Nature’s Netflix Documentary: The Great Wildebeest Migration

If nature had a budget, a production crew, film production equipment and a script, a Netflix-worthy documentary would unseat #TinderSwindler, #BadVegan and #LordsofScam. The title of the documentary would fall along the lines of, Surviving Mara: A Journey to Greener Pastures.

The subject of the documentary would entail describing one of Nature’s Wonder of the World. The storylines creatively captured and narrated would involve victory, separation, lost loved birds, power struggles and death.

The opening scene of the documentary would be narrated as follows:

“In the vast landscape of Serengeti Plains, lies the promised land eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Wildebeests. The stage is set for one of the biggest, grandest and Oscar-worthy events of the year, The Great Mara Migration. The plains provide a beacon that attracts all kinds of predators and preys.

The grass is greener on the other side has never sounded better in the ears of wildebeests when embarking on this dangerous pilgrimage-fostering their resolve to undertake the Mecca of their lifetime. Crocodiles will have a buffet of Wildebeests and seasoned Zebras, without having to order from Glovo or Uber. Nature’s cycle offers free food and delivery to them”.

The Great Wildebeest Migration is a lifetime event that offers real-time live coverage of the Greatest Animal Migration in the World. It showcases the loss, victory and survival of wildebeests crossing the crocodile-infested Mara River. The event takes place annually.

The mass exodus of the wildebeest migration which is synonymous with the crossing of the red sea involves high-profile players such as Wildebeests(protagonists), Zebras(supporting cast members), and Antagonists(Crocodiles) and supporting Antagonists(Vultures). Vultures observe the scuffle between crossing wild beasts and Zebras waiting patiently to feast on the carcasses. Their sisters in crime, on the ground, Marabous patiently wait for leftovers.

Facts about the Maasai Mara Wildebeest Migration

1. Annual movement by millions of wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Thompson’s gazelle and impalas across the greater Maasai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
2. Approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, close to a million zebras and large numbers of other animals undertake the long voyage that lasts many weeks.
3. Based on decades of experience, mid-July to late August is the best time to see the migration, keeping in mind it is a gradual event that takes place over several weeks at different locations along the Serengeti-Masai Mara border.
4. The movement of the wildebeest is from Serengeti into Masai Mara. It is influenced by factors such as the climate, pasture and mating and calving seasons.
5. The attraction is the main reason why so many travellers venture to Kenya and Tanzania for a Migration safari, especially around mid-year.
6. It takes place between Maasai Mara, in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania.
7. Circular journeys and river crossings cannot be predicted.
8. One of the seven wonders of the world that beautifully captures 2+ million wildebeest and other herbivores moving from the southern Serengeti to the lush green grasses of the Masai Mara.

Reasons to Experience the Migration

• Real-time experience of Nature’s best show. One gets to view wildebeests and take part in ancient never-ending migration live.
• Great opportunity for capturing magnificent sceneries; from crossing the river banks, and fighting off hungry crocodiles to close shave escape of young calves. Documenting these moments behind the lens provides a great sense of accomplishment for wildlife enthusiasts.
• Creating memorable moments with family, friends and couples. An outdoor activity whereby groups can savour every moment together as they watch historical phenomena.
• Chance to see other wild animals such as the Big 5
• The opportunity of iterating with like-minded wildlife enthusiasts. The pilgrimage attracts people from all over parts of the globe, enriching the experience of individual visitors who share stories about the event.

Travel Tips

If you plan to travel to Maasai Mara during the Great Migration this year(2022), a few hacks for preparing yourself for the dramatic river crossings of wild beasts will help. These include:

1. Book your Safari early. The crossing of the wild beasts occurs during high season hence the need to book early to avoid no accommodation sign when reaching out to the conservancies in Maasai Mara.
2. Carry your camera or enough storage capacity phone. Taking photos and recording videos of various highlights of the event is as mandatory as scratching an itching back. Wildebeest crossing is a camera magnet event.
3. Avoid crowded places. To get a better view, you can book private conservancies adjoining the Masai Mara that offer exclusivity, luxurious accommodation and excellent game viewing in sole-use areas.
4. Don’t oversleep, you might miss your breakfast.
5. Stay in at least two different camps to maximise your chances of capturing the 360 view of the migration.