The annual wildebeest migration has finally begun an is on its fourth day today.
Tourists are flocking the Mara to witness what some international media have called the seventh new wonder of the world.
Last year the migration start real early on June 6 this year it seems the wildbeest figured they messed up visitor shedules and delayed the migration perhaps a little too long.
The rains also did play a part in the delay as the prolonged rainy season that kept pastures in Tanzania’s northern Serengeti greener for longer. Locals are also suspected to have played a roll by starting fires along the paths taken by the migrating wildebeests on the Tanzanian side.
For Kenya Tourism the annual wildebeest migration does a lot to boost visitor arrivals and during this time its usually high season in the mara. Because of the delay, Narok County executive committee member for Tourism and Wildlife Joseph Koila said this year’s delay had forced some tourists to postpone their visits to various facilities in the game reserve.
That’s not to say however that business has slowed in the mara as some hotels already have 70% bookings.
The effects of the heavy rainfall experienced this year have boosted the herbivore’s survival rates as well as the large numbers of calves born between January and February.
Largest migration
“This year’s will be the largest migration. More calves were born earlier this year and the delays saw the largest herds converging,” said Kiola.
For those planning a wildebeest migration safari the best time to see the migration is usually between July and September.