#TembeaKenya: Is the Maasai Mara and the Migration overrated?

“The locals refer to it as the Spare Parts. This is because they seem to have acquired the horns of a buffalo, the forequarters of an ox, hindquarters of an antelope, mane and tail of a horse and the face of a grasshopper,” the guide explained to our amusement.

However none of that crosses your mind as you witness the wildebeests aka gnu engaged in what is easily the most spectacular sight I have ever seen, The Great Migration.

But the wildebeest crossing the river is just part of the show. It is the challenges and triumphs that take place during this spectacle that set the stage for the seven new wonders of the world.

The over 1 million strong wildebeests gather by the river, flanked by a team of close to 350,000 gazelles and 200,000 zebras. All ready to relish in the lushness waiting beyond the Mara River. In the waters below, the second largest reptiles in the world, the Nile crocodiles, gather for a fresh feast.

You will find yourself rooting for them as they get over their initial hesitation and leap into the crocodile infested water. You will yell words of encouragement as they push through the murky waters despite the exhaustion. You will warn them of a crocodile easing close to them.

You will be terse when one is caught in the jaws of a croc and even whisper a prayer for their escape. And if they do, you will pump your fist in jubilation as they walk away from what could have been their death.

If they don’t you will be sad, if only for a moment, because you know that its nature way. And then you will be drawn back to the spectacle and start rooting for another poor soul.

Your screams, warnings and yells will not be heard over the thunder of the migrating gnu. But will revel in being amongst miles and miles of these animals. You will drive off feeling like you were one with nature. Like you took part in what is no doubt the greatest event in nature.

The best time to witness the migration is anywhere from July to late November. But the Mara is more than just the great migration. It is a complex ecosystem that never fails to impress when on a safari.

Before my maiden visit to the Mara, I thought the Mara was being over marketed while there were other beautiful destinations in Kenya. After my experience, I don’t think the Mara Migration is marketed enough. Because every human being deserves to witness this wonder before they die.