This annual migration involves millions of wildebeests (also known as gnus), along with zebras and other herbivores, moving in a circular pattern between the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing pastures and water sources. The entire journey covers a distance of approximately 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometers).
The migration is a continuous cycle that is influenced by the seasonal changes and the availability of food and water. Here’s a rough outline of the migration:
The wildebeests gather in the southern Serengeti for the calving season. During this time, over 500,000 calves are born within a few weeks. The abundance of newborns attracts predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
As the dry season begins, the herds start to move northwest towards the western corridor of the Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti River. This river crossing is another dangerous stage as crocodiles wait for the opportunity to prey on the vulnerable animals.
The migration enters the Maasai Mara in Kenya as the wildebeests and other herbivores follow the rains and lush grasses. The Mara River crossing during this time is one of the most iconic and intense moments of the migration, with throngs of animals attempting to cross while facing dangers like drowning and predators.
As the short rains start to fall in the Serengeti, the herds begin their return journey, heading back south towards the Serengeti’s southern plains, thus completing the migration cycle.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is not a single event; it is a continuous process, and the timing and exact route can vary slightly from year to year, depending on weather patterns.
It’s a breathtaking sight and a testament to the incredible resilience and adaptability of these animals in the face of harsh environmental challenges. The migration is also a significant tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all around the world who come to witness this awe-inspiring natural spectacle.
Don’t only read about the Great Wildebeest Migration, experience it with one of our safari trips to Tanzania or Kenya
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