10 Mind-Bending Photos Of Kenya’s Great Wildebeest Migration

Those new to the African safari world might not understand exactly why the Great Wildebeest Migration is such a coveted and mind-boggling experience. Two million migrating ungulates is, after all, a tough thing to wrap your mind around.

wildebeest resting

Photo by Lindsay Seegmiller

By August, the Great Migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle is reaching their northernmost point of their journey in the Mara. Early morning game drives in the north of the Masai Mara leads you around the leaders of the herd.

wildebeest dusk

Photo by Lindsay Seegmiller

The search for green grazing grasses guides the movement of the wildlife as they move between Kenya and Tanzania on an annual loop.

wildebeest horizon

Photo by Lindsay Seegmiller

Driving south, larger and larger herds begin to stipple the horizon.

The mighty Mara River divides the two countries. Filled with hippos and crocodiles, this is often a treacherous crossing for the young and old.

wildebeest migration serengeti

Shutterstock

Looking south, you see the full extent of the migration – and the idea of two million migrators becomes real.

wildebeest masai mara

Photo by Lindsay Seegmiller

The experience becomes all-consuming as you find yourself in the heart of a herd searching for the greener grass.

lion in serengeti

Photo by Lindsay Seegmiller

Of course, just beyond the edge of the herd are the resident carnivores, who take delight during this period of abundant prey.

cheetah masai mara

Photo by Lindsay Seegmiller

However, with such ample food available, it is rare to see a hunt in progress. More often than not, predators are spotted lazing in the shade as they digest their most recent meal.

vulture and carcass

Photo by Lindsay Seegmiller

Vultures act as a welcome reminder of this…

wildebeest masai mara

Photo by Lindsay Seegmiller

The lucky ones who got away will make the trek back in the other direction in just a few months’ time. Such is the circular nature of the Great Migration.

Want to discover the finer side of Africa? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.


Leave a Comment