Wildebeest Calving & Migration January & February
29th September 2024
Why You Should Go on Safari to the Maasai Mara in February: The Wildebeest Migration & Calving
The Maasai Mara, one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife reserves, is a dream destination for safari lovers. While many travelers flock to the Mara between July and October for the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration, there’s a less publicized but equally spectacular event happening in February: the calving season of the wildebeest.
Here's why February is a perfect time to visit.
1. Witness the Beginning of Life: Wildebeest Calving
One of the most mesmerizing experiences in the Mara during February is the wildebeest calving season. Around 8,000 calves are born every day during this period, marking the start of new life in the African savannah. For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the vulnerability and raw beauty of the animal kingdom in action.
Birth in the Wild: Wildebeest calving occurs after a synchronized gestation period, and most of the calves are born within a span of just a few weeks.
Amazing Adaptation: Within minutes of birth, the calves can stand and walk, an incredible survival mechanism to evade predators.
2. Predator Activity at Its Peak
With so many young, defenseless calves in the Mara, predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards thrive during this season. While it may seem cruel, this is nature in its purest form, and witnessing the interaction between predators and prey offers a deep understanding of the delicate balance of life in the wild.
Big Cats on the Hunt: Lions and cheetahs take advantage of the abundance of newborns, providing excellent game-viewing opportunities.
Hyena Clans in Action: You may also witness the strategic and often ruthless hunting techniques of hyena clans, known for their incredible teamwork.
February offers a high chance to witness hunts unfold, adding an intense element to your safari experience.
3. Lush Scenery and Fewer Crowds
Unlike the dry season when much of the vegetation is sparse, February transforms the Mara into a lush, green paradise. The short rains have just ended, and the landscape is blanketed with fresh grasses, providing a striking backdrop for wildlife photography.
Vibrant Landscape: The green plains and blooming acacia trees create an awe-inspiring setting.
Fewer Tourists: Since February isn’t peak tourist season, you’ll encounter fewer crowds. This allows for more intimate wildlife encounters and a peaceful safari experience.
4. Perfect Weather for Safari
February falls during the Mara’s "green season," when the rains have diminished, but the landscape is still lush. The days are warm and pleasant, with average daytime temperatures of around 25°C (77°F). Early mornings and late afternoons, the best times for game drives, are cool but comfortable.
Clear Skies: After the short rains, the skies are usually clear, providing fantastic light for photography.
More Personal Service: With fewer tourists around, the safari experience feels more exclusive. You get more personalized service from guides and have a better chance of securing prime viewing spots during game drives.
Tranquil Wilderness: With fewer vehicles on the road, the wilderness feels truly remote, allowing you to connect deeply with nature.
5. Ideal for Birdwatching Enthusiasts
February is also a fantastic time for bird lovers, as the Mara is alive with migratory birds. The rainy season brings an influx of bird species, including vibrant European migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatching.
Bird Species: You’ll encounter a wide range of species like storks, kingfishers, and bee-eaters in full breeding plumage.
Bird Photography: The abundance of birds paired with the beautiful landscape makes for excellent bird photography opportunities.
If you’re a wildlife lover looking for something off the beaten track, February in the Mara is the perfect time to explore this incredible ecosystem.
Pack your camera, your sense of adventure, and prepare to witness the wonders of Africa’s most breathtaking settings.
The Maasai Mara, one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife reserves, is a dream destination for safari lovers. While many travelers flock to the Mara between July and October for the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration, there’s a less publicized but equally spectacular event happening in February: the calving season of the wildebeest.
Here's why February is a perfect time to visit.
1. Witness the Beginning of Life: Wildebeest Calving
One of the most mesmerizing experiences in the Mara during February is the wildebeest calving season. Around 8,000 calves are born every day during this period, marking the start of new life in the African savannah. For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the vulnerability and raw beauty of the animal kingdom in action.
Birth in the Wild: Wildebeest calving occurs after a synchronized gestation period, and most of the calves are born within a span of just a few weeks.
Amazing Adaptation: Within minutes of birth, the calves can stand and walk, an incredible survival mechanism to evade predators.
2. Predator Activity at Its Peak
With so many young, defenseless calves in the Mara, predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards thrive during this season. While it may seem cruel, this is nature in its purest form, and witnessing the interaction between predators and prey offers a deep understanding of the delicate balance of life in the wild.
Big Cats on the Hunt: Lions and cheetahs take advantage of the abundance of newborns, providing excellent game-viewing opportunities.
Hyena Clans in Action: You may also witness the strategic and often ruthless hunting techniques of hyena clans, known for their incredible teamwork.
February offers a high chance to witness hunts unfold, adding an intense element to your safari experience.
3. Lush Scenery and Fewer Crowds
Unlike the dry season when much of the vegetation is sparse, February transforms the Mara into a lush, green paradise. The short rains have just ended, and the landscape is blanketed with fresh grasses, providing a striking backdrop for wildlife photography.
Vibrant Landscape: The green plains and blooming acacia trees create an awe-inspiring setting.
Fewer Tourists: Since February isn’t peak tourist season, you’ll encounter fewer crowds. This allows for more intimate wildlife encounters and a peaceful safari experience.
4. Perfect Weather for Safari
February falls during the Mara’s "green season," when the rains have diminished, but the landscape is still lush. The days are warm and pleasant, with average daytime temperatures of around 25°C (77°F). Early mornings and late afternoons, the best times for game drives, are cool but comfortable.
Clear Skies: After the short rains, the skies are usually clear, providing fantastic light for photography.
More Personal Service: With fewer tourists around, the safari experience feels more exclusive. You get more personalized service from guides and have a better chance of securing prime viewing spots during game drives.
Tranquil Wilderness: With fewer vehicles on the road, the wilderness feels truly remote, allowing you to connect deeply with nature.
5. Ideal for Birdwatching Enthusiasts
February is also a fantastic time for bird lovers, as the Mara is alive with migratory birds. The rainy season brings an influx of bird species, including vibrant European migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatching.
Bird Species: You’ll encounter a wide range of species like storks, kingfishers, and bee-eaters in full breeding plumage.
Bird Photography: The abundance of birds paired with the beautiful landscape makes for excellent bird photography opportunities.
If you’re a wildlife lover looking for something off the beaten track, February in the Mara is the perfect time to explore this incredible ecosystem.
Pack your camera, your sense of adventure, and prepare to witness the wonders of Africa’s most breathtaking settings.