Annual Movement of Wildebeests in Kenya and Tanzania
Annual Movements of Wildebeests in Kenya and Tanzania. Wildebeest migration also known as Serengeti- Masai Mara migration happens to be one of the world’s phenomenons where over one million wildebeest along side other wild animals cross over from Serengeti National Park to Masai Mara National Reserve.
Why do wildebeests migrate?
Wildebeest migration takes place annually for different reasons some of which include,
Searching for greener and fresh pastures
The wildebeest follow the rain-full partners, which help them determine the availability of food. During the rainy season, the pastures are fresher, lusher, and more abundant, providing the wildebeest with nutrients that are good for them and mostly for their young ones.
Water availability
Just like food or pastures, wildebeests also migrate in search of reliable sources of water, such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands, to mention but a few. During the dry seasons, water availability decreases, forcing the wildebeests to look for areas with abundant water.
Predator avoidance
Wildebeests always migrate to areas with fewer predators that may eat them up and mostly to protect their young ones since this period of migration is known also as the calving season.
Calving or breeding season
Wildebeests migrate in search of better breeding and calving areas which will also sustain the lives of their young ones or calves.
How long does the wildebeest migration take?
The wildebeest migration is a continuous cycle that takes place throughout the whole year with different stages of the migration which occur or take place in different times or periods of the year.
When is the best time to witness the great wildebeest migration?
The best time to witness a great wildebeest migration is during the month of July-early October. But you should always remember that these wildebeests migrate depending on the rains which they follow all the time looking for greener pastures, water, and calving areas, to mention but a few.
Where can I witness the great wildebeest migration from?
You can witness the great wildebeest migration from either Masai Mara National Reserve in Tanzania or from Serengeti National Park in Kenya which are both found in East Africa.
What to expect during the wildebeest migration
There are different things to witness or to expect during the wildebeest migration since you will be dealing with nature which is never predictable. Some of the things you should be expecting to encounter or see during the great wildebeest migration include,
Wildlife
Apart from wildebeests, there are various wild animals that you will probably witness during the great wildebeest migration. Some of these animals may include, zebras, lions, leopards, cheaters, hyenas, and giraffes, to mention but a few.
Vegetation cover
You will be able to also witness the lush vegetation cover which happens to be one of the reasons why the great wildebeest migration takes place. These vegetation covers include acacia woodlands, grasslands, and riverine forests, to mention but a few.
Large herds of wildebeest
Since the wildebeests happen to be the highlight of the show, you should expect to see them in very high numbers than other wild animals.
The Mara River
While witnessing the great wildebeest migration, you will be able to see the Mara River which is filled with crocodiles and hippos that give you a show while fighting with the wildebeests as they cross the river.
How do I plan a trip to witness the great wildebeest migration?
You should consider researching and planning your trip, tour, or safari with a reputable tour operator or tour company like Bujo Safaris. When it comes to bookings, you are advised to make early bookings to avoid inconveniences during your wildebeest safari.
Other activities that are done in Masai Mara National Reserve?
Apart from the wildebeest migration, various tourist activities can be done in Masai Mara National Reserve and the same goes for the attractions. Some of these include, game drives, guided nature walks, birding, rides in hot air balloons, community visits, and horseback riding, to mention but a few.
What to pack for a wildebeest migration safari?
There are various things or items that you should consider packing to ensure comfort and a good experience during your wildebeest safari. Some of these items or things include,
Refillable drinking water bottle
To practice sustainability, you are advised to bring along or pack a refillable drinking water bottle which will help you keep hydrated all the time.
Camera and extra batteries
A camera should also not be left behind since it will help you capture all the beautiful moments and attractions that you will encounter during your wildebeest safari. The extra batteries will help you not miss out on capturing any moment or attraction due to dead batteries.
Travel Backpack
You should also consider packing a travel backpack since it will help you to carry your belongings during different tourism activities while on the wildebeest safari. This will give you a chance to move freely using your hands to do other activities with a lot of ease.
Sunscreen
While packing, you should not forget to pack or bring along sunscreen since most of the activities you are probably to do during your wildebeest safari are outdoor activities. So, to protect your skin from direct sunrays you should bring along sunscreen.
Binoculars
Mostly for bird lovers, you should consider packing or bringing along a pair of binoculars to help you spot the distant birds that you will encounter flying all over the place. You will also use binoculars to spot different animals and other attractions during different activities on your wildebeest safari.
Other items or things that you should consider packing for your wildebeest safari include, a personal first aid kit, insect repellant, sunglasses, hat or cap, raincoat, or jacket, to mention but a few.
