, when around 500,000 new calves enter the world. It is consistently described as one of the most fascinating natural events known to man.

The food and water supply of the Serengeti soon begins to diminish, meaning that the wildebeest, zebra and antelope proceed towards greener pastures. The animals tend to divide and take separate routes between April and July and are followed closely by scores of predatory hyenas, cheetahs and lions. The Mara River is their next destination and the most generous watering point available to the wildebeest en route to their eventual finishing point, the Masai Mara.

When the time comes, the surviving animals return south to their original location in the Serengeti. Many of the animals do not survive the migration. This can be for several reasons, such as predatory attacks, being swept away by the current of the river or simply because of exhaustion and weakness. The 500,000 new calves are therefore essential for keeping the species alive.

There are a number of excellent safari camps and lodges in the Mara and Serengeti to keep the adventures of the wildebeest fully visible to tourists. One of these camps is the Cottars 1920s Camp situated on 22,000 acres of private land in the heart of the Masai Mara. The stylish camp enjoys fantastic views over the rolling plains where the large herds of wildebeest congregate. Cottars Camp is very traditional with huge white canvas tents that have been furnished in classic East African safari style.

Another superb luxury safari camp is the award winning Elephant Pepper Camp. Situated on the edge of a forest overlooking the beautiful Masai Mara, this original eco-friendly bush camp consists of eight large en-suite tents with authentic East African interiors.The camp is put up for the season and closed for three months of the year to allow time for the area to rejuvenate. These luxury camps allow guests to experience the Great Migration in a variety of ways; on a game drive, walking safari accompanied by an experienced Masai guide, in a hot air balloon or on a horse riding safari. If you want guaranteed sightings of Africa’s greatest wildlife, the Great Wildebeest Migration is your chance to have the most unforgettable adventure.

Author Bio: Africa Exclusive is a luxury safari tour operator specializing in exclusive tailor-made Kenya safari holidays to Africa and the Indian Ocean.

(Image supplied by author)