The Great Migration: Nature's Greatest Spectacle
Every year, between July and October, the Masai Mara becomes the stage for one of the most breathtaking wildlife events on the planet — the Great Migration. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, make the perilous crossing from the Serengeti plains of Tanzania into Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve.
What Drives the Migration?
The migration is driven by the search for fresh grazing pastures and water. As the dry season takes hold in the Serengeti, the herds instinctively move northward, following ancient routes that have been etched into the landscape over millennia. It's a cycle of life and death — predators follow the herds, and the Mara River crossings are among the most dramatic moments in all of nature.
The River Crossings
The Mara River crossings are the highlight of the migration. Thousands of wildebeest gather on the riverbanks, their instincts warring between the need to cross and the danger that lurks in the water. Nile crocodiles, some over 5 meters long, lie in wait. When the crossing begins, it's a frenzy of splashing, bellowing, and survival. Not all will make it across, but the herd pushes on — an unstoppable force of nature.
Best Time to Visit
The prime window for witnessing the river crossings is from late July through September. However, the migration is a year-round event across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem:
- January–March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti — over 8,000 calves born daily
- April–June: Herds move through the western Serengeti corridor
- July–October: Mara River crossings in Kenya's Masai Mara
- November–December: Return journey southward
Where to Stay
For the best migration experience, lodges and camps along the Mara River offer front-row seats. Consider staying at properties in the Mara Triangle or near the Talek River for excellent game viewing opportunities even outside crossing events.
Photography Tips
Bring a telephoto lens (200–600mm) for close-up action shots during crossings. Early morning light creates dramatic silhouettes of the herds against the golden savannah. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the sheer scale of the columns stretching to the horizon.
The Great Migration is not just a wildlife event — it's a reminder of the raw power and beauty of the natural world. Witnessing it firsthand is a life-changing experience.