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About the
Great Wildebeest Migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration, also known as the Masai Mara Migration or the Serengeti Migration, is a breathtaking natural event that takes place annually in East Africa. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with 250,000 zebra and other herbivores, journey in a continuous loop between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. This migration is hailed as one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World.”
The migration is fueled by the wildebeest’s endless search for fresh grazing lands and water. Following the seasonal rains, the herds move in a clockwise direction, covering up to 3,000 kilometres (1,800 miles) each year across the vast plains of Tanzania and Kenya.
Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration is a dramatic and awe-inspiring experience. The sight of the herds thundering across the plains, the dangerous Mara River crossings, and the encounters with predators is a powerful reminder of nature’s majesty and the relentless struggle for survival in the animal kingdom.
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About the Great Migration
The Great Migration in Africa is one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles on the planet. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, embark on a perilous journey across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of greener pastures. This epic movement, primarily driven by seasonal rains, takes them from the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Along the way, these animals face numerous dangers, including predators like lions and crocodiles, as well as treacherous river crossings. The Great Migration is not only a breathtaking natural event but also a vital ecological process that sustains the balance of this unique ecosystem.
When to see the
Great Migration in Africa
Great Migration
Activity Guide
Why does the Great Migration Occur?
Why Does The
Great Wildebeest Migration Occur?
The Great Migration is a spectacular natural wonder, a massive movement of millions of wildebeest and zebras across the savannas of East Africa. But what drives these animals on this incredible journey? It all comes down to survival.
Here are the main reasons why this natural phenomenon occurs.
Following The Rains
The vast herds follow the rains as they sweep northward, seeking fresh grazing land. The nutritious green grasses of the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya provide vital sustenance for the herds.
A Constant Feast
As the rains move across the land, the grasses flourish in different areas. The migration allows the animals to constantly graze on the most nourishing pastures, ensuring their health and the survival of their young.
The Cycle of Life
The migration is timed perfectly with the birthing season. Giving birth in the lush green fields of the Mara provides abundant food for the mothers and helps ensure the calves have the best start in life.
This constant movement is an adaptation that has allowed these populations to thrive for millennia. By following the rains and the green bounty they bring, the Great Migration is a testament to the incredible resilience of nature.