Witness The Great Migration In Kenya: A Photographer's Dream

You've been planning this trip for years. The iconic sweeping plains of the Masai Mara in southern Kenya are home to one of the greatest wildlife shows on Earth, the Great Migration. Over 2 million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles are on an endless journey following the rains in one of the most spectacular mass movements of animals on the planet.

The time has finally come; your bags are packed, and you're ready for the adventure of a lifetime; as your plane descends into the dirt airstrip, your heart races. Will you witness the drama of a river crossing where thousands of wildebeests plunge into the waters with crocodiles lurking beneath? Will you capture that perfect photographic moment of a cheetah chase at full speed? The possibilities are endless in these golden savannas.

Over the following days, you set off at dawn on rickety jeeps for game drives across the reserve. Your expert Masai guide helps you spot lion prides lounging in the shade, solitary leopards peering down from tree branches, herds of elephants roaming the plains and, of course, the wildebeest. You came here for the migration, and you won't be disappointed. This is a photographer's dream come true. Adventure awaits. Let the great migration begin!

The Great Migration

The Journey

The migration begins around April when the rains start falling in the southern Serengeti plains of Tanzania. Massive herds travel north into the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, crossing the treacherous Mara River. Predators like crocodiles and big cats lie in wait, hoping to catch a meal. By July, the herds arrive in the Masai Mara, where they stay until October, when the rains begin to fall again in Tanzania. Then, the migration reverses course and heads south once more.

A Photographer's Dream

The spectacle of millions of animals moving together across the sprawling savanna beneath open skies is a photographer's dream. Aerial photos provide a jaw-dropping perspective of the enormous scale of the migration. Close-up shots of wildebeests crossing the Mara River with crocodiles lurking below are dramatic and intense. Portraits of newborn wildebeest calves and zebra foals capture the circle of life. The golden light of sunrise and sunset enhances the beauty of any photo.

Planning Your Trip

The dry months of July through October are the best times to witness the migration in the Masai Mara. For the best access, stay in one of the lodges or camps inside the reserve. Early mornings and evenings are perfect for photography and game viewing. A hot air balloon ride at dawn provides a magical experience floating over the waking wilderness below. The Great Migration is a spectacle like no other. Experience it at least once in your lifetime!

When to See the Great Migration in Masai Mara

The best time to witness the spectacular Great Migration in Kenya is during the dry season from July to October. This is when over 2 million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles make their annual trek from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara grasslands in Kenya.

• From late July, the herds start crossing the Grumeti and Mara rivers, making for dramatic scenes as vast numbers of animals plunge into the waters while crocodiles lurk below. The crossings usually last a few days, so camping in the Masai Mara during this period gives you the best chance to see multiple river crossings.

• August and September are the peak months for the migration in the Masai Mara. The herds scatter across the reserve, grazing on the open grasslands and giving birth to over 400,000 calves. Witnessing the circle of life unfold before your eyes is a humbling experience you'll never forget.

• As October arrives, the rain starts to fall, signalling the herds to start heading south again to the Serengeti. While the migration may be over, the Masai Mara is still teeming with wildlife, and the landscape becomes even more picturesque after the rains.

Photographing the migration during these months will allow you to capture stunning images of huge herds, dramatic river crossings, and newborn calves. An iconic event like no other, the Great Migration embodies the African wilderness's raw beauty and primal instincts. If there's only one safari you do, this should be it.

Top Spots for Viewing & Photographing the Migration

The Great Migration offers the best wildlife viewing, especially for photographers. When the migration is in full swing, here are some of the top spots where you'll witness the stunning spectacle of over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles on the move.

Masai Mara National Reserve

The Mara is one of the most famous game reserves in the world, and for good reason. Its massive rolling grasslands and acacia woodlands provide the perfect backdrop for the Great Migration. Head to the Mara River, where the herds make their death-defying river crossings, struggling against strong currents and hungry crocodiles. Position yourself on the riverbanks to get that dramatic shot of the wildebeest plunging into the water.

Serengeti National Park

Tanzania's Serengeti is where the Great Migration begins each year. Photograph the herds as they calve in the southern Serengeti, capturing tender moments between mothers and newborn calves. The central Serengeti offers sprawling grasslands where the herds graze, with not another soul in sight. Climb to the top of kopjes, massive boulders that dot the landscape, to get a birds-eye view of the migration below.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world's natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater floor spans over 260 square kilometres, providing plenty of space for the migrating herds. Ngorongoro is unique because it's a confined space so that you can see the Great Migration in a more intimate setting. The crater's steep, forested walls also offer stunning panoramic vistas of the wildlife action below.

