October 2019 - Wildebeest migration updates

The dash for survival at the Makutano crossing point from Northern to Southern Serengeti continues!

Safari guide Frank Gabriel captured a huge herd of the wildebeest crossing the Makutano crossing point from Northern to Southern Serengeti. Makutano crossing point is close to the Kuria Hills Lodge.

Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge is perfectly positioned in the northern Serengeti’s Wogakurya Hills, in the path of passing wildebeest herds as they move to the Mara and back. The Mara River is the place to be, with river crossings proving to be the main attraction.

A very huge herd of the wildebeest crossing the Mara River from Northern to Southern Serengeti.

November is a major moving month, as the herds head through the Serengeti towards the southern short-grass plains. This month sees the mega-herds on the move as the actual ‘Great Migration’ takes place.

Towards the beginning of November, the Mara river is still the place to be with river crossings still happening. However, the first herds will be reaching the central Serengeti, so there is a good argument for splitting your time between two locations in the park – Kogatende and Seronera/Moru is often perfect. From the 15th onwards, river crossings are rare, so we often suggest that clients focus on areas around the central Seronera river valley and Moru (south of central).

Head safari guide Michael Wachira spotted one of the last groups near Purngati Bridge leaving the Mara.  

On a Masai Mara safari in Kenya, guests at Mara Serena Safari Lodge have a ringside seat for an incredible annual Great Migration safari in Kenya.

Mara Serena Safari Lodge is perfectly situated for a Great Migration safari across the plains, this Masai Mara safari lodge has excellent facilities and services for a wonderful safari tucked away on a hillside with spectacular views.

Nothing can prepare you for the sight and sound of the Great Migration!

Adhafera captured hundreds of noisy wildebeest crossing the Mara River heading back into the Serengeti National Park from the Masai Mara National Reserve. 

Safari guide Jacupa Martinez captured a very huge crossing at point no 7 from the Lamai Wedge to the Kogatende.  

Immerse yourself in the Great Migration at Olakira Migration Camp. You’ll feel the earth vibrate during winter crossings of the brave wildebeest as they face the mighty rivers in the north, or be moved by the mass summer calving on the south’s grassy plains.

Safari guide Frank Gabriel witnessed a massive herd crossing point no 0 moving towards the southern Serengeti again from Lamai Wedge.

Serengeti seclusion at Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge! Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge is perfectly positioned in the northern Serengeti’s Wogakurya Hills, in the path of passing wildebeest herds as they move to the Mara and back. The Mara River is the place to be, with river crossings proving to be the main attraction.

Field guide Bernard Hosea captured a chaotic crossing at Singita Grumeti. 

Singita Grumeti, situated adjacent to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, is an integral part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, the home of the Great Migration.

On the north-western border of the renowned Serengeti National Park, you’ll find the Grumeti Game Reserve: a migratory corridor for herds of animals naturally passing through the area. The remote, lush location offers a far greener safari experience than if visitors were to venture further east. Rolling hills, rivers, and woodlands patchworked into the terrain extend resplendently as far as the eye can see.

The cycle beings in the sweet grass plains of the southern part of the Serengeti!

Aside from the park being quieter, it is desperately dry at this time of the year. Game viewing throughout the Serengeti is phenomenal as the animals congregate to the water areas. 

October is also a great time to catch some unbelievable predator action.

Safari guide Daniel Clement captured a large herd of the wildebeest crossing point number 7 from the north to the southern Serengeti close to the Sayari Camp. 

Resting against a hillside with panoramic views of the Serengeti plains and Mara River in the distance, Sayari Camp effortlessly combines luxurious living and the wonder of the African landscape at its most natural. A year-round destination, guests can watch in awe as dramatic scenes unfold when wildebeest cross the Mara or enjoy the park at more quiet times when the area’s permanent wildlife crawl out of the woodwork. 

Fred saw the wildebeest heading south, through the western Loliondo and the Serengeti National Park's Lobo area, returning to the green shoots which follow the rains on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti in November.

Warm weather can be expected.

By October, most of the herds have reached the grasslands of the Masai Mara. It's a short stint, however; in November, they begin their journey back to the southern Serengeti to be there in time for the green shoots on its plains. They arrive by December when the cycle starts to pick up again. 

By October, the conservancies in the Mara are much less crowded and, not only will you still be able to witness the Migration, but you will also be benefiting the Maasai communities who have lived there for thousands of years.

Safari guide Frank captured a large herd of the wildebeest crossing point no 2 from the northern Serengeti to southern Serengeti close to the Lemala Mara Tented Camp. 

Lemala Mara Tented Camp is set under shady trees in the heart of the northern Serengeti's best game viewing area, giving you front-row seats as the wildebeest and zebra herds make their way to the crocodile-infested Mara River.

It is situated very close to the river's popular crossing points, yet tucked away from the busy roads - which means less passing vehicles and more privacy. You will also have access to additional river crossing points where there are less crowds and better viewing opportunities. 

Such a magical sight captured in the Masai Mara National Reserve!!

By late October, when the short rains start falling on the Serengeti's short-grass plains, filling seasonal waterholes and bring new flushes of growth, the wildebeest start heading south again.

The herds trek down through the eastern woodlands - 90% of the female wildebeest are pregnant with the calving season that generally starts in February. Tightly grouped as they pass through the wooded country, the wildebeest scatter and spread out again once they reach the open plains of the Serengeti.

Safari guide Micheal Thomas captured a very huge crossing at a secret point close to the Lamai Wedge area.

