The great wildebeest migration is recognised as the most enjoyed, thrilling and breathtaking wildlife event in the whole world. This lifetime activity involves the migrating of animals in a large population following the rain patterns, searching for enough food and drinking water. This interesting wild event only happens in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.

About 2 million herds of zebras, impalas, wildebeests, Thompson gazelles and grants migrate in a clockwise direction from the southern part of Tanzania in Serengeti National Park to the northern part of Kenya in Masai Mara National Park before returning once again in Serengeti national park.

Right away after the calving season is when the migrating animals kick off their journey and most of the calves are born during this period around the end of February. By April and May, the migrating animals are already heading North before encountering the Grumeti River around June where the aquatic predators are always waiting to feast for a long and this is when the lives of these animals start to face threats.

River Crossing

The migrating animals are forced to congregate first in large numbers so they can all cross the rivers at once. A large number of them can be seen along the banks of the River still plotting on how to survive the death trap as other predators inform of lions and leopards also plan to play fast on them before they can cross the river.

Watching these migrating animals crossing the river is an unequalled experience yet exciting in the end. The animals are seen struggling for their lives as the Nile crocodiles patiently wait underwater for their long-awaited meal. It is at that point where the young and weak migrating animals as a result of long journeys fall into the predator’s teeth that touches the most.

A big number of these migrating animals will survive to their destination and just a few of them fall into the death trap. But as they struggle out of the river, a feeling of relief catches up with the viewers. From July to September, the migrating animals are welcomed in the Masai Mara National Reserve after encountering another death of the River Mara.

Planning For The wildebeest migration

The great wildebeest migration is such a not-to-miss wildlife event that gives such an ultimate full wildlife experience. During the peak seasons especially in dry seasons, the tourism destinations of Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve are almost inaccessible as visitors from across the world flock to these spots with great wildebeest migration first on their bucket list.

Visitors who wish to be part of this lifetime experience are advised to book in advance so they can get space with accommodation and other neighbouring spots.

The two countries of Kenya and Tanzania have attracted international attention and this has seen their tourism sectors and infrastructures progress. Masai Mara National Reserve is therefore the leading popular tourism destination in Kenya and attracts both international and domestic visitors from across the world and generates a lot of tax income for the Kenyan government.

The Best Time To Undertake The Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris

 The great wildebeest migration in both Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Park can be undertaken throughout the whole year however the dry period of the year remains the best time to undertake this great wildlife activity. During the dry season, visitors can have the most spectacular unremarkable views of the herds of wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, impalas and more.

This is because during the dry season of months like December to February and July to September is when the migrating animals gather on the only remaining water sources of the Grumeti and Masai rivers for drinking water.

 When all the water is dried up as a result of the prolonged dry season, the migrating animals will seek the only remaining drinking water sources hence all gathering in one spot to give visitors the most remarkable breathtaking wildlife views. The dry season also concedes with the summer holidays of Europe and Western countries hence giving visitors on summer vacations an opportunity to be part of this breathtaking wildlife event. we always advise our travellers to consider the Africa gorilla safaris during the exploration of the pleasing nature. 

Its not only the Africa gorilla safaris, we also offer chimpanzee trekking activities, this entails a variety of exploration activities through the thick tropical rainforests of the region. Travelers have the golden opportunity to stare at the human’s closest species sharing up to 94.8% of our DNA.

Chimpanzees are such interesting, iconic animals in the rainforests in East Africa due to the gestures they perform and the sounds they make as they interact with each other. For a chance to observe them, one needs to obtain a chimpanzee tracking permit from the authorities through the registered tour operators and then peacefully embark on the wholesome experiences with them.

Guests get to witness the playful and intelligent behaviours of the chimpanzees in the tree branches up close. The trek through the rainforests itself is an exhilarating experience as it allows one to reconnect with nature and get relieved of the day-to-day noise of the bustling cities. The views of the various lush vegetation, butterflies, birds and other fauna species in the forests make it an experience worthwhile as one hits multiple birds with one stone!

Chimpanzee trekking destinations in East Africa

Chimpanzees are scattered all over thick tropical rainforests in the East African region. Several conservation areas have been gazetted to protect them and their habitat from extinction and also give opportunities for exciting activities such as chimpanzee trekking. The most outstanding chimpanzee trekking destinations in East Africa are;

Kibale forest

Kibale forest is an enchanting primeval forest in the western part of Uganda. This mysterious forest is perched in the captivating hilly areas in Bundibugyo in the southeast of Fortportal, the tourists’ city. Kibale forest is a renowned home to chimpanzees harboring about 1000 wild chimpanzees with 4 habituated chimpanzee families to enhance the tracking expeditions of guests.

Chimpanzee trekking is done in two shifts that is to say in the morning and afternoon. The morning session begins at 8:00 AM and ends at around midday while the afternoon session begins at 2:00 PM and ends in the evening. The guests on this adventure are accompanied by a team of Rangers to ensure that they are secure in the jungle. The Africa gorilla safaris are spiced by an up of the chimpanzee trekking and savannah exploration. 

Budongo forest

Budongo is a mysterious forest in Uganda adjacent to the captivating Murchison Falls National Park. The forest is located on an escarpment in the northeast of Lake Albert and covers parts of the Hoima and Kikuube districts. It is seated on an area of roughly 825 square kilometres, covered with thick rainforests with towering canopies which form a favourable home to the chimpanzees.

Budongo harbours approximately 600 to 700 chimpanzees with 4 chimpanzee habituated communities that are open for tourism activities and others undergoing habituation processes. This a magical place for both Africa gorilla safaris and chimpanzee trekking experiences.

Kyambura gorge

Kyambura Gorge is a serene forest perched on the outskirts of the breathtaking Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. The gorge showcases the beauty of a natural forest engulfed in a valley. The forest therein is a renowned home to chimpanzees with about 80 individuals. There are habituated groups that are up for tracking activities where travellers can have a great time watching the chimpanzees interact in their natural habitat.

The gorge goes up 200 meters deep and gives a wholesome tracking adventure. The breathtaking views of the gorge are an added advantage to the chimpanzee trekking activity making it a favorable spot for sightseeing and photography enthusiasts.

Nyungwe forest

The vibrant Nyungwe forest stands out as one of the oldest rainforests on the African continent. This captivating forest covers an area of roughly 1019 square kilometres in the western and southern parts of Rwanda. It is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site harbouring the endangered chimpanzees and their delicate habitat.

The forest is made up of bogs, bamboo and other Afromontane tree species that make a perfect habitat for the chimpanzees. Nyungwe has about 400 chimpanzees with about 60 habituated and ready to be visited.

Price of chimpanzee trekking permits

It is important to remember that for one to have the opportunity to trek the chimpanzees in all the destinations mentioned above, one ought to have fully paid for and obtained a chimpanzee trekking permit from the authorities. The chimpanzee tracking permits are obtained through registered tour operators. Each country has different prices for their trekking permits and they are;

The Ugandan chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale forest are priced at a non-negotiable fee of $200 for the foreign non-residents, $150 for the foreign residents and Uganda shillings 150,000 for the East African citizens.

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest is priced at $120 per person per trek and Kyambura gorge at $50 per person per trek.

Rwanda chimpanzee tracking permits are priced at $150 per person for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African citizens.

Tanzania chimpanzee trekking permits on the other hand in Gombe Stream National Park are priced at $100 per person per trek.

The primate exploration is always key as you consider the Africa gorilla safaris, this is the peak point of understanding the art of nature in the primate world.