The great migration from Serengeti to Masai Mara is considered the eighth wonder of the modern world and is the most beautiful thing you can see during a safari in Kenya.
In fact, to tell the truth, in my opinion, it is the most exciting thing of any safari on the whole face of the earth.
At least for me, it was like that and if I think about it I still get goosebumps.
The emotion of witnessing the great migration
Of all the safaris in my life and I am at the sixth, I have never and I say never, experienced a day like that at Masai Mara where I could witness the great migration.
The game drive started early in the morning, admiring a lion making love to his lioness. And I said to myself, "Okay, Elisa, you can be happy for today. It was nine in the morning and I still did not know that I would witness another 2 incredible experiences: the first was to dive into the great migration, the second was to attend the hunt for the cheetah.
In July and August, wildebeests, zebras, antelopes and gazelles migrate from Serengeti, in Tanzania to Masai Mara, in Kenya. Having the good fortune to assist you means to be catapulted in the midst of two million specimens. And already like this, travelers, my happiness was sky-high. But this is not the end of it.
A second, incredible experience was there waiting for me. We spotted the cheetahs, who were standing quietly under a plant. Then suddenly one of them raised his head and threw himself to the hunt of prey, attacking it. When I think about it, my heart is still beating hard in my chest, it was so exciting that both times I was deeply moved. Nature has completely turned me on my head. It was one of the most beautiful and unforgettable days of my entire life as a traveler.
The great migration from Serengeti to Masai Mara
As in great magic in Kenya, every year, from July to October, a spectacle of nature like few others is renewed: the great migration. Almost two million specimens, including wildebeests, antelopes, zebras and gazelles, move from Serengeti to Masai Mara in search of food. They cross rivers and face difficulties in a single large herd that moves together.
Thanks to the rains of May and June, the savannahs of the Masai Mara regain life and that's how the animals arrive en masse from the Serengeti and cross the currents of the river Mara fighting the currents and the fear of being attacked by crocodiles. On the tracks of the herbivores also move the lion and the leopard and you can see matings, births and hunts.
There are many ways to watch the great migration: with a jeep safari like we did or on foot guided by the Masai, in Mongolian at dawn or dusk, or even on horseback.
Where to stay at Masai Mara
The accommodation solutions during the great migration are many: from luxury lodges to tented camps. During my trip to Masai Mara, I stayed at Mara Engai Lodge, a lodge at 1800 meters and about 15 kilometers from the river Mara with 20 tents.
I recommend this lodge for those who want to immerse themselves in a unique environment with a beautiful view of the savannah. Keep in mind, however, that it is in the mountains and that you can then reach on board a particular jeep that climbs for a steep climb. Once you get there the view and the sense of peace and isolation will pay for everything. The tents are very large, are decorated in colonial style with African artifacts, a large terrace and two king-size beds.
During our stay we participated in a traditional Masai dance around the fire and dinner by candlelight, breakfast at dawn admiring the savannah and an aperitif at sunset. Three unforgettable experiences.
How to reach Masai Mara
During the early twentieth century, the Masai Mara was a hunting reserve that in 1961 was established as a protected reserve managed by the same Masai. The Masai Mara is currently divided into several reserves.
The area we visited is called The MaraTriangle and is located between the Mara River and the Oloololo escarpment.
To reach the lodges there are at least six different airstrips throughout the Masai Mara, we have arrived at the airstrip Mara Gate. Each person who decides to enter the reserve must pay the entrance which is 80USD per day.
To live the emotion of a safari during the great migration in Kenya is one of the most beautiful experiences that can be given to us. I dream to come back soon to bring with me also Manina and Luca.