Photographing the Great Migration requires patience, but the rewards are worth it. Finding the right location, scouting the area, and waiting for that perfect moment when the light, landscape and action all come together will result in a once-in-a-lifetime shot. The drama and sheer spectacle of the migration in these legendary African reserves will give you memories and photographs to last a lifetime.

Planning Your Photography Safari in Kenya

Planning a photography safari in Kenya requires some forethought to ensure you capture the Great Migration in all its glory. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

Do your research

Learn about the migration patterns in Kenya so you know the best places and times of year to spot massive herds of wildebeest and zebra. The migration typically takes place between July and October in the Masai Mara.

Choose the right gear

Bring a high-quality DSLR or mirrorless camera with telephoto zoom lenses like 70-200mm and 100-400mm. A wide-angle lens will also come in handy for landscape shots. Don't forget extra batteries, memory cards, a tripod, and a camera bag to protect your gear in the bush. For a more detailed camera gear list, check out my blog post: Safari Photo Guide: Ideal Gear for Kenyan Adventure

Book with a guide

For the best migration photography experience, book a private safari with an experienced guide. They will know the current locations of the herds and can get you into the ideal position for photos at the perfect time of day. They can also help you get close to the action while keeping a safe distance from the wildlife. This is what we do at Tog Pro Holidays; you can check out our Safari tours here

Be patient

Some days, the migration herds may be spread out, while others converge in massive numbers. There can be long periods of inactivity, then sudden bursts of action. So practice patience - the longer you're out, the better your chances of witnessing and capturing dramatic moments of the migration. During this season, you'll likely spend the entire day on Safari due to many engaging activities.

Get the shots

Focus on action photos of wildebeest and zebra crossing rivers, running, or interacting. Capture close-up portraits of individuals. Photograph the scenic landscapes of the Masai Mara as a backdrop. Take wide shots of the enormous herds dotting the plains. Get dusk and nighttime shots of the Milky Way and nocturnal animals at your lodge or camp.

With some planning, you'll be ready to witness and photograph one of the greatest shows on Earth - the Wildebeest Great Migration in Kenya. The dramatic images you capture will be a lifelong reminder of this spectacular event.

Camera settings

Explore the Tog Pro Settings Tool, a valuable resource that guides you on optimal camera settings for any situation. Check it out here

Packing Tips for Photographing the Great Migration

Packing the right gear is essential for any photography expedition, especially in a place as wild as the Masai Mara. Here are some tips to ensure you capture the Great Migration in all its glory: Bring a long-zoom lens. The action will often be far from where you're stationed, so a zoom of at least 200-400mm is ideal. A teleconverter can boost the zoom of your existing lenses, but most of the time, it will soften the image slightly, so only use it if necessary.

Pack extra memory cards. You'll be shooting nonstop, so bring more memory cards than you think you need. There's nothing worse than missing the perfect shot because your card is full! Don't forget extras. Bring extra camera batteries, lens wipes, and more memory cards!

Dress for the elements. Kenya's temperatures vary, so pack breathable clothing for hot days, a warm jacket for cool nights, hiking boots, sunglasses, and a hat. Camouflage or neutral colours are best for wildlife viewing. Wear neutral, earth-toned clothing that blends into the environment. Avoid bright colours, perfumes, or scented lotions that attract insects and irritate animals.

Consider renting gear. Don't buy expensive equipment just for this trip. Consider renting a high-quality zoom lens and camera in Nairobi to save money. Many rental shops cater specifically to safari-goers and wildlife photographers.

Travel light. Only bring the gear that you need. Space in safari vehicles is limited. Pack the essentials in a lightweight camera backpack or bag.

By following these tips, you'll return home with memory cards full of stunning images of one of the greatest shows on Earth. Witnessing the Great Migration through a viewfinder is a wildlife photographer's dream!

Getting Up Close - Best Safari Vehicles & Guides

To truly experience the Great Migration in Kenya, you'll want to get up close and personal with the massive herds. The best way to do this is in a 4x4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide.

Open-Topped Jeeps

Book a safari in an open-topped jeep or land cruiser for the best visibility. These elevated vehicles allow you unobstructed views in every direction to spot elephants in the distance and giraffes in the treetops. Be prepared for a bumpy ride as you venture off-road through the savanna and scrubland. An open vehicle may also expose you to the hot sun, so pack sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and lots of water.

