THE GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring natural events on the planet. This annual journey of thousands of wildebeest, along with other herbivores, across the vast plains of East Africa is a wildlife spectacle that captures the imagination of adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers from around the world. The epic migration primarily takes place between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve, creating a continuous cycle of life, death, and renewal in the animal kingdom.
- The Timing: A Year-Round Journey
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a year-round journey that knows no boundaries. It’s important to note that the migration is not a singular event but a continuous cycle that occurs in a roughly clockwise pattern. However, the most iconic and dramatic moments occur between July and October when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores traverse the Mara River, battling treacherous currents and lurking predators.
- The Participants: More Than Just Wildebeest
While the wildebeest are the stars of the show, they don’t migrate alone. Accompanying them are thousands of zebras and gazelles, forming an immense procession of over a million animals. This diverse group moves together in search of fresh pastures and water sources. The symbiotic relationship between these species is a fascinating aspect of the migration, with zebras leading the way, wildebeest contributing their strong sense of smell, and gazelles providing a watchful eye for predators.
- The Drama: Perils and Predators
The Great Wildebeest Migration is not just about scenic beauty; it’s also a gripping drama of life and death. The Mara River crossings, in particular, are a perilous journey for the migrating herds. Hungry crocodiles and patient lions lie in wait for their opportunity, creating moments of high tension and adrenaline. Witnessing a river crossing is an experience that leaves visitors in awe of nature’s brutality and beauty.
- The Thrill: A Photographer's Paradise
For photographers, the Great Wildebeest Migration is a dream come true. The drama of the migration, the stunning landscapes, and the abundance of wildlife make it a paradise for capturing breathtaking images. The soft, golden light of the African savannah enhances the already picturesque scenes, providing countless opportunities to capture the essence of the wild.
- Where to Witness It: The Serengeti and Maasai Mara
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya are the epicenters of the Great Wildebeest Migration. The vast grasslands of the Serengeti provide the perfect setting for the wildebeests’ calving season, while the Maasai Mara offers the dramatic river crossings. Choosing the right time and location for your safari is crucial to witness this phenomenon.
THE MIGRATION CALENDAR
The year begins with the anticipation of new life on the vast Serengeti plains. In January, the Great Wildebeest Migration is scattered across the southern Serengeti, Ndutu Game reserve and Ngorongoro highlands as the wildebeest, zebra, and other herbivores graze on the nutrient-rich grasslands. During the peak of calving season (February), the wildebeest are congregating in larger numbers as they drop more than 6000 calves a day. This period, known as the calving season, is a remarkable spectacle as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth to their young. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are also drawn to this abundant source of food, making it an excellent time for wildlife enthusiasts.
As April arrives, the migration starts its gradual move northwards, following the rainfall and lush vegetation. The herds are typically scattered across the central Serengeti during this time, grazing and building strength before their journey. It’s an excellent time for birdwatching, as numerous migratory birds are also present. The migration movement intensifies in May, with animals beginning to gather in the western corridor in preparation for crossing the Grumeti River.
June marks a pivotal month in the Great Migration, as the herds gather along the banks of the Grumeti River. The river crossings are dramatic, as wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles plunge into the water, risking the jaws of Nile crocodiles and other lurking predators. The spectacle is a photographer’s dream, capturing the essence of nature’s raw drama. After crossing the Grumeti, the herds continue their journey north, heading toward the Mara River.
Arguably the most famous stage of the migration, July and August bring the herds to the Mara River in Kenya. Here, the wildebeest face yet another treacherous river crossing, and it’s a spectacle to behold. The crocodile-infested waters are a formidable obstacle, and the drama unfolds as thousands of animals leap into the river. The survivors make it to the lush grasslands of the Maasai Mara, where they graze and rejuvenate.
During September and October, the herds spread out across the Maasai Mara in Kenya, enjoying the green pastures and abundant food. It’s a fantastic time for game viewing, as predators are in abundance, and the migration is in full swing. The sheer numbers of wildebeest and other herbivores attract lions, leopards, and hyenas, creating thrilling encounters for safari-goers.
With the arrival of the short rains, the Great Migration begins its journey back towards the southern Serengeti in November. The herds gradually disperse, following the availability of fresh grass. By December, they are once again scattered across the southern plains, Ndutu game reserve and the highland of the Ngorongoro preparing for the calving season.
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