The Great Migration: A Natural Wonder
The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the world, where over a million wildebeests, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, traverse the vast plains of East Africa in search of fertile lands and fresh grass.
Where and when does the Great Migration take place?
It mainly occurs in the Serengeti National Park, in the southeast, extending to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and around Lake Ndutu in northern Tanzania.
The migration dates may vary each year, as they depend on the weather and seasonal rains, but it generally follows a cyclical pattern.
The Life Cycle
The migration begins every year in January when wildebeests start giving birth on the short-grass plains of southern Serengeti. It is a time of great vulnerability, as predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas take advantage of the large number of calves to hunt. However, the plains offer abundant food for the mothers and their young, shared with zebras and gazelles. In total, more than 1.7 million wildebeests, 800,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles are estimated to participate.
In February, the peak of wildebeest births occurs, creating a burst of life in the Serengeti. By March, as the rainy season begins, the grasslands become depleted after several months of grazing. The young wildebeests, now stronger, are ready to embark on their epic journey in search of fresh grass.
The Route
The first major stage of the migration occurs in March, as the herds head west toward the Maswa Game Reserve, still within Tanzania. During April and May, the rains provide enough water and grass but also make the terrain difficult to access, making it less favorable for visitors during this time.
In June, with the end of the rainy season, the herds begin moving north, crossing the dangerous Grumeti River. This crossing is one of the most dramatic moments of the journey, as thousands of animals lose their lives to ambushes from crocodiles waiting at the crossing points. Despite the dangers, July is an excellent month for spotting big cats, which follow the migration in search of easy prey.
By July and August, the herds reach the northern Serengeti and prepare for one of the most iconic moments: crossing the Mara River into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. This crossing is one of the most spectacular, where the animals’ anxiety to reach the other side mixes with the tension of crocodiles lying in wait. This is one of the best times to witness the Great Migration.
The Return South
In September, most of the migration remains in Masai Mara, enjoying abundant water and fresh grass. However, with the arrival of the short rains in November, the herds begin their return south, leaving Masai Mara and crossing back into Tanzania. By December, they arrive at the southern Serengeti plains, where they find young, fresh grass, marking the beginning of a new cycle.
A Journey of Hope and Survival
The Great Migration is a cyclical journey driven by weather conditions and the search for food, moving in a large loop between Kenya and Tanzania. For wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles, it represents the struggle for survival, while for predators, it is an opportunity to feed. For travelers and nature lovers, it is a unique chance to witness the majesty and rawness of wildlife at its peak.
Experiencing the Great Migration is not just about seeing animals move; it’s about understanding the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of conservation to maintain this incredible life cycle.