Knowledgeable Guides

The guides who lead the safaris live and work in the national parks year-round. They know the subtle signs of recent wildlife activity and the best spots for seeing big cats on the hunt or wildebeest crossing rivers. Don't hesitate to ask your guide questions about the animals' behaviour, habitats, or the challenges of protecting endangered species. These passionate conservationists have a wealth of knowledge to share.

Private Conservancies

For an even more exclusive experience, book a safari in one of the private conservancies adjacent to the national parks. These vast, undeveloped lands have fewer crowds, and off-road driving is permitted, allowing you to pull right up to a dazzle of zebras or follow behind a lumbering elephant. Some conservancies also limit the number of vehicles.

Witnessing the spectacle of over 2 million wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes making their annual migration across the Kenyan grasslands is a dream come true for any wildlife photographer or naturalist. Booking a safari with an expert guide in an open-topped vehicle is the best way to make that dream a reality and get close to one of the greatest shows on Earth.

Safety Tips for Photographing Wildlife in Kenya

Do your research

Learn about the behaviours and habitats of the animals you want to photograph. Know where and when they are most active to set yourself up for the best shots. Some animals are more aggressive during mating season or when protecting their young.

Keep your distance

Do not get too close to the animals. Zoom and telephoto lenses will allow you to get great shots from a safe distance. Getting too close can provoke an attack and endanger you. A good guide and driver will know precisely how close to call and when it’s time to leave.

Be aware of your surroundings

Always be on alert for animals around you. Look for fresh tracks, scat or other signs of recent activity. Pay attention to the behaviour of other animals that may indicate a predator is nearby. Listen for warning calls or distress sounds. Birds are always a good indicator of what’s going on.

Travel in a group

There is safety in numbers. Book tours or hire guides to explore the national parks and reserves. Local guides are well-trained and experienced in navigating wildlife areas. They also have the proper vehicles and equipment to ensure your safety. Make sure they have a working radio, enough water on board and a medical bag.

Follow all park rules

Strict regulations are in place to protect both you and the wildlife. Single-use plastic bottles are banned in all parks, so take a reusable bottle that can keep your drink fresh. Fines and legal action can result if rules are not followed.

Great Migration Safari FAQs - All Your Questions Answered

The great wildebeest migration in Kenya is a spectacular event, but it does raise some frequently asked questions. Here are the answers to some of the most common safari FAQs.

When is the best time to witness the migration?

The migration follows the rains, so the best time to view it is from July to October when the herds move into Kenya's Maasai Mara. This is when you'll see vast numbers of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River. Head to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania for the calving season in January and February.

How long does the migration last?

The migration is a year-round event as the herds circle the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. However, the massive herds are most concentrated and dramatic from July to October during the dry season in the Mara. The herds typically stay in the Mara for a few months before heading south again.

What is the best way to experience the migration?

The migration is best experienced from the ground on a multi-day safari in the Maasai Mara. You'll want to spend at least 3 to 5 days in the reserve to increase your chances of witnessing a river crossing. Staying inside the park at a lodge or luxury-tented camp allows for early morning and evening game drives when wildlife is most active. Guided game drives with an experienced driver and spotter will help you navigate to where the herds are located.

Is it possible to see the migration from hot air balloons or planes?

Hot air balloon safaris and scenic flights over the Mara provide a unique aerial perspective of the migration and stunning views of the rolling grasslands. However, you are less likely to witness an actual river crossing or calf birth from the air. For the most in-depth experience, it is best to go on game drives and stay within the park.

What animals can I expect to see besides wildebeest?

A spectacular array of other wildlife congregates around the migration, especially predators. Expect to see an immense pride of lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards. You may witness kills and young predators honing their hunting skills. You'll also see gazelles, zebra, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and over 500 species of birds in this wildlife wonderland.

Conclusion

The harsh yet beautiful landscapes, the circle of life playing out amongst the predators and prey, the resilience of these wild animals traversing hundreds of miles - it's the kind of event that ignites your passion for adventure and fuels your wanderlust to explore the farthest reaches of the world. The Great Migration in Kenya is a photographer's dream, an experience that can't help but change how you view your place in this world.

Join me on my next Great Migration Photography Tour to Kenya in 2024; find out more here.