“The Great Migration in Africa”

“The Great Migration in Africa” is the largest overland mammal movement on Earth. It features over 1.5 million wildebeest, alongside hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, moving in a continuous clockwise loop across the Serengeti (Tanzania) and the Masai Mara (Kenya) ecosystems. Driven by rain and the search for fresh grazing, the herds follow an ancient route that spans roughly 1,800 km.  The Migration Cycle: Because the migration is a continuous, year-round phenomenon guided by shifting rain patterns, there is no single starting or ending point. However, the journey generally follows these seasonal stages:  January to March: The herds gather in the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. This is calving season, where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves are born, attracting significant predator activity.  April to May: As the dry season approaches and grass diminishes, the massive columns begin moving northwest towards the Serengeti's Western Corridor.  June to July: The herds reach the Grumeti and Mara Rivers. The perilous river crossings, where animals must dodge massive Nile crocodiles, are the most iconic and dramatic moments of the migration.  August to October: The surviving herds spread out across the Masai Mara in Kenya, feasting on lush grasses. November to December: As the short rains begin, the herds start their long journey south back into the northern and southern Serengeti to prepare for the calving season all over again.  Video Link: 1. https://youtu.be/cNXPKjPprsA?si=oMo0CKu0KAxTe26S 2.https://share.google/ZE2QAVyJSxfTqKT9u. Facts: The Great Migration is the largest herd movement of animals on the planet. In fact, with up to 1,000 animals per km², the great columns of wildebeest can be seen from space.

The numbers are astonishing: over 1.2 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebra along with topi and other gazelle move in a constant cycle through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of nutritious grass and water. Guided by survival instinct, each wildebeest will cover 800 to 1,000km on its individual journey along age-old migration routes. Hungry predators including lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, wild dog and crocs make sure only the strongest survive in this natural spectacle also known as ‘the greatest show on Earth.’

The circuit takes the animals from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (although not in the Crater itself) in the south of the Serengeti in Tanzania, up through the Serengeti and across into the Maasai Mara in Kenya and back again. The journey is beset with danger: young calves are snatched by predators, the slow are brought down by prides of lion, brave beasts break legs on steep river slopes, crocodiles take their share of the stragglers, and the weak and exhausted drown.

The three main groups of migrant grazers each have distinct feeding habits that help maintain balance across the plains. Zebras are the first to arrive, cropping the tallest, coarser grasses. Wildebeest follow, feeding on the shorter, fresher shoots that sprout afterward. Causes: While it is unclear how the wildebeest know which way to go, it is generally believed that their journey is dictated primarily by their response to the weather; they follow the rains and the growth of new grass. While there is no scientific proof of it, some experts believe that the animals react to lightning and thunderstorms in the distance. It has even been suggested that wildebeest can locate rain more than 50km away. When to visit?

It is a matter of choice whether you would like to plan your Serengeti safari around the Great Migration. We have mentioned earlier that the Serengeti is a year-round destination as it covers a vast area and offers unparalleled wildlife viewing. Chances that you will be at the exact spot of the Great Migration herd crossing a river (either at the Grumeti or Mara River) are very slim. Also, the timing of herd movements cannot be guaranteed. However, if you choose the right part of the Serengeti: the southeast and Ndutu from December through to May, the Western Corridor from May to July, the Serengeti Mara area from July trough to October, and the northern Serengeti and Lobo area in October and November, large herds of wildebeest and their entourage should be easily located. Where to Witness: The Great Migration is unlike other natural events. The journey’s timing and exact locations are constantly changing, evolving based on rainfall and fresh grazing. The only guarantee? It unfolds across Tanzania and Kenya’s legendary national parks and reserves. 

So, let’s explore some of the many East African National Parks and reserves that offer the best chance to see this natural spectacle: 

Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania): Located in northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the place to see newborn wildebeest and zebras during calving season. The abundance of young prey also means a greater chance of spotting lions, leopards and other predators in action.  Useful Links: 1. https://share.google/7bqRAcn2GEuaLUgHe. 2. https://share.google/JEGyhJGHGWBfe92EQ 3. https://share.google/mzi4vpKeCysvTasE2 4. https://share.google/oF4dNbjhrKDrwSKhg 5. https://share.google/uGEKqshi54hQJly3G 6. https://share.google/4qIc0D8xmcoPQrkCX 7. https://share.google/9qNfNzMUcEmheirds 8. https://share.google/NJmRswE8rJ8NkCCN9