For wildlife and nature enthusiasts, the Great Migration is one of the most spectacular events. This ongoing journey sees over a million animals crossing the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, following an ancient path in search of food and water.
The wildebeest, along with other animals, travel in a clockwise direction starting from the southern Serengeti in Tanzania near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. They make their way through the Serengeti, heading north toward Kenya‘s Masai Mara, before returning south at the end of the year. The journey is filled with drama, as predators claim the lives of thousands of animals, while new calves are born, replenishing the herds and sustaining the cycle of life.
What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Migration is the largest mammal migration on Earth. With columns of wildebeest numbering up to 1,000 animals per square kilometer, these herds are even visible from space.
Over 1.2 million wildebeest, 300,000 zebras, and numerous topi and gazelle move in a constant cycle across the Serengeti-Mara region in search of fresh grass and water. Each wildebeest typically travels between 800 and 1,000 kilometers along these age-old migration routes. Along the way, predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and crocodiles ensure that only the strongest survive. This dramatic event, known as “the greatest show on Earth,” is a testament to the harsh realities of nature.
The migrating grazers, wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle, eat different types of grass: some graze on taller grasses, while others feed on medium-length grass. This behavior ensures that the grass is grazed evenly as they move through the plains, which are rich in protein and calcium.
Though it’s unclear how wildebeest know the route, many experts believe their migration is guided by weather patterns, particularly rainfall, which stimulates the growth of fresh grass. Some even speculate that wildebeest can sense thunderstorms or rain from over 50 kilometers away.
The Great Migration in Early Months (January to March)
By January each year, the herds complete their southward journey, moving along the Serengeti’s eastern edge and into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here, rich, nutritious grasses provide the perfect conditions for calving. Though the migration has no official start or end, calving season in late January to February marks the beginning of the cycle. Around 400,000 calves are born in just two to three weeks, nearly 8,000 new calves every day.
With so many vulnerable calves, predators take advantage of the opportunity to hunt.
The Great Migration in Late Spring (April and May)
After calving, the wildebeest begin drifting northwest toward fresher grass in central Serengeti, accompanied by zebras and antelope. By May, the herds start to concentrate near the Moru Kopjes, where mating season begins. During this time, male wildebeest engage in intense battles known as the rut, and grazing continues as the herds move forward.
The herds eventually gather in the Serengeti’s Western Corridor, where they will face the dramatic crossing of the Grumeti River. Though not as famous as the Mara River crossings, these crossings are still perilous, with crocodiles waiting to feast on stragglers.
The Great Migration in Mid-Year (June to July)
By June, the dry season begins, and the wildebeest concentrate in the Western Serengeti and along the southern Grumeti River. Here, they face the daunting challenge of crossing the crocodile-infested river.
As the migration moves into July, the wildebeest and zebras head north toward the Mara River, where some of the most thrilling crossings take place. The predators, crocodiles, lions, and other large carnivores, are always on the lookout, ready to ambush any animal that falters.
By July, the herds reach the northern Serengeti, where the wildebeest may also cross into the Masai Mara, where river crossings are an essential part of their journey.
The Great Migration in the Fall (August to October)
By August, the wildebeest have crossed the Mara River and are spread across the Masai Mara’s northern region. In some years, the river is full, and the crossings are chaotic, with predators waiting for an opportunity to strike. Even in calmer years, crocodiles and lions still take their toll on the animals.
By September and October, the migration starts to slow, and the herds begin to move east. However, the wildebeest will face the Mara River once again during their return journey south.
The Great Migration in Late Year (November to December)
After the short rains in late October and early November, the wildebeest begin their southward movement, returning to the eastern Serengeti. By December, they are spread across the southern and eastern regions.
In the early months of the new year, the southern Serengeti becomes lush and green, attracting the wildebeest and zebra once again. The cycle starts anew with the calving season.
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