Lamai is a triangular-shaped watershed area just north of the Mara River. Lamai's freshwater and verdant grasslands serve as a critical refuge for the wildebeest and zebra during the dry season.

In fact, the majority of the migration usually resides here from July until November. It's one of East Africa's best secrets that during the dry season, the secluded Lamai Triangle holds more of the migration then the more heavily touristy Masai Mara game reserve just to the north in Kenya.

The herds are yet again in a pretty identical position in the northern Serengeti area of the Kogatenda and Lamai. The early light rains are pushing the herds south, however, this takes a long time as there are many of them! 

The chances are even if you are visiting the north in late October, that a good few of the herds will still be lingering in the north.

The Masai Mara is still busy at this time of the year!

The Great Migration is on the move, heading back down south, as the Masai Mara is starting to get hotter. The grassy plains have been denuded and the rain clouds are gathering in the Serengeti.

The predators follow the mighty herds, but only as far as their territories allow them to. The cats and hyenas are loathed to enter one another's territory. During this season, the lioness have cubs that they must feed and take care of, so they can not go too far away.

Henryk Sarat filmed one of the most scenic parts of the Great Migration crossing the Mara River!

Henryk Sarat waited for about four hours while the herds traveled along the river and stopped at multiple points to sniff if there were any crocodiles in the water. In this instance, there was a hippo that wanted to attack a crocodile. This is a perfect example of where an "enemy of an enemy is my friend".

The hippo was just relaxing and sleeping in the water and all of a sudden, thousands of wildebeests trample over the hippo. The hippo ended up swimming away because it wasn't sure what was going on. The hippo's day was for sure ruined. It was hilarious watching the hippo confused! 

There is danger everywhere for the wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River!

There are crocodiles in the river and other predators waiting elsewhere. Unbeknownst to Maralee Park, there was a lioness hiding in the tall grass waiting for the right moment to attack. It happened so fast that Maralee Park didn't see it right away, but in the action happened in front of them - a lioness attacked one of the wildebeest. After a few minutes, Maralee Park's ranger moved the vehicle a little closer. The lioness actually killed at least 2, maybe 3 wildebeest while they were there.

Nyiva witnessed the herds migrating in the Masai Mara National Reserve for greener pastures during her stay in the Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp. 

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is located in the path of the Great Migration. Experience excellent Big 5 game viewing in the famous Masai Mara National Reserve while staying at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp. One of Kenya's best-loved safari lodges, the camp offers magical views over the vast Mara plains and the Sabaringo River.

Adam Levy saw a big herd of the wildebeest and zebra from the bird's eye scattered in the Masai Mara National Reserve. 

Kenya’s Masai Mara is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife viewing areas and the jewel of Kenya. The nearly 600 square mile Masai Mara National Reserve is remarkable for its year-round density of big game wildlife and spotting Africa’s Big Five is almost a guarantee. It’s a no-brainer when selecting a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. The one thing you might not have considered for your safari, though, is taking to the skies in a Masai Mara hot air balloon safari. And a hot air balloon Masai Mara experience simply needs to be on your bucket list.

Safari guide Frank Gabriel captured a very huge dropdown on the riverbanks of crossing point No2 from Northern to Southern Serengeti.  

K Raman captured the great migration crossing the Mara River on the Masai Mara side heading back to the Serengeti. 

The Masai Mara is still busy at this time of the year, as it is a smaller area with a lot of camps! We always recommend sticking to the Serengeti between July and November, if you are looking to catch the migration. 

Visiting Kenya at this time of the year is not integral to the route of the great migration, but more of an offshoot from their main Serengeti path. The herds don't see the country border and think "we must go to Kenya" - It is just an extension of their circular route which essentially revolves around the Serengeti. 

Huge crossing are now happening at point no 4 from the North to the Southern Serengeti!

The best area to encounter the herds in October is in the Northern Serengeti at the Kogatende or the Lamai Wedge if you are looking to catch some good river crossings. You should not anticipate their move to the south in your choice of camp, as river crossings are still happening and should not be missed if you are in the Serengeti at this time of the year. 

Great Wildebeest Migration from Acacia Migration Camp!

There is nothing more exotic than staying in the wild and being one with nature yet not compromising comfort and relaxation. This intimate migration camp, conveniently nestled in the Kogatende area, is a semi-permanent mobile tented camp perfect for anticipating movements of the great migration. It offers splendid views with a fresh breeze and it features first-class amenities that guarantee luxury accommodation even in the midst of the wild. Listen to the sounds of nature and simply take in this once-in-a-lifetime experience of being in the wildlife setting of Africa.

Tim Fang witnessed the migration crossing the Mara River!

The herds are still moving around the Kogathende area in search of green pastures while some are migrating at Nyamalumbwa Hills. 

Safari guide John Letara who left Kogatende yesterday morning reported that most of the herds have left the northern Serengeti and they are heading towards the Kirawira area and the woodlands of the Serengeti. 

Nade witnessed thousands of wildebeest and zebra in the Masai Mara. 

Between August and October, good game-viewing becomes possible throughout the whole Masai Mara area as the millions of wildebeest and zebra “mow” the grass down, making it palatable even in the normally long grass areas.

October is a good time to see the wildebeest herds move back into the Serengeti. As with August and September, the herds are yet again in a pretty identical position in the northern Serengeti areas of Kogatende and Lamai, and in the Masai Mara.

For the last two weeks, there have been light rains that are pushing the herds south. However, this takes a long time as there are so many of them! The chances are even if you are visiting the north in late October, that a good few of the herds will still be lingering in the north.