Kenya’s Desert, Wildlife, and Beaches in 15 Days – Day 10
Did you know why Kenya was in my bucket-list? Did you know what was I more excited about in Africa than seeing the Big Five? Well, it was the Great Wildebeest Migration. We started our Kenya safari by a customized 4 x 4 pop up top jeep with John, our driver and Jumah, our cook. First, we spent two days in Nairobi, then Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserves. Furthermore, we headed to the north to Loiyangalani and stayed by Lake Turkana. Then we camped in Lake Nakuru National Park and also spent a night with the Maasai tribe in Maji Moto Eco Camp. Finally, we arrived in the Masai Mara National Reserve to enjoy 2 days of game drives, including the Great Wildebeest Migration. Learn about our first day in Masai Mara here.
Highlights of the Day
- The Great Wildebeest Migration
- Morning Game-Drive in Masai Mara
- Brief Leisure in Olarro Private Campsite
- Afternoon Game-Drive in Masai Mara
- Leisure in Olarro Private Campsite
Morning in Olarro Private Campsite
We booked Olarro Private Campsite, which is located by the Mara River in the southern sector of the Mara Triangle. On our first day in Masai Mara, we enjoyed around 3-4 h of game drive on the way to campsite from the entrance gate of Masai Mara National Reserve. Today, John planned to take us to all-day game drives with a small break in between in the campsite.
We were supposed to prepare and have an early breakfast. But John sensed something looking at the wildebeests running so fast toward the river. He asked us to get to the vehicle soon in 5 min. Jumah stayed back to take care of the campsite and our belongings. We jumped inside the Rover and John drove off faster than usual. We were looking at each other, hoping to see the Mara river crossing by the migrating wildebeests, but were unsure.
What Is the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. It is an all-year round event in which over a million wildebeests, zebras and gazelles migrate clockwise around the Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem between Kenya and Tanzania, for food and water and making time for birthing, courting, and mating on the way, following the rains.
The Wildebeest Migration in Kenya and Tanzania takes place between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti. The wildebeests follow the rain. The short rains in November brings fresh grazing. Following the rains, the herds move into the Serengeti. By December, they cover the Central and Eastern Serengeti, moving south in January. Calving season is in February – a time of great bounty for the predators. By March, the babies are ready to move on from the southern plains. The long rains start around April and continue until May and massive columns arrive in the Western Serengeti.
In June, they reach the Grumeti river where they survive crocodiles and other lurking predators. July sees another famous river crossing as they traverse the Mara river from Tanzania into Kenya. By August, most of the wildebeests have arrived the Masai Mara where the big cats and lions wait. Through September, the huge herds graze happily in the Mara. October sees the rain clouds gathering once again. The short run starts in November triggering the migration back down into the Serengeti on this ancient circular route.
You never know when the wildebeests will cross the river. Sometimes, thousands of wildebeests will gather next to the river, but will not cross for days. The river is infested with crocodiles, so the wildebeests have to be very careful before they take their first step to cross the river. Once, the pack leader steps in and that can happen at any moment, and then everyone follows him. It is extremely dramatic to see.
During the migration, around 250,000 wildebeests and 30,000 zebras are killed off every year. The main reason is due to predation by carnivores, both on land and in water. The other reasons are thirst, hunger, and exhaustion.
Morning Game-Drive in Masai Mara
After witnessing the Great Migration, I was way too overwhelmed. I wanted to go back to the campsite and jump with tears of happiness. But, John planned to take us on an 1 h game-drive so we can see more wild animals before we headed back to our campsite for breakfast. Later, we would be heading for an afternoon game-drive after taking some rest and lunch at our campsite.
Brief Leisure in Olarro Private Campsite
The morning was really great. We spent an hour in experiencing the breathtaking river crossing of the migratory wildebeests and zebras. In addition to that, we spent an hour of game-drive. Finally, we came back to our private campsite for some food and rest.
Afternoon Game-Drive in Masai Mara
Game-drive in the Mara Triangle is allowed from 6.30 AM to 6.30 PM. We wanted to make the most of it. So we finished our lunch and left our campsite at around 3 PM. Jumah stayed back to take care of our belongings in the campsite. There were many baboons close to our campsite. They were very notorious with food, so Jumah had to take care all the time. He also planned to prepare our dinner by the time we came back. John’s plan was to take us all around the Mara Triangle, and not come back until the sun set.
Back to Olarro Private Campsite and Relax
It was almost 6.30 PM when we returned from the epic game-drive of Masai Mara. There were so many stories to share with Jumah. We had the best day in Kenya, and I will always cherish the memories. All thanks to John, Jumah, Richie, and Aakriti. I had the best time!