Where to stay on a wildebeest safari in Masai Mara?
There are various accommodation facilities where you can stay while on a wildebeest safari in Masai Mara. These accommodation facilities range from luxury to budget which means every tourist or visitor is looked out for. Some of these accommodation facilities include Mara Safari Lodge, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Angama Mara, and Sala’s Camp, to mention but a few.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and pick up from Entebbe International Airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and taken you through a briefing for the 10-Day Uganda Luxury Gorilla Safari. The briefing includes the national parks you are going to visit, what to wear for gorilla trekking, what to expect on a Uganda safari and other necessities for the tour.
After the briefing, you will drive through the beautiful capital Kampala to your selected accommodation for your overnight stay. From this moment you feel a great change into the pearl of Africa.
Day 2: Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Have your breakfast served in the morning, Check out and drive to Kajjansi airstrip for your Flight to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Board your flight which shall take you about 2 to 3 hours to Kihihi airstrip.
Upon arrival, you shall meet your guide and later connect to the park by road taking you for about 1 hour. Check-in your accommodation and have a restful relaxation at the lodge.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in the southern part of Uganda and is a popular gorilla trekking destination in Africa and the world at large. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is s home to a variety of wildlife species including flora and fauna such as 400 endangered mountain Gorillas, forest African Elephants, forest hogs, monkeys, baboons, and other wildlife species as we all 315 tree species and different birds.
As you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking, you should expect to meet some of these wildlife species across the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
In the evening, your guide will take you through a pre-briefing of what to wear during the gorilla trekking experience as well as park rules and Regulations.
Enjoy your Dinner and Overnight stay at the Lodge as you await the Next day’s Gorilla trekking.
Day 3: Gorilla trekking and Batwa cultural experience.
Have a restful breakfast at the Lodge, pack your gadgets and drinking water bottles and transfer to the visitor’s information center to start your gorilla trekking experience.
Upon there, you shall be required to present your passports and register in the visitor’s book on a gorilla trekking safari. Before the briefing starts, you shall receive entertainment from the Batwa community group with a traditional dance to warm you up for the next gorilla trekking activity.
You shall be divided into groups of 8 people and allocated specific gorilla groups with park rangers per group. Later, start your gorilla trekking experience through the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park with other wildlife viewing opportunities. The trek takes about 2 to 3 hours to meet the gorillas and at that moment, you shall be granted 1 full hour of encounter with the mountain gorillas as you learn about their behaviors and lifestyle. The whole gorilla trekking experience takes you for about 5 to 6 hours.
Thereafter, descend back to the starting point where you shall be awarded Gorilla trekking Certificates, meet your guide, and drive back to the lodge for lunch.
After lunch, you shall have a relaxation and prepare for the evening Batwa community Experience where you shall participate in traditional dances, and learn about their ways of life and behaviors such as traditional hunting which was their best economic activity.
Later after this experience, you shall drive back to the lodge for your dinner and overnight stay as you prepare for Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy a mouthwatering breakfast at the lodge, meet your guide and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda approximately 146km from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park taking about 2 hours of drive.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s second-largest National Park covering an area of about 1978sqkm and a strange array of wildlife species including Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, African Elephants, Antelopes such as water bucks, Jackson’s heart beast, Uganda kobs, 600 bird species such as white-faced whistling Duck, Fulvous whistling Duck, Egyptian Goose, Garganey, Hottentot Teal, Yellow-billed Duck, African Black Duck, Red-billed Teal, White-backed Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Comb Duck, Africa pygmy Goose. Others include Common quail, Harlequin quill, blue quill, Heuglin’s francolin, Hildebrandt’s francolin, scaly francolin, red-necked spurfowl, handsome francolin, crested francolin, ring-necked francolin, red-winged francolin among others.
Arrive at the park in the afternoon and check in your accommodation in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You shall have your Lunch at your lodge and peaceful afternoon relaxation. Enjoy a relaxed evening and delicious meals at the lodge.
Day 5: Lion Tracking Experience and Afternoon Boat Cruise
Have an early morning breakfast and prepare for a lion-tracking experience. Meet your guide and transfer to the Ishasha sector of the park which is rich in a variety of wildlife species that will give you a chance to spot elephants, Buffaloes, antelopes, and birds as well as get up close to the majestic tree-climbing lions.
This experience takes you for the next 2 to 3 hours in the Wilderness and later drive back to the lodge for Lunch. After Lunch, you shall embark on an approximately 1-hour journey to Katunguru part of Queen Elizabeth National Park where game drives usually start.
