Migration is a common behaviour seen in various animal species, spanning from insects to mammals. Migratory species embark on journeys across land, sea, or sky, some of them covering even thousands of kilometres non-stop, in pursuit of food, improved living conditions, or breeding grounds.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the world's most extensive animal migration, featuring over 2 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. This extraordinary spectacle occurs in the Serengeti Plains (the most well known among African savannas). It is a grassland ecosystem that spans 30,000 square kilometres (11,583 square miles), stretching from the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Every year, these animals embark on a seasonal circular journey across the Serengeti in search for greener pastures. Instinct drives these animals to trace the storm clouds, covering a distance of 500–1000 kilometres.
The migration starts in Tanzania's Serengeti after the calving season in February, when the growing population requires fresh grass, setting this incredible migration in motion. In July, the Serengeti experiences its driest season. And the wildebeest have already started moving towards the lush green pastures of Masai Mara. Their journey is fraught with dangers, one of which is the river crossings. Having survived the Grumeti River crossing in the Serengeti National Park, they must now cross the Mara River in the northern Serengeti. This marks their entry into Kenya's Masai Mara.
The most breath-taking spectacle of the mass migration unfolds during this perilous river crossing, when the wildebeest jump into treacherous waters infested with giant Nile crocodiles. It's a stark choice between potentially succumbing to hunger and braving the Mara River and the threat of predators (lions, cheetahs, and leopards) lying in wait on the other side of the river—a life-and-death decision.
Predicting the precise timing of the migration is a challenge. Even if you plan an East African safari during the peak season (July to September), hoping to witness the river crossings, there’s no guarantee. It is impossible to accurately forecast the herds’ exact locations and the arrival of rains or their duration. Rainfall patterns vary significantly from year to year and so is their route.
Even when the timing aligns perfectly, the herds may linger on the riverbanks for days. The wait could be minutes, hours or even days. Nature operates on its own schedule, unfazed by human expectations.
We got lucky though, thanks to our guide Simon! When we arrived at the Mara River crossing point, thousands of wildebeest had congregated in an endless column. A few brave individuals at the forefront looked hesitant, torn between plunging ahead and retreating. Amidst the chaos, some accidentally tumbled into the river, while others, spotting the crocodiles, swiftly retreated. The tension in the air was palpable. Suddenly, a wildebeest took the plunge, and others quickly followed suit, initiating the mass river crossing. The cacophony of their snorts and moans and the rhythmic resonance of countless hoofbeats created a dramatic spectacle. The scene was a frenzied masterpiece!
Our ten-day stay in Masai Mara was filled with excitement. The place was teeming with wildlife and I was overwhelmed with the embarrassment of choice I had around me to shoot. Even if you miss the river crossing, witnessing hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras spanning the entire landscape is an incredible sight. Predators feasting on an abundance of easy prey and the constant presence of scavenging birds (e.g., vultures) around the remains of zebra and wildebeest carcasses left behind by satiated predators are added bonuses.
The Great Wildebeest Migration showcases the wildlife’s remarkable ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions and the advantages of community and collaboration in overcoming obstacles. The river crossings, in particular, highlight the animals’ strong survival instincts. No wonder the wildebeest migration is considered one of greatest spectacles in the natural world
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