The Great Wildebeest Migration

It is believed to be one of the Seven New wonders of the World. Mainly involves two countries, Kenya and Tanzania.

The migration is primarily driven by the search of fresh pasture and water. And has been there for many years now.

For you to enjoy this migration, you have to be conversant with the weather patterns and animals behavior. It includes calving, whereby hundreds of calves are born. This happens in the month of January on the Tanzania side, Serengeti National Park.

Once they get a route, they follow through.

The most interesting and famous part this migration happens between June and August. This is the time the animals cross the great Mara river , found in Kenya.

Despite being named Wildebeest migration, it also comprises of other animals. They include zebras, grant gazelles, eland, among others. Wildebeest are usually in big numbers hence the name.

The migration involves almost two million animals

This migration involves over two million animals. And they have been migrating almost the same way annually. No two migrations are the same. Hence it would be great to enjoy it over few years to fully get something interesting out of the migration.

So how do they manage to co-existence together?

All the involved animals are social. They mark their territories and do not join or leave their groups. This arrangement is observed throughout the migration.

Yes, they will migrate together but do it in their found groups. They will continue defending their territories. Ensuring  no intrudes and safety of the group.

The migration also accommodates other animals such as the zebras

Togetherness is key during this migration

This migration maybe fun to the tourists. But its a hard journey full of obstacles and death for the animals.

The animals suffer several short comings during the journey and rule of nature prevails. Survival for the fittest is evident during this migration.

Predators such as the lions, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, crocodiles and many others anticipate for this migration. They are able to hunt easily , as  prey are in large numbers.

Did you know?

That Maasai Mara National Reserve is the home to the largest population of lions in the world.

They wait for each other before crossing the river

Amazingly, all the animals migrating do wait for each other. They do before crossing any water bodies. Once they are in good numbers then they go ahead to look for a good stop to dive into the rivers. They do so by roaming different spots at the riverside.

Unfortunately, sometimes they can decide to just dive in from any side into the river. And start swimming across the river. Due to how they travel following each other. The ones behind just follow behind and rarely divert.

Mostly they will avoid densely vegetated areas and deep waters for the fear of predators. Since such places act as best hide outs for predators.

How many rivers do they cross?

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