The Migration started early this year and was in full swing by the start of July. The amazing spectacle of thousands of wildebeest and zebra on the move to follow the grazing is one of the highlights of the wildlife calendar and of any safari holiday. The animals have started crossing the Mara River, which after the rainy season has risen in level and are running the gauntlet of the waiting crocodiles. It is estimated that over 250,000 animals die every year on this journey of nearly 2,000 miles.
This migration is part of an annual cycle that has gone on for thousands of years. In January to March the animals – over 1.5 million wildebeest and half a million zebra – are to be found down in the southern and eastern Serengeti, in the Ngorongoro area of Tanzania. Here they give birth to their calves, usually in a very short period of a few weeks. Few are born latter, small and obvious targets on the migration a few weeks later. These areas have fewer predators, such as the big cats and hyena, so are safer for the young calves, up to half a million of them – to take their first steps.
Between the months of March and May they start moving to the north and west, heading to an area of grasslands known as the western corridor. They split into two groups, one heading further west than the other, always moving to ensure there is enough grazing for the huge numbers. At the end of May, as the long rains finish, the rutting season begins, the large males constantly fighting over their herd and territory, stopping neither to eat or sleep.
June and July the herds continue northwards, the two migratory routes meeting once more as the animals search of the remaining areas of grazing. Eventually they come to the Mara River, running deep and fast after the annual rains. The animals are desperate for food and drink, making crossing the river their only hope of survival. If the rains have been slight, the crossing is shallower and easier, but usually the river is fast meaning a hard swim and steep banks from the constant erosion. Thousands of animals die, either drowning, being trampled or taken by the Nile Crocodiles who have themselves been waiting for this bi-annual feast. Lions and hyena, also after an easy meal, will wait and drag bodies from the river’s edge. This is a superb place to experience the migration on your safari holiday, game viewing on the banks of the Mara River as the spectacle of death and survival is played out before your eyes.
Once safely over the herds can graze the fertile grasslands of the Masai Mara until October, running the gauntlet of the many predators in this area. Lions, leopards and cheetah feed their own cubs on this movable feast, but the numbers are so great it makes no real impact into the overall numbers.
In the autumn the migration is reversed. The small rains have fallen in the Serengeti, ensuring the recovery of the grasslands there, so the wildebeest head back south, re crossing the river and arriving back to the calving areas in January to February where the cycle will start once more.
For details of where and when to enjoy the migration, or see the herds calving or in the Mara, call our knowledgeable staff on 0845 299 0264.