As soon as the annual rainy season begins in the Serengeti, one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world begins: the Great Migration. This impressive migration of wildebeest (wildebeest), is a miracle of nature.
What is the Great Trek?
The Great Migration is the annual migration of about 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles. They roam the plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of fresh grass and water.
When is the Great Migration in Tanzania?
- January – March: in the southern part of the Serengeti at Lake Ndutu for the calf season
- April – June: in the central and western parts of the Serengeti
- July – October: in the northern Serengeti where the river crossing takes place
- November – December: in the eastern and central part of the Serengeti
The challenges of the Great Migration
The Great Trek is not an easy journey. The wildebeest and zebra face a host of challenges and dangers. One is scarcity of food and water, as well as lurking predators and tricky river crossings. It is a brutal journey and thousands of wildebeest do not survive the trek. One of the most spectacular moments of the Great Migration is the crossing of the Mara River. Wildebeest must cross this dangerous river, hungry crocodiles lie in wait. For many, this scene is the most poignant and dramatic image of the entire migration.
Why are the wildebeest migrating?
The wildebeest depend entirely on the availability of grasslands for grazing, and they must migrate to find food and water, pure survival. In addition, migration is also related to the reproduction of the wildebeest. After the rains begin in the Serengeti in November and December, the wildebeest mate. About eight months later, just before the start of the next migration, the young are born.
The importance of the Great Migration
The Great Migration also plays an important role in the Serengeti ecosystem. The migrating wildebeest help spread nutrients across the grasslands. In addition, they are an important food source for predators such as lions, hyenas and crocodiles. The Great Migration attracts thousands of tourists to the Serengeti and Masai Mara each year, which is a significant source of income for these regions. The protection of the wildebeest and migration routes are very important. Not only for the ecological vitality of the area, but also for economic prosperity.
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