World Wild Migration Event

When you hear of an event what comes into your mind? Is it a football match between Chelsea and Manchester United, Boston Marathon, Kenya wildlife marathon at Lewa wildlife conservancy? You could be right. Think deep about wildlife Africa. Did you ever know that every year Kenya hosts the world into a memorable wildlife event between the months of July and October?  A million or more wildebeest struggle to cross the Mara River.

Wildebeest at a Kenya Wildlife Park

This is not a circus; rather it is the “seventh wonder of the world”. In this event about 1,700,000 wildebeests from Serengeti Tanzania enter into Kenya. They cross the crocodile infested Mara River to settle in Masai Mara National Reserve. Needless to say, they don’t need passport or visa. Food and accommodation will absolutely be free for them during their stay.

Accompanying them would be about 300,000 zebra, 12,000 eland, 400,000 Thompson gazelle, topi and many more others in the race for greener pastures. If you are planning to go to Africa for a Kenya safaritour, then, this is it. You may have seen it in the movies and documentaries, but, I encourage you to put on the shoes of a doubting Thomas until you see it with your own eyes.

You may ask, “What about the predators……lion, cheetah, hyena or even leopard?” Just like in the time of Pharaoh and the Israelites, the predators too won’t stay and watch as their prey relocate to the Masai Mara. They too will follow suit and so becomes a Kenya safari for the animals (would be eaten and the eaters) as they meet at the Mara.

The incredible drama takes place by the Mara river, where the crocodiles smile and salivate on seeing this assorted food stuff that is to them like manna from heaven. The wildebeest and company then prepare to cross the dangerous river. They gather as they overlook the green savannah on the other side of the river. I could almost hear them sing this Jim Reeves song…

Across the bridge, there’s no more sorrow 

Across the bridge there’s no pain 

The sun will shine across the river 

And you’ll never be unhappy again…

This is the scene worth to behold. The animals gather randomly in groups and seem to argue in silence amongst themselves on who should lead the way. Would it papa wildebeest, papa zebra, mama wildebeest or mama zebra? A very difficult decision to make. No one wants to be prey to the hungry crocodiles, be the stampede or be carried away by the strong current and don’t forget lions could be waiting on the other side. It will be a new life for those who will make it across. After all it is not all of them who will. It’s a whole new beginning across the river; maybe to them it’s the land that flows with milk and honey, the Promised Land but a sacrifice had to be made.

Zebra staring at a sleeping lion

Did you know that Masai Mara was voted Africa’s best game sanctuary in WTA awards, beating other famous destinations like Kruger of South Africa? It is a safari destination of all year round. The best time for the migration would be the month of June through early August to the end of November. At times it varies from year to year, this is due to the varying circle of the rain. AfricanMemorable Safaris organizes affordable road trips and air safari from Mombasa and NairobiKenya destined to Mara, whether you are a solo traveler, friends on a group tour, couple on honeymoon safari or even a family on holiday tour. Make plans and visit Masai Mara National Reserve.

Stanley is a safari driver guide