The wildebeest migration is one of the reasons why adventure seekers love traveling to Tanzania. While there are other spectacular destinations like Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti National Park is probably the most famous. This game-rich park hosts a diverse array of animal and plant species. It’s where animals, carnivores, and herbivores interact.
Serengeti is home to nearly 2 million hoofed animals: wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles, which roam around its ‘endless’ plains: from the south to east, then to the west, and finally to the north. The cycle starts again – and it’s called the Great Migration.
What makes this event more interesting is that it’s completely natural. Yes, a complete representation of nature. A mix of related animals, including wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles, move together in search of greener grazing grounds. In this article, we’ll highlight the greatest event, when to see it, and what to expect.
The starting point!
Many visitors anticipate to see herds of wildebeests crossing the great Mara River. The event is captivating, but it’s tragic. Prior to the crossing of Mara River, migration cycle usually starts with the calving season.
Between December and February, rain begins in the southern part of the Serengeti and the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As a result, there is enough food and water to support calving. About 500,000 calves are born within two months.
As the region becomes populated with calves, pr
Predators move very close to take advantage of the newly born, weak young. However, the battle is not such easy as the calves of wildebeest and zebras can stand upright after just 3 minutes of birth. They also take only an hour to start running. Additionally, wildebeest mothers defend their young ones collaboratively.
The cause of the migration
As rain declines by late May, food and water become scarce. Since the population almost doubled during the calving season, they have no other way than moving eastwards to find more food and water. Herds after herds of wildebeests start to move from the south. That’s the onset of the wildebeest migration.
As the herd moves along the plains of Ngorongoro, some animals enter the Ngorongoro Crater. The majority herd to the Seronera Valley in the central part of the Serengeti. During this time, you can witness massive trekking. Bid herds are commonly seen within the Seronera.
The herd then migrate towards the western corridor where they meet the first obstacle, the Grumeti River. Although this river is not celebrated as the Mara River, it’s something worth watching.
The animals then move northwards and go on to the banks of the mighty Mara River. Between July and August, they cross this giant river in dramatic moment, which lead to the loss of many lives of wildebeest. Thousands of animals lose their lives trying to cross the Mara River. Hunger, diseases, and predation are the main causes of death during the wildebeest migration.
Crossing happens naturally. Wildlife trackers will help you find the next crossing. As animals brave the Mara River, the Nile crocodiles take their share from the crowd. The weak, hungry, and young animals are the most affected. With no other option than crossing, these animals then cross and go on trekking into the Masai Mara National Reserve.
When to see the Mara River crossing?
Many tourists wish to witness this dramatic scene. However, due to the unpredictability of this natural event, there is no exact date when crossings take place. The animals have their clocks. They move when their needs are not met, and not for fun.
Mara River crossing happens between July and August. Sometimes they may cross it earlier before July or later after August. Be sure of the current status of the Great Migration before you start your trip.
The finishing lines!
“There is no length that has no end”, goes a Swahili proverb. With their long journey from the south of the Serengeti, wildebeest finish their race in Kenya between September and October. They spent almost a month in the Mara Triangle, and by November, the animals started their journey back to the southern Serengeti. Since the rain has started, these animals find enough pasture to feed on. Between December and early January, animals settle in the southern plains. The cycle becomes complete and will begin again.
Key facts
Zebras and wildebeests never separate during the Great Migration. Here is why:
- Zebras feed on taller, tougher grasses. This clears the way for wildebeests to feed on short and softer grass underneath.
- Zebras have good eyesight and hearing, while wildebeests can smell anything very quickly. This enables these animals to warn each other when they smell, hear, or see danger.
- Wildebeests are the best at locating water sources but they’re poor at remembering the way back. Zebras are the complement to this. They can easily remember migration routes.
Can I miss the Great Migration, and what if I do?
Missing is very rare, but it sometimes happens, especially when you know what you want to observe – say, the Mara River crossings. The main cause is, of course, the unpredictability of this wonderful event. Serengeti hosts many species – for example, it has the world’s largest population of lions. You can also search for the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and black rhinos.
Where to stay during the Serengeti migration
There are tons of options for where to stay. It’s up to you. If you want to stay close to the migration herd, a mobile camp (or migration camp) would be better. Some include Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp, Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp, Ubuntu Migration Camp, Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp, which offer a great experience on a camping safari in Tanzania.
You can also stay in permanent lodges and camps. Some are situated close to the migration path. For instance, Singita Serengeti Lodges, AndBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, Olakira Migration Camp, etc.
If you want to connect more with nature, you can set up a tent in a private or public campsite.
The Great Migration is something every safari-goer must experience. It’s an interesting marvel that nature reveals. It has been around for thousands of years and will continue to be there. If you are interested in witnessing it, book a trip right now.