The grandiose Wildebeest Migration in Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

Last August I decided the time had come so off I departed for Narok town. Few hours later i arrived in Narok and i could not help but notice the numerous vehicles and tourist vans in this normally slow paced town. As Narok is the stopover town before the Maasai Mara National Park, there was little doubt in my mind where they were headed. Strolling through the town streets i bumped into a pleasant tourist couple who told me they were going to the Mara for two main reasons: To witness the Eighth Wonder of the world, and to see the animals of the Big Cat Diary! We parted ways and i decided there and then to write an article about the Mara.

Tourists viewing Cheetahs feasting in the Maasai Mara

WILDEBEEST MIGRATION
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most famous wildlife habitat it is home to lions, African elephants, buffalos, leopards, rhinos a.k.a the Big Five; other animals at the reserve include cheetahs, gazelles, zebras, wildebeest among others. The annual world renowned wildebeest migration that is the Eighth Wonder of the world takes place at the Mara. During this great spectacle, thousands of wildebeest and herds of zebra converge at the Mara river gaining courage to take the plunge and cross the river. The wait continues for hours and even days until suddenly the great crossing begins. The river is infested with hippos and crocodiles ready to make a kill. Words can’t fully explain this exciting spectacle, my advice is; ”make an effort to see it for yourself at least once in your lifetime.”

Wildebeests in the Maasai Mara

HOT AIR BALLOONS
From Nairobi one can travel to the Mara by road thou luxury travellers may opt for air travel using chartered flights from the Wilson Airport. Activities in the Mara are numerous, apart from the Wildebeest migration a visit to the nearby villages where one gets to learn about the beliefs and daily life of the culturally rich Maasai community is a fulfilling experience.
Game drives in which you regularly run into wild animals are the norm. The thought of running into one of the lions of the Mash pride in the Big Cat Diary is enough to send bursts of adrenaline down your spine!
For a bird’s eye view of the wildlife hot air balloon trips are available. These trips are fun and let you see the scenic landscape of the Mara, while at the same time viewing different game animals.

WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS IN THE MARA
The Mara offers a most memorable wedding. To attest to this fact the Mara has hosted successful prominent weddings in the past. The luxury lodges at the park, the Maasai community, the wildlife are some of the ingredients that make a perfect wedding in the wild!

Couples on honeymoon are also regular visitors to the Mara. As Maasai Morans sing and dance the night away couples get closer under the Mara bonfires reminiscing the events of the day!

MARA INFORMATION SUMMARY:

• Wildebeest migration occurs annually during the months of July running to Mid-August.
• This natural phenomenon draws tourists from all over the globe.
• Park entry fee for foreigners is $60. ( subject to change without notice).
• Various luxurious lodges are available in the park.
• Access to Mara is by road ( 4WD vehicles recommended during rainy seasons ); or by air using chartered flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi.