The Great Migration: The Process of Nature's Show in the Serengeti, Tanzania

The Serengeti National Park in East Africa hosts the Great Migration, a remarkable event where over 1.2 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebras’ journey around 1,000 kilometres through Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Serengeti, Kenya's Masai Mara, and back. This journey is all about survival, with lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and crocodiles ensuring that only the fittest survive. It's often called the 'greatest show on Earth' and is a captivating cycle of life where the young and vulnerable are sometimes preyed upon.

How does the Great Migration take place?

During the Great Migration, immense herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores moved across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing lands. Their journey takes them through challenging terrains, including crocodile-infested rivers, and often attracts large predators like lions and cheetahs. This epic natural event unfolds as a continuous, year-round spectacle, providing abundant opportunities for witnessing the circle of life in the wild.

Why Do Wildebeest Migrate?

Wildebeest migrate to find food and water as the seasons change. In the wet season, they enjoy lush pastures in the Serengeti. But as the dry season comes, these areas dry up, so the wildebeest go looking for better places to eat. This migration is also linked to the birth of their calves, ensuring they are born when there's plenty of food. Essentially, wildebeest migrate to eat and ensure their babies have enough to eat.

The Great Migration Process in Short

The Southern Serengeti sets the stage for an extraordinary spectacle - the Great Migration. Here, wildebeest calves are born into a world where predators like lions and hyenas eagerly await their chance to hunt. This unique and often heart-pounding scene unfolds as thousands of vulnerable newborns arrive within a short timeframe, captivating wildlife enthusiasts.

As the dry season approaches in May, the massive wildebeest herd embarks on its annual journey northward, making its way toward the Masai Mara in Kenya. Accompanied by gazelles and zebras, they graze on the abundant green grass on their way. However, crossing treacherous rivers means confronting the lurking threat of thousands of crocodiles, waiting for a meal. The Serengeti harbours Africa's largest lion population, and these big cats lead a challenging existence on the harsh land. The sight of lions working together to hunt wildebeest is a mesmerizing display of nature's raw power.

With the arrival of the brief October rains, the migration begins its return journey to the Serengeti. By December, the herds pass Seronera, a central Serengeti settlement, home to the official Serengeti Visitors' Centre. This marks their triumphant return to the calving grounds, completing the awe-inspiring circle of life, where each year, nature's drama plays out on the African savannah.

How the Great Migration Moves Throughout the Year

The Great Migration is a year-round journey that circles through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in search of food and water. Let's break it down season by season:

December to April (Calving Season): Wildebeest gather in the southeastern Serengeti as the short rains bring fresh grass. This is calving season, with hundreds of thousands of calves born. The Ndutu area near Ngorongoro is bustling during February.

May to July (Start of the Trek): With their young ones, the herds prepare for a mammoth journey starting between late April and early June. A million-strong column of animals embarks on an 800-kilometer trek northward. The Grumeti River crossing is a major challenge, marked by dramatic crocodile encounters. The herd may linger on the river's southern bank before crossing.

August to September (The Mara River Drama): The migration proceeds north, confronting the Mara River around July and August. This is the time for iconic photos as the herds navigate this obstacle. While many migrate to the Masai Mara in Kenya, a significant portion remains in the Mara Serengeti area on the Tanzanian side.

October to November (The Return Journey): To complete the circle, the herd must cross the Mara River southbound, usually in October. In this quieter period, they traverse the northern plains and the Lobo area of the Serengeti. The wildebeest eventually returned to the Ndutu calving grounds by late November, setting the stage for the cycle to begin anew.

When to Visit?

The timing of your Serengeti safari and whether you'll catch the Great Migration are choices to consider. The Serengeti is a year-round destination, spanning a vast area with incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Witnessing the exact river crossings of the Great Migration (like the Grumeti or Mara River) is a challenge due to the unpredictability of the herd's movements. However, by selecting the right part of the Serengeti, you can increase your chances:

• December to May: Head to the southeast and Ndutu for the calving season.
• May to July: Explore the Western Corridor.
• July to October: Visit the Serengeti Mara area.
• October and November: Discover the northern Serengeti and Lobo area.

In these regions during these periods, you'll easily locate large herds of wildebeest and their companions.

In summary, the Great Migration in the Serengeti is an extraordinary showcase of nature's wonders. The wildebeest's journey is all about survival in a dynamic landscape. The Serengeti is a year-round wildlife haven, offering superb viewing opportunities regardless of the migration. It's a place where nature's rhythm plays out with grace and grandeur, and whenever you visit, you're in for a front-row seat to one of Earth's most astonishing natural spectacles.