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 (gnus), is a wonder of nature.
what is the great migration?
The Great Migration is the annual migration of approximately 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?
The Great Migration can be admired all year round, but you have to be at the right location.
- January โ March: in the southern part of the Serengeti at Lake Ndutu for the calving season
- April โ June: in the central and western part of the Serengeti
- July โ October: in the northern part of the Serengeti where the river crossing takes place
- November โ December: in the eastern and central part of the Serengeti
The wildebeest, together with other migrating animals such as zebras and gazelles, cover a distance of more than 1,800 kilometers during their annual migration.
The Challenges of the Great migration
The Great Migration is not an easy journey. The wildebeest and zebras face many challenges and dangers. One of them is the scarcity of food and water, but also the predators that lie in wait and difficult river crossings. It is a brutal journey and thousands of wildebeest do not survive the journey.
One of the most spectacular moments of the Great Migration is the crossing of the Mara River. Wildebeest have to cross this dangerous river, hungry crocodiles lie in wait. This scene is for many the most moving and dramatic image of the entire migration.
Why do wildebeest migrate?
The wildebeest are completely dependent on the availability of grasslands to graze, and they have to migrate to find food and water, pure survival.
In addition, the migration also has to do with the reproduction of the wildebeest. After the start of the rains 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 to spread nutrients across the grasslands. They are also an important food source for predators such as lions, hyenas and crocodiles.
The Great Migration attracts thousands of tourists to the Serengeti and the Masai Mara each year, which is a significant source of income for these regions. Protecting the wildebeest and the migration routes is very important. Not only for the ecological vitality of the area, but also for its economic prosperity.
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