From the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya, the Great Wildebeest Migration attracts thousands of nature enthusiasts, filmmakers and photographers who come from around the world to witness one of Africa’s most dazzling cycles of life. We felt so lucky to have witnessed it!
Total distance covered: 140 km.
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN USD)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 10 in Kenya – Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Camping site fee, entrance fee to the national reserves, and entrance fee and camping site fee for driver and cook, vehicle fee, and ranger fee: Paid on the first day already
Total expense (roughly): 0 USD
For a more customized itinerary, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
The great migration is a natural wonder of the world. It needs to be witnessed to understand the uniqueness of the happening. It’s no wonder that people from all over the world gather in Kenya for the migration. Shreya here has taken the journey and told her story in such a fascinating way that it’s an engrossing read. Loved the free usage of videos and photos to make the blog more captivating. Hope to read more from your digital pen.
Loved your motivational words. Thanks!
That is an amazing variety of wildlife! The hippos and giraffes are so cute. The wildebeest migration is massive. What an epic adventure in Kenya!
Actually, yes.
Wow! This must have been a beyond incredible the Event to witness! The wildebeest migration has been on my bucket list for so many years, I cannot wait to go to Africa and actually witnesses for myself! I love how you were included so many videos as well as gorgeous photos! Thank you for sharing
Yes Krista, the experience was unparalleled!
It must be thrilled to see the migration on the spot. See them running fast and listening to the sound they made. But it’s also sad to read the number of wildebeest and zebras killed during the migration every year. I guess it’s part of “Survival by the Fittest” and to keep the balance of the animals in the wild naturally.
True that, Umiko.
I’m following your trip to Kenia with a lot of interest. I always wanted to see Africa, but a visit there is still a far-away dream for me. I’d love to see these animals in their own habitat. It must have been quite an experience to assist at the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Nice to know Anda.
What a lovely write-up about one of the natural wonders of our world! I’d love to experience seeing all these animals in their own habitat.It must be an amazing experience to see this “Survival by the Fittest”unwinding before your eyes. Keep up the great work.
Thanks much.
How I wish I can afford to travel to Kenya, coz this is also my dream destination. I need to save more for this special trip. How wonderful you got to experience it.
You can message me for idea on economical rates.
This post made for fascinating reading. Could feel the thrill of the Wild beest migration in Masai Mara by looking at your pictures and videos. It must have been an unforgettable experience. Hope to get there some day. Experienced something similar on our trip to Rwanda in East Africa.
I wish to go to Rwanda, soon.
Wow I just love these full-size images you use. They look beautiful! The video is so awesome. First I didn’t understand what it was, and then I saw that there were so many animals crossing the river in queue. That’s just amazing!
The crossing is a natural wonder.
I am enjoying your articles on your safaris. The wildebeest migration must be one of the most exciting things to see. The big 5 are definitely on my bucket list. Your posts have been very informative thanks!
Nice to know, Jane.
A trip to Kenya to witness the mass migration of Masai Mara has been on top of my list for long and everytime , it gets postponed! Glad you got an opportunity literally be so up-close with this natural wonder of nature. The videos were again very helpful in catching a glimpse of the forest.
I consider myself lucky tbh.
I haven’t been in Kenya and I have always wanted to do a safari. I am very keen in exploring africa soon! Having vegan food by the river is nice experience!
Yes, true that.
Exploring Kenya’s desert and wildlife is what I would also love to do sometime soon. Your camping trip at the National Park must also have been quite thrilling.I never knew much about the wildbeest migration and I am glad I have come to know about it through your blog. You have given such a fresh and fascinating perspective to exploring Kenya. I would make sure to follow your trip when I visit Kenya.
Sure Anjali.
You can’t beat the natural beauty and wildlife of Africa and this is something you have captured beautifully in your post I must say. The migration of the wildebeest is one of the most exciting and natural wonders of nature and one I can’t wait to experience. I am planning this next year and this post has helped me do that sitting by the campsite and e joying that nature is unparalleled.
Glad to know that you liked it, Amar.
I grew up in South Africa so we use to learn a lot about the migration at school but I would really love to see it first hand! I bet it was a fantastic thing to watch and witness and nature is just amazing!!
Laura x
It was fantastic, Laura.
It’s been a huge dream of mine to go on a safari since i was a little girl. I love getting up close and personal with the furry locals. Looks like an amazing experience!
It is amazing.
