• info@greatmigrationcamps.com

Migration Updates – July 2019

Migration Updates – Where are the Wildebeest Herds?

The great migration has been erratic in 2019, with late rains extending into June 2019.  There was significant moisture in the air, especially in the North around the Mara River, causing some early movement northwards of the wildebeest herds.  Patchy rainfall continued throughout June in the Mara region and Ngorongoro district also received out of season rainfall.

Crossing season for the wildebeest, is triggered by the dry season which can run anytime between June and October.   The scattered moisture seemed to confuse the wildebeest herds, who decided to take it easy towards the end of June and early July – hanging out and grazing peaceful, with large numbers north of Lobo, with the exception of some of the eastern Herds, who arrived early at the Sand River and crossed into the Mara Reserve first.

From mid-July, the wildebeest action has leapt into full gear, with almost daily crossings at the Mara River and movement of the herds up and down the banks of the river, forwards and backwards!  Don’t let this apparent confusion, distract you – the wildebeest have a natural instinct to sense rainfall and a survival ability relying on their strength in numbers.

Migration Updates – July 2019

GMC Migration Update – 13 June 2019

Herds moving north!!! This was filmed just south of Lobo, north-eastern Serengeti!! Thanks for the update Gabriele Brown from Urth Expedition #Migration

Migration Update – 14 June 2019

Update from andBeyond Travel herds crossing from Triangle to Reserve side. Big herds at Lobo and Klein’s Camp and big herds around the Grumeti side too at Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp Looks like you are covered #Migration #GreatMigration #RiverCrossings2019

Migration Update – 28 June 2019

BREAKING NEWS – Herds turn south from Lobo towards the south west with rain from Bologanja, Lobo and the western corridor #GreatMigration #RiverCrossings2019 #Wildebeest

Migration Update – 07 July 2019

Huge herds gather at Bologonja in the north-eastern Serengeti with lots of rain around Lobo and Kichwa Tembo road…. happy guiding and crossings looking good for end July and August. #Migration #Wildebeest #RiverCrossings2019

Migration Update – 08 July 2019

Nice sighting on the Sand River side at Sand River Masai Mara Camp WOW!! Herds heading north and west!!!

Migration Update – 11 July 2019

Mara River crossing at No 8 this morning, south to north, update from Miraji Gwau from Lemala Camps & Lodges – River crossings have started!! – #GreatMigration #Wildebeest #RiverCrossings2019

Migration Update – 13 July 2019

Update from @Kevin Mlay Naturalist – Mara River crossing from south to north at Makutano #GreatMigration#Wildebeest #MaraRiverCrossings2019

Migration Update – 15 July 2019

Huge herds at Kogatende, northern Serengeti, crossing at No 8 back from the north to the south, Update by superb Lemala Camps & Lodges guide Miraji Gwau, get to the Mara River NOW!! #GreatMigration #MaraRiverCrossings2019 #Wildebeest #SerengetiMigration

Migration Update – 15 July 2019

How is this for a crossing???? WOW update by Asilia Africa guide Emmanuel Qamara #Migration #GreatMigration #Wildebeest #WildebeestMigration #MaraRiverCrossings2019

This post got so much attention, it was featured in USA today!

Migration Update – 18 July 2019

From Adam Bannister Wildlife on the Masai Mara side – “Lots of small crossings yesterday at Lookout Hill. Huge gatherings under Lookout hill on the Mara Reserve side of the river a few kilometres north of Mara Purungat bridge” Thanks Adam! #GreatMigration#WildebeestMigration #MaraRiverCrossings

Image may contain: outdoor Image may contain: outdoor and water Image may contain: outdoor, nature and water

Migration Update – 20 July 2019

Predator follows prey – the drama at the Mara is real! Did you spot the Lioness? Thanks Emmanuel Qamara, guide at Asilia Africa for another action packed river crossing update – wildebeest herds headed north.#MaraRiverCrossings2019 #Migration #Wildebeest #greatmigration #WildebeestMigration

Migration Update: 26 July 2019.

The action started at 6h45am at crossing point No 4. @Miraji Gwau from Lemala Camps & Lodges picked up this huge crossing as the sun rose over the Mara River yesterday morning.#migrationupdates #greatmigration #Wildebeest #mararivercrossings2019

GMC Mobile Location

GMC Mobile camp is currently in the Northern Serengeti, close to the Mara River and almost daily river crossings. Predictions suggest that August will have countless crossings. Great Migration Camps mobile still has some availaiblity for August 2019 – contact us now to experience the greatest natural show on earth and join us on our journey following the great wildebeest migration 2019…. We follow the herds guaranteeing migration sightings all year round.  Make sure you are in the right place at the right time.  That time is right now!

How to book

PLEASE enquire early to avoid disappointment particularly during peak periods as additional services are also busy and booked. GMC books ALL accommodation in the path of the Great Wildebeest Migration and can arrange flights or transport in and out of the National Park.  We recommend 5- 10 days for your migration safari with pre or post-safari tours extensions.
Email your inquiry to info@greatmigrationcamps.com. Kindly provide your name, country, number of people travelling and preferred dates and duration.  Children of all ages are welcome.

