The Great Migration is one of nature’s wildest and most astonishing wonders globally. The earth shakes beneath your feet. The Dust fills up the sky. Millions of hooves produce thunderous noise. No wonder this surreal wildlife experience attracts millions of vacationers every year. Find out what you need to know about this unique phenomenon and why you shouldn’t miss it this year.
So, What’s the Great Migration?
Every year, over two million wildebeest, zebras, and other Africa’s wild creatures migrate between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. This is the Great Migration, also known as the Wildebeest Migration.
The creatures travel in search of greener pastures. And it’s not a one-time event- it’s a year-round phenomenon. The experience is magical, but the most dramatic event happens between July and October. This is when these incredible wild beauties cross the iconic Mara River into Kenya.
The vast herds move in unison. It’s like a living river of hooves meandering across the plains. It’s one of Kenya’s jaw-dropping experiences, and those lucky enough to witness it experience the grandest drama of nature.
The Rhythm of the Wildebeeste Migration
It’s a constant symphony…
The otherworldly wildlife experience is ushered in between January and March, the Wildebeest’s calving season in Serengeti. These creatures give rise to over 500,000 calves within a few weeks. Because of this, predators, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, are drawn. The season is both opportunistic and dangerous.
For predators, it means abundance. The sudden upswing in calves means they can feast and feed their young ones. For the Wildebeest, it’s a fearsome season. They protect their calves in many ways, including birthing them in shorter plains where they can easily see the predators approaching. Once the calves are born, the mothers huddle them to form protective barriers, but the big cats always swoop in.
- The Great Migration kicks off between April and June, when the herds begin moving northwards, blaring across the endless plains of Tanzania’s most popular National Park.
The migration picks up speed as the dry season takes effect. By this time, columns of wildebeest seem endless, and the sight is nothing short of breathtaking.
- As we’ve discussed above, between July and September is the dramatic time of the Wildebeest Migration. It’s when the animals navigate the greatest hurdle: The Mara River crossings. It’s the best time to see the Great Migration!
Why is it the greatest of the challenges wildebeest face during migration? Waters teeming with crocodiles and strong currents sound like a test of endurance. The scene is electrifying – some creatures make it to the other side, while others fall prey to fearsome creatures and the hazardous river.
By October, the animals settle across the vast, lush grasslands of Kenya’s number one safari destination, the Maasai Mara. In November, as the rains begin to fall, the creatures, once again, embark on a journey back to Tanzania’s plains of Serengeti. This finally concludes the cycle.
The Drama of the Mara River Crossings
The main highlight of the natural phenomenon
Danijel Mihajlovic, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The cornerstone of the natural wonder is the Mara River crossings. And any wildlife photographer who visits regularly will tell you that if you ask. Vast herds of wildebeest and other wildlife build up on the riverbank. They are hesitant to cross yet desperate to make it to the other side of the river. A brave creature dares to cross, as others follow, and suddenly the herd follows, jumping into the swirling waters.
The currents are strong, crocodiles skulk beneath the waters, while predators wait on the far end. The sight is raw, magical, and unforgettable.
More Than Just Wildebeest
It’s a wonderfully synchronized ecological dance…
While the wildebeest are the dominant creatures in this circular movement, they are anything but alone. Hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles, and elands are among the animals involved in the Great Migration.
Every species plays a crucial role during the migration. Zebras feed on the taller grasses, paving the way for the wildebeest, which are naturally adapted for shorter grasses. Gazelles also play a crucial role, contributing to the delicate balance in the ecosystem. So, this year-round phenomenon is more than just about the animals moving, but a finely synchronized ecological rhythm.
And don’t forget that predators are always following the herds of the creatures in motion. As lions roam the vast grasslands, leopards skulk in the acacia trees, while hyenas and jackals closely follow the march. Because of this, the migration is more of a continuous cycle of feasting opportunities for the predators. It’s been dubbed “The Greatest Show on Earth,” which it definitely lives up to.
How to Make the Most of Your Experience During the Great Migration
The Wildebeest Migration is one of the world’s most unique natural phenomena. Many world-famous destinations, including America’s Grand Canyon, are considered to live up to the hype, and so does this rare wonder.
To make the most of your visit, timing is everything
You can choose to experience this phenomenon from either the Serengeti or the Maasai Mara:
- Best times to visit Serengeti for the event: January to March for the calving season and between April and June when the herds migrate to Maasai Mara.
- Best times to visit Maasai Mara for the event: July and October for the Mara River crossings. After crossing the river, the following weeks involve the creatures spreading across the Mara plains.
How travelers experience one of the Seven Wonders of the World
@alicia.mahoney The great migration by hot air balloon 🦓
♬ sonido original – KiaraMarBalto
Holidaymakers have several safari options for witnessing the migration. You can stay in a lavish tented camp near the river or opt for mobile camps that follow the migrating animals. But there is no better way to experience the Wildebeest Migration than from a hot air balloon. These safaris guarantee a panoramic view of the event, with the sunrise giving the plains dotted with creatures a golden glow.
Seasoned wildlife photographers who frequent the scene will admit that one needs both patience and luck to capture this otherworldly experience. The migration’s incredible blend of wild and unpredictable nature makes it feel like an unmatched gift from Mother Nature.
Why the Surreal Experience Changes Witnesses
It’s is more than a sight to behold
Apart from showcasing nature’s raw beauty, the experience teaches about survival and resilience. Seeing the animals push forward, despite the crocodiles, the strong currents, and the predators waiting to devour them, leaves every tourist in awe. It allows us to respect and appreciate the power of nature and resilience. We understand life as a journey full of obstacles and victorious moments.
One Maasai guide put it this way:
“The wildebeest teaches us to keep moving. No matter the river, no matter the danger, life is about the journey.”
Conclusion
The Great Migration is more than a magical wildlife experience. It’s an overwhelming and humbling experience of being a part of nature’s rhythm. If you plan to come to Africa soon, may this annual event be your compass. The magic you’ll experience as you stand on those plains, feel the earth sway, and see the massive herds cross the rivers is simply unmatched.
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