Watching the great wildebeest migration cross the mara river

Watching the great wildebeest migration cross the mara river.

Watching the great wildebeest migration cross the mara river : The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most sought-after experiences for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, this grand wildlife occurrence is an ever – moving circular migration of over million animals across the Serengeti – Mara Ecosystem comprising of Masai Mara national reserve in Kenya and Serengeti national park in Tanzania.

The Great wildebeest migration is a constant movement of columns of wildebeests joined by zebras, Thomson and Grant’s gazelles following an age-old route in search for fresh green pasture and water.

Over 1.2 million wildebeests and over 300,000 zebras along with topis and gazelles move in a constant cycle through the Serengeti – Mara Ecosystem searching nutritious grass and water, the herds are guided by survival instinct. In the Great Migration, each wildebeest will cover over 800 to 1,000 kilometers on its individual journey along age-old migration routes. During this journey, the herds encounter hungry predators including lion, leopard, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs and crocodiles making sure only the strongest survive in this natural spectacle “THE GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION” also known as “The Greatest Show on Earth”.

The Mara River Crossing is one of the two river crossings which happen in the course of the Great Wildebeest Migration and a bucket list events for tourists, Mara River Crossing is the most dramatic river crossing and exhilarating to watch. However a high level of patience is needed to witness this spectacle first – hand.

Millions of wildebeests together with zebras and elands cross Mara River in their attempt to get to Masai Mara national reserve which has fresh green pastures and plenty of water as they are on their way from Serengeti national park in Tanzania.

Watching the Great Wildebeest Migration Cross in the Mara River – Mara River Crossing

The great wildebeest migration is an astonishing wildlife event regarded as the largest migration of wildlife ever witnessed on earth with more than 1.5 million wildebeests trekking from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara and back again each year in search for fresh pasture and water.

The crossing of Mara River marks the climax of the odyssey, this spectacle is filled with dram, death and endeavor and is one of the best safari experiences in Kenya.

Watching the wildebeests cross the Mara River is the most unforgettable wildlife event to experience.

On the day of the safari, you are expected to wake up early, meet your guide and head to Mara River, as you head to the river you will enjoy watching other animals such as lions, leopards, giraffes, among others. You will also enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the endless plains of Masai Mara national reserve which is a spectacular scenery to enjoy.

As the wildebeest are building up, you will drive along the river’s steep embankments. Across the muddy waters you will watch the animals starting to mass making the river banks to look like a sea of dark hides, curved horns and shaggy beards, the air will also be filled with their loud honking.

Taking a closer look, you will notice that among the wildebeests there are stripy shapes of zebras and groups of Thomson’s gazelles joining their comrades on this might endeavor. From a distance of every direction and stretching to the horizon, you will watch the line of animals, many in single file heading towards the river.

Each year, over 2 million wildebeests accompanied by over 300,000 zebras and gazelles trek from Tanzania to Kenya and back again on a never-ending cycle in search for water and green pasture. The Mara River Crossing marks the climax of the Great Wildebeest Migration “Africa’s Greatest Theatre of wildlife”.

With the help of binoculars and long lenses pointed along the river, you will watch animals bunching along the banks waiting for one of their number to take the plunge. Quivering bodies, indecision, terror, and one brave animal will step closer, sniffing the water, look left and right, dip a hoof into the current. Then suddenly take a leap into the stream, more will follow in a hail of splashing and noise.

The wildebeests pour into the stream everywhere along the bank, the air is filled with dust and gnu-ing like the sound of a hundred beehives. Watching this spectacle will leave you dumbstruck and will leave a feeling you have never felt before and a sight you will never forget. The crossing a mixture of elation, fear and awe.

As animals leap from a high bank, the crossing becomes a frenzy with some of them landing on the banks of others in a churning melee of bodies. As the herds close, enormous crocodiles emerge from the deep waters and the week wildebeests are grabbed down into the water. More crocodiles are bent on picking off the easier targets, still the animals keep on crossing the Mara River heading to the plains of Masai Mara national reserve. Travelers along the banks of Mara River are rewarded with an unending flood of vibrant, passionate and beautiful life. Some of the animals perish by drowning or trampling, some through broken limbs as they tumble down the banks, others by the tooth and claw of predators.

Watching the Great Wildebeest migration cross the Mara River is a very rewarding and memorable wildlife safari event to experience once in a lifetime, book your wildebeest migration and river crossing safari with Petinah Africa tours and Travel. info@petinahafricatours.com