Where Is The Wildebeest Migration In August?
Welcome to the height of the high season. Everyone has the same idea of witnessing the most action-packed month for river crossings.
One of the unlucky ones making the Mara River crossing
Where is the wildebeest migration in August?
The wildebeest that survive the crossing flow into the Maasai Mara, so for the next couple of months Kenya will be the favoured safari destination.
Is August a good month to see the great migration?
August is one of the best months to see the migration. The days are action-packed, as this is the peak time for those spectacular river crossings with the crocodiles lying in wait for wildebeest to stumble into their ferocious jaws.
Just like in July, the weather is warm and sunny and there’s no need to worry about rain. The tourist invasion is bigger than ever, so ensure you book well in advance.
The most important tip for August is to manage expectations. Despite what wildlife documentaries will lead you to believe, you still have to be very lucky to see an actual crossing.
Animals behave unpredictably, especially wildebeest and zebra. Many times they just come up to the river, then wait for hours only to turn around. You have to be fortunate and patient to witness the rush across.
Often, safari drivers become stressed out because they want you to see the big five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino). But if your top priority is the migration with its river crossings, make sure to bring a lunch pack and tell your guide to make it an all-day drive.
Beating the crowds
The river crossing season is the busiest time to witness the great migration, but there are some small ways you can beat the worst of the crowds.
Avoid staying at a big lodge close to the river, which can house up to 200 people in high season, leading to long trains of vehicles in the morning. Instead, try to stay at comfortable mobile or tented camps. Here, you’ll get a ‘wilder’ experience, rarely seeing other vehicles or safari-goers. Don’t forget the importance of a good guide – the best will know how to plan the day to avoid crowds and avoid ‘big five’ fever.
About the authors
Hans Cosmas Ngoteya
Hans Cosmas Ngoteya is a conservationist from Tanzania, a National Geographic Explorer, and co-founder of numerous conservation organisations including Ngoteya Wild, Landscape and Conservation Mentors Organization and Tanzania Wildlife Media Association.
Heather Richardson
Heather is an award-winning journalist and editor based in Cape Town, South Africa. She writes for the BBC, Sunday Times, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Departures Magazine, among others.
Anthony Ham
Anthony is a renowned travel journalist and guidebook author and is one of the world's leading authorities on Africa safari, wildlife and conservation. He has been travelling to Africa for more than two decades to research Africa safari guidebooks for Lonely Planet. He is widely published in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, The Monthly, Virginia Quarterly Review (VQR), National Geographic Traveler, BBC Wildlife, Lonely Planet Traveller, Africa Geographic, The Independent, Travel Africa, among many others.
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