HERDTRACKER

The great migration is starting to depart for the sweet grasses of the Serengeti.

The short rains are falling in the Mara and so replenishing the grass for the resident herds. The young predators are learning their hunting skills and fine-tuning them with practice.

Safari guide Jeremiah captured the last big group of the wildebeest migration crossing at Kogatende heading towards the southern Serengeti. Some herds have made it to the Mori Kopjes. 

Southwest of the central Serengeti lies Moru, home to the black rhino. Moru Kopjes is home to the remaining population of black rhinos in the park. Another highlight at Moru is Gong Rock where a short walk leads to a series of Maasai paintings. Just to the east lies the saline Lake Magadi, a great spot for pink flamingos to gather.

In the next few weeks, the Serengeti Camps will start their migration move to the southern plains to get ready for their arrival. 

This month sees the mega-herds on the move as the actual ‘Great Migration’ takes place. Towards the beginning of November, the Mara river is still the place to be with river crossings still happening. However, the first herds have reached the central Serengeti, so there is a good argument for splitting your time between two locations in the park – Kogatende and Seronera/Moru is often perfect. From the 15th onwards, river crossings are rare, so we often suggest that clients focus on areas around the central Seronera river valley and Moru (south of central).

An empty savanna with two distant giraffes was enveloped by swarming herds of wildebeest, migrating in search of greener pastures in the Masai Mara National Reserve. 

November is a good time to visit the Masai Mara to catch the end of the migration as the herds start making their way back down to the Serengeti in Tanzania. It’s a good month for birders too, as migratory bird species begin to arrive in the park.

The only downside can be the rain but the thundershowers are usually short bursts of rain in the afternoon and are unlikely to disrupt your game viewing too much.

November is a busy month for the herds, but one that offers great value due to low-season rates. 

Some of the wildebeest and zebra have left the Mara. They form long columns stretching from Lobo to the central Seronera area of the Serengeti.

Safari guide Mohamed Hassan captured the great herds crossing the Mara River close to the Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp.

In early November, we would suggest basing yourself in the Kogatende and Lamai areas of the northern Serengeti to give yourself a chance of witnessing a late river crossing. In the second half of the month, it can be a good idea to split your time between the northern Serengeti and the central Seronera region of the park.

As the herds disperse, many will head down towards the centre of the park so if you are set on catching the herds, this would be a good combination of locations. This way, even if the herds haven’t quite made it down to central Serengeti, you would have most likely caught them in the north.

Aside from the migration, November is an excellent time to make the most of low rates and have an exceptional value Serengeti safari, with no other vehicles. Seronera is usually really busy in the peak months, so visiting here in November gives you a seriously spoiling more private stay in an area that in peak months is so popular (due to its phenomenal resident game).

Only one wildebeest was lost to a lion! A small price for the survival of thousands of other wildebeest. 

The likelihood is that at the beginning of November, the herds are still lingering in the northern Serengeti regions of Kogatende and Lamai and you can still catch river crossings at this time.

Towards the end of the month, river crossings are much less frequent as most have begun to disperse south. However, because of the light rains, the camps and lodges are exceptional value for money. You can stay at some of the continent’s most luxurious permanent lodges in November at half the price they would be in July and August, and still, catch river crossing scenes. The parks are a lot quieter so you get a little slice of Serengeti wilderness all to yourself. All in all, if you don’t mind getting a bit wet and love value for money, then early November, in particular, is a fantastic time to see the migration.

The Great Migration is heading towards the central Serengeti. However, there is still a good number of wildebeest and zebra in the Kogatende area (northern Serengeti). The crossing was captured at point number 7 when a large herd was grazing at Lamai Wedge slowing moving towards the Mara River.  

Tucked into the iconic Kogakuria Kopje in the northern Serengeti, Lamai Serengeti commands never-ending views over the magnificent Mara River valley. Twelve carefully designed tents are split between two separate camps, the Main Camp and the smaller Private Camp. Constructed from a clever blend of canvas, ferro and natural poles, the tents boast spacious verandas spread amongst the rocks, each with exceptional views.

The dash for survival at the Makutano crossing point from Northern to Southern Serengeti continues!

Safari guide Frank Gabriel captured a huge herd of the wildebeest crossing the Makutano crossing point from Northern to Southern Serengeti. Makutano crossing point is close to the Kuria Hills Lodge.

Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge is perfectly positioned in the northern Serengeti’s Wogakurya Hills, in the path of passing wildebeest herds as they move to the Mara and back. The Mara River is the place to be, with river crossings proving to be the main attraction.

A very huge herd of the wildebeest crossing the Mara River from Northern to Southern Serengeti.

November is a major moving month, as the herds head through the Serengeti towards the southern short-grass plains. This month sees the mega-herds on the move as the actual ‘Great Migration’ takes place.

Towards the beginning of November, the Mara river is still the place to be with river crossings still happening. However, the first herds will be reaching the central Serengeti, so there is a good argument for splitting your time between two locations in the park – Kogatende and Seronera/Moru is often perfect. From the 15th onwards, river crossings are rare, so we often suggest that clients focus on areas around the central Seronera river valley and Moru (south of central).

Head safari guide Michael Wachira spotted one of the last groups near Purngati Bridge leaving the Mara.  

On a Masai Mara safari in Kenya, guests at Mara Serena Safari Lodge have a ringside seat for an incredible annual Great Migration safari in Kenya.

Mara Serena Safari Lodge is perfectly situated for a Great Migration safari across the plains, this Masai Mara safari lodge has excellent facilities and services for a wonderful safari tucked away on a hillside with spectacular views.

Nothing can prepare you for the sight and sound of the Great Migration!

Adhafera captured hundreds of noisy wildebeest crossing the Mara River heading back into the Serengeti National Park from the Masai Mara National Reserve.