Through our experience, we have managed to come up with the most important questions our customers always ask about, to ascertain their understanding of the Great Wildebeest Migration in the process of planning for their African Safari. We hope you will find these questions and answers useful in the customization of your dream safari to Africa.
1. Are there other animals I can expect to see during The Great Migration Safari?
Because the migratory corridors lie within wildlife protected areas such as parks and reserves, you will get an opportunity to see plenty of wildlife. Other than the migrating herds (Wildebeests, Zebras), you also have a chance to see Giraffes, Impalas, Elands, Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelles, Hyenas, Lions, Elephants, Cheetahs, Crocodiles, and Leopards.
2. Why and where do the Wildebeests migrate to and from?
Herds of Wildebeests together with zebras move between Tanzania and
Kenya. During the migration, they traverse through the plains of the Greater Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem. As they migrate, they pass through vast areas such as Serengeti National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Grumeti Game Reserve, Ikorongo Game Reserve and Ngorongoro Conservation Area and spread to neighboring private conservancies. Searches for greener pastures, water and reproduction are the main reasons for these animals to migrate.
3. Are viewings of the migration guaranteed?
While staying in the location where the herds are expected to pass boosts your chances of witnessing the great wildebeest migration, there is no 100% guarantee that you will catch the migration. This is because migration is a natural phenomenon, it is impossible to predict the herd’s next movement. Although there are renowned routes where they mostly pass, there is no guarantee the Wildebeests and Zebras will use the same route every year, as this is dependent on availability of rain and grass. The river crossings are especially more unpredictable.
4. Does it Get Overcrowded during the Migration Safari?
While great migration happens year-round, some of its stages are more popular, making them attract more people. As a result, some locations and stages of migration, such as the Mara River crossing and calving season, can be busy. Also, Central Serengeti tends to be busier than other parts of the Serengeti National Park.
5. What are the Obstacles that Wildebeests Face as They Migrate?
The major obstacles encountered by Wildebeests during the great migration include dangerous river crossings, predators, and treacherous terrain.
6. What is the Best Time to See the Migration?
The best time to see the migration varies with the stage of migration one wants to witness. If you want to see Wildebeests crossing the Mara River, August to October is the perfect time to visit while, if the breeding season is your main goal, December to March is the prime time to book your safari. Mass trekking is between May to mid – August, and the month of November
7. Is it Possible to See the Migration from Both Tanzania and Kenya?
Yes, it is possible to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, including the Mara River crossing from both Tanzania and Kenya. However, there is a prime season for each country. November to the mid – August are the best months to see the Great Migration in Tanzania while between the second half of August to October the best sightings are shared by both countries.
8. How Long Should a Migration Safari Be?
There are no set minimum or maximum days to go on a migration safari. It all narrows down to your schedule, budget, and your goal. However, it is good to set at least 4 days for the migration safari to allow you to appreciate this natural spectacle better. This length of time is only when chooses to experience it when in Maasai Mara in Kenya or Serengeti National Park in Tanzania – other attraction sites or protected areas do not fall within these days.
9. What type of Accommodation to expect on the Migration Safari?
Depending on your itinerary and the places visited, your accommodation can be a combination of safari lodges/hotels and the tented camps.
10. Are Tented Safari Camps Safe?
One of the most popular accommodation options in Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem during the migration is the tented camps. If you are wondering how safe sleeping in tented camps is, be assured that safety is guaranteed. The tents are well-guarded and the guards escort the guests to and from their tents at night.
11. How Comfortable are the Tented Camps during Migration?
There are majorly two types of tented camps that clients will experience when trekking the Great Wildebeest Migration. Other tented camps are luxury permanent tented lodges and others are mobile luxury tented camps. In all these camps, you have the luxury of self-contained rooms more or less like the rooms you find in the safari lodges or hotels. This guarantees clients with all the necessary comfort amenities on safari in Africa.
And in the course of the migration, some lodges/hotels may form part of your accommodation on safari whenever the migratory animals come close to them. Tented camps are more preferred where lodges/hotels are not in place and most tented camps get you closer to or in the middle of the Great Migration.
12. Can a Child Come on a Migration Safari?
This depends on the child’s age. This is because different accommodations have different child policy. Some don’t accept children below a certain age, and most have a set minimum age limit on certain activities, such as game drives and walking safaris. So, it is best to consult your outfitter when coming with children during the migration safari to get a suitable family-friendly accommodation with planned kids’ activities.
13. How Early Should One Book For The Great Migration Safaris?
It is our recommendation that the bookings for this to be done as early as possible for best planning of your trip. It is a dream of so many people to come and experience this physically. Some places get fully – booked even a year in advanced – the saying goes “early bird catches the worm”.
Finally
In case you have any other question that you feel it needs more clarification or a different answer, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist. Your best African safari experience is our passion.