Enquire Now

Follow us on your favourite Social Media platform

Twitter - Great Migration Camps Facebook - Great Migration Camps Instagram - Great Migration Camps You Tube - Great Migration Camps

Festive Season Wishes from GMC

To all our friends, fans, colleagues, supporters and clients,

As 2018 draws to a close, Great Migration Camps mobile would like to take the opportunity to wish all of you a wonderful festive season and peaceful and prosperous 2019. May you enjoy a break with family and friends.

It’s been an extraordinary year with many ups and downs, successes, and challenges, and the wildebeest have had us running around in more than just circles in an unusual migratory year. Thanks to all our clients for joining us on this journey through the Serengeti and Masai Mara. Your comments and feedback are invaluable as we continue our quest to provide the best mobile camp closest to the migrating herds of wildebeest that make the Great Migration.

Thank you to the GMC Dream Team

December is also the perfect time to remind you of our awe-inspiring GMC dream team and say a special thank you to each and every one of you for your commitment and dedication.  As a small team, we work together in close confinement and help each other with anything that needs doing.  No task is too big or too small. Meet the team below.

Mashine and Norton - GMC Guides

Mashine Joseph Swai – GMC Head Guide

Mashine is called Mashine for a reason. Our chief driver guide, who not only manages to find wildebeest, leopard, lion and “animals on request”, but does an enormous amount of administrative work behind the scenes which includes maintaining and fixing vehicles. Ahsante Sana.

Zebadia - GMC camp manager

Zebadia Mmbando – GMC Camp Manager

Zebadia – our mobile camp manager does everything! Zeb has grown and learnt in all fields – from ensuring drinks are cold and shower water is hot, that toilets and showers work, tents are clean and properly pitched to cope with the Serengeti elements along with collecting water and supples, managing the solar system, electrics, fridges and ice machine (an essential item!) to driving, fixing U-bolts and car maintenance.  From before dawn to long past dusk – Zebadia works with the biggest smile and kindest heart. Ahsante Sana.

Herman - GMC camp chef

Herman Shikamoo – GMC Camp Chef

Herman is the newest addition to the GMC team – a young chef who is happiest in his camp kitchen. You’ll hear him singing as he cooks, making meals with love. Herman has wowed our guests with delicious meals, ranging from his superb soups to vegetable dishes, and the camp favourite – Herman’s Serengeti Samoosas – hand made in camp! Karibu and Ashante Herman.

Sally - GMC owner and administration

Sally Grierson – GMC Owner & Administration

Sally is camp mom – tirelessly ensuring that all the details have been taken of behind the scenes – organising and co-ordinating stock, supplies, orders, menu plans, emails, flights and reservations. Mama Sally ensures everyone has hats, water, sunscreen and all belongings necessary to stay healthy and happy out in the bush. Known as Dr Sally in the bush, her physio skills provide African massages as she nurtures and cares for all our guests.

Carel - GMC owner and operations

Carel Verhoef – GMC Owner and Operations

Carel, our resident wildebeest whisperer, is captain of the GMC ship. Born and bred in the bush, his innate instincts take us all on a never-ending journey to new places and destinations, creating magic with his passion and knowledge of the wildlife that surrounds us. A natural story-teller, he’ll narrate animal behaviour into a novel of magnificence. In addition, his competence at every level of living (and working) in the bush ensures that GMC mobile runs with the efficiency required to move camp quickly, whilst providing everything you need and nothing you don’t.

GMC Dream Team

Other Thanks

There are many others who have supported and helped us and your reservations are part of a broader community. Special thanks to Norton and Amani – both extraordinary guides, who drive many kilometres each day leading the search for the wildebeest and knowing when to rush and when to wait (ask anyone who has witnessed a river crossing what this means) whilst keeping a sense of humour, charming our guests and helping in camp. Norton we thank you especially for your patience and kindness with our elderly guests.  Thanks also to Kopa and Bonifence who have helped with driving the trailer to various destinations and countless tasks in camp and to Robert Swai for all our town transfers. Last but not least, thanks to the families who support each member of our team, especially whilst we are in the National Parks taking care of our guests. It is not always easy to be away from our loved ones, but we know it’s hard for you too.

2018 Highlights

One of this years highlight’s was being featured on CNN’s Inside Africa documentary on the Great Wildebeest Migration. If you didn’t have a chance to catch the broadcast – take a look below at the feature.  Thanks Brianna, Nick and the CNN team in Kenya.

We are extremely proud of our Great Migration Camps team and look forward to a busy 2019.

How to book

PLEASE enquire early to avoid disappointment particularly during peak periods. We still have availability but don’t delay, as other services are also busy.  We can assist with pre or post safari tours and accommodation in town as well as flights or transport in and out of the National Park.  We recommend 5- 10 days for your migration safari.

  • Calving season (Feb- March)
  • Rutting season (June)
  • Crossing season (July– Oct)

Email your inquiry to info@greatmigrationcamps.com

Kindly provide your name, country, number of people travelling and preferred dates and duration.
Children of all ages are welcome.

Enquire Now

Follow us on your favourite Social Media platform

Twitter - Great Migration Camps Facebook - Great Migration Camps Instagram - Great Migration Camps You Tube - Great Migration Camps