The Great Migration in the Masai Mara is anticipated to surpass pre-pandemic visitor numbers, with early occupancy bookings reaching an impressive 95% of total capacity, according to Kenyan media reports.
The peak migration season, spanning from July to September, showcases millions of wildebeests crossing from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Masai Mara. This awe-inspiring natural event attracts thousands of international and local tourists, keen to witness what is often dubbed the world’s eighth wonder.
One of the most dramatic highlights of this spectacle is the river crossings, where crocodiles lie in wait for the wildebeests. This intense survival scenario is a significant draw for visitors.
A survey by The Standard, a prominent Kenyan newspaper, revealed that investors are optimistic about significant returns this year following the severe floods that had previously damaged camps and lodges along the rivers.
Masai Mara Chief Warden, Stephen Minis, echoed this positive sentiment, predicting over 100,000 tourists this season. He noted a surge in bookings from the US, Europe, and Asia, and reassured that, despite ongoing protests in Kenyan cities, the Masai Mara remains a safe destination for tourists. “We take the safety of our visitors very seriously and have implemented additional measures to ensure this during the peak period,” Minis stated.
Real-Time Migration Tracking
For those unable to visit in person, Discover Africa has introduced HerdTracker, an innovative app that allows users to follow the migration in real-time. This web-based app dynamically tracks the precise location of the migrating herds and displays it on a user-friendly Google map, accessible from any device.
HerdTracker’s updates are sourced weekly from a network of reliable contributors, including pilots flying over the Serengeti, tourists on safari, on-ground guides, and rangers from national parks and lodges within the Masai Mara region. These updates are accompanied by exclusive images and videos, providing a vivid and engaging experience for users following the migration online.
Highlights of the Great Migration
The Great Migration, unique to the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, transforms the savannah’s grasses into a haven for over 1.5 million zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes as they journey in search of greener pastures and water.
By mid-July, the herds enter the Masai Mara and face the perilous Mara River crossing, where crocodiles and hippos pose significant threats. Additionally, the migration provides ample hunting opportunities for the region’s predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, which thrive during this period as they feed their cubs with an abundance of prey.
This year’s Great Migration promises to be a spectacular event, drawing in record numbers of visitors eager to experience one of nature’s most magnificent displays.