Embark on a thrilling afternoon boat cruise at Kazinga Channel that will give you a chance to spot elephants quenching their thirst, Hippos lounging in the water, buffaloes, crocodiles, monitor lizards as well as different Fish species. The afternoon boat cruise will take you for about 2 to 3 hours and later cruise back to the starting point.
Head back to the lodge for your dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge, check out and embark on an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive gives you a chance to encounter a pride of lions, heard of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes as well as species of birds. This experience takes about 2 to 3 Hours and later transfer to Kibale Forest National Park with a stopover at the Equator in Kikorongo and Kasese for Lunch.
En route to the park and arriving in the evening, check in your accommodation for your overnight stay.
Kibale Forest National Park is Uganda’s Most popular chimpanzee trekking destination located in western Uganda with a total population of over 1500 chimpanzee individuals which makes it the primate capital of the world.
In the evening, your guide shall pre-brief you about the next day’s Chimpanzee trekking activity which includes what to pack and what to wear during the chimpanzee trekking experience.
Enjoy your meals and overnight stay at the Lodge.
Day 7: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Community Experience
Have a restful early breakfast at the Lodge, carry your chimpanzee trekking requirements including your passport and drive to the Kanyanchu Visitor’s Center for a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority Park Rangers.
After the briefing, embark on a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience which lasts for about 3 to 4 hours in Chance for chimpanzees with other wildlife encounters. Upon meeting the chimpanzees, you shall be granted 1 full hour of Encounter with chimpanzees as you learn about their behaviour and lifestyle.
After this experience, you shall be awarded chimpanzee trekking certificates from the Uganda Wildlife Authority which makes the trip a memorable one. Head back to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
In the evening, you shall have an evening community experience in Bigodi as you learn the traditional preparation of local brew, the traditional preparation of local food this experience takes about 1 to 2 hours and later head back to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.
Day 8: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After an early breakfast, embark on a thrilling journey for about 4 to 5 hours to Murchison Falls National Park through Fort Portal Tourism City and Hoima district and enter the park. You shall drive through the park with sights of lush forest and amazing wildlife encounters especially Baboons that usually stage in the roads.
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s Largest National Park covering an area of about 3840sqkm and a home to a variety of mammal species such as Elephants, Lions, leopards, Jackson’s Heartbeast, waterbucks, Impala, kobs and other species including different species of birds.
Murchison Falls is named after the strongest waterfalls that were named Murchison Falls by Sir Samuel White Baker after the president of the Royal Geographical Society Sir Rodrick Murchison.
Arrive at the park in the evening enjoy the breathtaking views of the park and prepare for the next day’s activities.
Day 9: Morning Game drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
Wake up early in the morning and embark on an early morning game drive which is done in the Pakuba part of the park and gives you a chance to encounter a variety of animal species such as lions, giraffes, leopards, antelopes, warthogs and birds species such as Fulvous whistling Duck, Egyptian Goose, Garganey, Hottentot Teal, Yellow-billed Duck, African Black Duck, Red-billed Teal, White-backed Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Comb Duck, Africa pygmy Goose. Others include Common Quail, Harlequin Quill, Blue Quill, Heuglin’s francolin, Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Scaly Francolin, and Red-Necked Spurfowl. The game drive experience lasts for about 2 to 3 hours.
Conclude your morning game drive with an amazing Bush Breakfast with breathtaking views of the Nile and wildlife. From this moment you just realise that you had an amazing experience in the pearl of Africa and later head back to the lodge for an afternoon relaxation and Lunch.
After Lunch, you shall transfer to the Paara side of the park for an afternoon boat cruise which stretches to the Bottom of Murchison Falls. Along the boat cruise, you shall have a chance to encounter herds of elephants quenching their thirst, crocodiles basking in the sun, Hippos lounging in water, buffaloes, butterflies, and other wildlife species. Reach the bottom of Murchison Falls and witness the huge amounts of water squeezing through a narrow gorge and an ever-present rainbow in the sky. The boat cruise experience takes you for about 2 to 3 hours and later head back to the lodge for your dinner and overnight stay at the lodge as you conclude your 10 Days Uganda Luxury Gorilla Safari.
Day 10: Visit the top of Murchison Falls National Park and Fly to Entebbe International Airport.
Enjoy an early morning breakfast at the lodge, check out, and drive to Pakuba airstrip for your flight to Entebbe International Airport as you mark the end of your 10 Days Uganda Luxury Gorilla Safari.
