The wildebeest migration is one of the greatest wildlife phenomenon on the planet. Each year from July to September, more than 2 million wildebeests, a large number of zebras, gazelles, impalas and elands move from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
The migration, a journey of about 3000 kilometers, is dictated by seasons and the wildebeests follow the smell of rain. Catching the animals on the movement is an exciting experience for travelers.
The highlight of the migration is the crossing at the Mara River. Here, predators, mostly crocodiles, lie in wait in the waters while lions, hyenas, cheetahs patiently wait for the now tired animals on the other side of the river. The sheer sight of the animals crossing is an experience that will make you come back time and time again for the migration.
Here are some interesting facts about the Migration
Do the Wildebeest Migration at Set Time Each Year? Though it is easy to predict the month of the migration, knowing the exact time and day is difficult. This is because their movement depends on where the rain will fall. Sometimes the herds move in a zig zag pattern, moving back and forth.
Does the Migration only happen in Maasai Mara – For most part of the year, the wildebeest are in Tanzania and travelers here can spot large herds either in the Grumeti area, southern and northern Serengeti. They start the journey towards the Mara from early June and begin crossing the Mara River between July & October.
It’s the Largest Migration on the planet – The movement of the wildebeests from the Serengeti to the Mara is the single largest migration of animals on the planet. It is an awe inspiring occasion to see more than 2 million animals in close proximity to each other in constant motion.
It is not only the Wildebeests that Migrate – Even though the wildebeests are the headliners, the migration also sees the movement of other animals such as zebras and gazelles, who also are in lookout for fresh vegetation and water. In fact, the animals have a symbiotic relationship. While the wildebeests have a great sense of smell, to know where water is, the zebras have a good sense of sight and can quickly spot danger.
500,000 Calves are born each Migration Cycle – The calving season takes place in late January and February where more than half a million calves are born. An interesting fact is that the calves are able to walk within two minutes of being born.
The Migration has a positive Impact on the Serengeti/Mara Ecosystem – Without the movement of the herds, the landscape of the Mara and Serengeti would be greatly impacted. The migration cycle allows grass to grow and be consumed. Also, the movement offers food for the predators and scavenging birds.