First off, these images are incredible and I love how you took video footage to document the whole day. Ive always wanted to go to Kenya and see the woldlofe.after reading your detail description of each day’s activities, having an experience like this is definitely at the top of my bucket list! Thanks so much for sharing and for documenting your trip in such great detail!
Glad you liked it Andy.
A wildlife safari in Massai Mara is indeed one of the most memorable experiences one can have. And to combine, if one gets to witness and learn more about the Great Wildbeest migration, while being at the centre of it, is definitely the cherry on top. You seem to have had quite an amazing experience, having the best of all possible experiences .
True that!
You’re so lucky to experience one of the natural wonder of the world! A wildlife safari in Massai Mara is indeed one of the most memorable experiences one can have. This has been up on my bucket list for some time and I keep procastrinating it for one reason or another but your posts are a real inspiration. I’ll definitely visit soon
Plan it earlier to get the best places to stay in.
Lucky lucky you. You got to see the rare crossing. And captured it very well too. It is so amazing to see those groups of zebras and elephants. The zebras specifically made a very amazing setting… Kinda like Madagascar. Guess that is where the movie scene was inspired
You maybe right Ami.
We did once do a day safari trip in Kenya. Next time we want to follow your lead and stay overnight so we can see the animals in the early morning and evening. But we never experienced anything as interesting as the Wildebeest migration. Great to know the migration also includes zebras and gazelles. I also did not know that it goes for such a long time and you can catch it in different spots on the circular route.
You must plan for it soon.
It looks so peaceful and animals get so close. I always thought I would need a telephoto lens for my dslr, but it seem, that the leses I have would be enough.
I can imagine you will come back with incredible pictures of the Mara!
Going on a safari in Kenya is one of my favourite travel experiences. The Great Wildebeest Migration is amazing to see, although, the last time I was there the banks of the Mara River had too many vehicles at the exit point where the animals were crossing.
Oh that’s sad. Inside the Mara Triangle, you are not allowed to have more than 5 vehicles at one wildlife spotting.
I have seen a couple good blog posts on safaris but I have actually never heard of the wildebeest migration until reading your post! Your pics are stunning and it looks like you saw a huge variety of animals. I’m sure trying the food was also quite a treat!
Yes, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Your photos document all the drama. I finally now know that wildebeests are antelopes. What a moving migration with all the other wildlife you came across.
Yes, that was an epic experience.
To witness this is one of my dreams! Loving all your pictures and how exciting it is! I cannot imagine them get so close.
They were really very close.
You have some great shots. Africa is an amazing place to visit. It is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. I had to smile at the idea of warthogs having memory problems. I am not sure that is true, but it is a good story and they are very entertaining to watch 🙂
Yes, the warthog story was funny indeed.
I’m in love with these photos! You did such a beautiful job of capturing the landscapes. And I can’t believe what an incredible amount of wildlife you were able to see on the safari. What an amazing experience!
Hey, thanks much.
I remember learning about wildebeest in primary school. What a great opportunity for you to be able to see them in person! It’s cool that you got to see other animals too, like elephants, hippos, and zebras.
Yes, it was a great time.
Wow! I didn’t know honestly know that there’s this amazing migration in Kenya, poor me of not knowing about this. But, thanks to this post, I have the opportunity exploring the place visually. Although, Africa has been on my list, I would want to experience the same, your videos shows exactly what I want to see in that place. Love your photos as well, wide and easy to catch a glimpse of those wild ones.
You must visit the place soon. It’s epic.
I always thought that safari tour is a luxury, but I think it is worth spending and the experience. I like how you captured these gorgeous images, and making us aware the situation in safari tour.
Yes, totally agree with you.
OMG, that video of them all going across the river was amazing. We saw the migration when we went to Kenya in 2012….but we are itching to get back and see it again. Thanks for the inspiration!
Wow, that’s great to know that you have been there and seen that.
Hi, Very Good Article. it. The whole article is wonderful and very helpful. Keep up the Good Work Thanks for always sharing.
Imran Khan
Unique Web Studio, LLC
Glad you liked it.
How great to spend 15 days in Kenya. We did a game drive in Kenya and it was fascinating. The downside of doing just a game drive is you don’t stay overnight and miss late night and early morning animal encounters. I am sorry we missed the wildebeest migration. I am sure that was fascinating. I did not know the wildebeests followed the rain. Although I guess that makes sense. I would love to do a hot air balloon ride and see the herd move from the sky. Definitely something to put on my travel wish list.
Great to know that you spend a great time in Kenya.