Kenya’s Great Migration, which usually starts in the Masai Mara in July and August, has started early this year, with Wildebeest already being spotted in the Mara River area.
“Herds have already been spotted along the Western Corridor/Grumeti Reserves,” says Chalo Africa, a company that provides eco-friendly experiences for Africa-bound tourists, and provides Migration forecasts and monthly updates. “We predict an earlier migration to the Mara as well this year, with herds most likely entering the Mara by the first week of July.”
The 1 510-square-kilometer Maasai Mara National Reserve usually sees the Great Wildebeest Migration taking place between July and October each year, offering tourists the opportunity to witness one of the most magnificent natural phenomena while on safari.
Over two-million animals migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, including Thompson’s Gazelle, Zebra, Eland, and Wildebeest.
The early migration is due to the extended dry season, which sees water dry up in the Serengeti – leaving the only other source of water for the animals, the Mara River. While this may be a boon for travellers who have come to Africa in the hopes of witnessing this National Wonder of Africa, should climate change and human intervention continue as they stand, it could potentially change migration patterns in the future.
By the end of summer, which is usually the rainy season in September, the wildlife starts its journey back to the Serengeti, and visitors travelling to see the Great Migration would usually plan their travel around these times. This pattern change could impact bookings made around the Migration.
