E-mail: info@kilimanjarotrekking.com | Phone: +256 39 2 159498

Mount Kilimanjaro mount Kilimanjaro

Wildebeest Migration

Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania & Kenya – Kilimanjaro Trekking  & Wildlife Tours

Wildebeests are antelopes of the genus Connochaetes and native to Kenya & Tanzania mostly with high volumes in Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve . They belong to the family Bovidae, which includes true antelopes, cattle, goats, sheep, and other even-toed horned ungulates. There are two species of wildebeest: the black wildebeest or white-tailed gnu, and the blue wildebeest or brindled gnu.
Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems see huge herds of wildebeest and zebras migrating in a continuous search for the best food and water. Although this journey follows a similar annual route, exact timing varies based on rainfall.
The Great Migration is one of the most incredible wildlife events in the world. It is often called the largest and longest mammal migration on Earth, and for good reason. Every year, over 2 million animals take part in this massive journey across the Serengeti in Tanzania. Among them are wildebeests, zebras, antelopes like impala, gazelles, and elands. Together, these animals move in a clockwise direction, traveling through vast landscapes in search of greener pastures and fresh water.

This epic migration is not only a stunning spectacle to witness, but it is also essential for the survival of the animals and the health of the Serengeti ecosystem. The wildebeest migration mainly happens because of the changing seasons and the need for food and water. When the rainy season comes, new grass grows, and the animals follow the rain to find fresh food. They travel through different parts of the Serengeti National Park. Along the way, they face many dangers, like crossing rivers full of crocodiles and being hunted by predators such as lions and hyenas. Even though the journey is risky, the migration is very important for keeping the balance of the ecosystem healthy.

BIG CATS SPOTTING OPPORTUNITY:

During the annual migration of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes through the Serengeti, there is enough meat to support the largest number of lions on the African continent. More than 3,000 lions live in the Serengeti ecosystem today, hence one on a safari on the Great Migration you will be able to easily spot the African predators.

PREDATOR PRESSURE:

The wildebeest migration attracts numerous predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, Wild dogs and hyenas. Predators often target the young, weak, or sick wildebeest, and this can make the journey perilous. It is estimated that 20,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebras are killed each year by predators during the migration, but this is part of the balance of the ecosystem. Among the causes are thirst, hunger, exhaustion, crushes and drownings in stampedes of nervous animals. The migration also boasts of the largest mammal birth rate per day where over 8000 calves are born in a day.

THE CIRCULAR ROUTE:

The migration follows a circular route, typically starting in the Southern Serengeti (near the Ndutu region) in December, moving north through the central Serengeti, and then crossing into the western Serengeti and northern Serengeti. The cycle repeats every year, with the timing of the migration driven largely by seasonal rains and the availability of fresh grass.

SURVIVAL FOR THE FITTEST:

Because of the vast number of large herbivores in one area, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and crocodiles make their way to the waterside as the herds cross rivers or pause to drink. But it’s not just predation that kills wildebeest, zebra, and antelope; thirst, hunger, exhaustion, and drowning are other big factors. Hence, for an animal to make it through, banding together increases its rates of Survival. A careful study of this behavior each year has shown that the herd has a swarm intelligence, allowing it to solve problems or overcome obstacles.

MASSIVE CALVING SEASON WONDERS:

Between January and February, around 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in the Southern Serengeti approximately 8,000 calves per day for 3 weeks. This time is known as the calving season, when wildebeest gather in huge herds. The rich grasslands in this area provide ideal conditions for mothers to raise their young, and the babies are born in a short window, making it a spectacular sight. Their ability to walk as soon as they are born means they can keep up with the herd!

THE MIGRATION COMPANIONS NEVER FIGHT FOR FOOD:

One interesting fact about the wildebeest migration is that the animals traveling together rarely fight for food. While it may seem like competition would arise between different species, such as wildebeests and zebras, the opposite is true. These animals coexist peacefully because they have different feeding habits. Wildebeests primarily eat short, fresh grass, while zebras prefer tougher grasses and can eat plants that are a bit older. Because they graze on different parts of the same grass, they don’t compete with each other for food. This harmony allows them to travel together in large herds without fighting over resources.

THE “GREAT MIGRATION” IS THE LARGEST AND LONGEST OVERLAND MIGRATION ON EARTH: POSSIBLE BY THE SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK:

As well as being the world’s largest overland migration, the Great Migration is also the longest. During each cycle, the herds travel more than 500 miles (800 km). Moving together in massive groups that can stretch for miles. This massive herd behavior provides safety in numbers but also presents challenges, such as competition for food and water. While we enjoy the majesty of this mega herd of various species traveling across Tanzania, we must remember that it would not be possible without the Serengeti National Park. For thousands of years, the huge Serengeti ecosystem has remained untouched. It’s a completely healthy, functioning ecosystem with the supplies to support such a vast number of gigantic creatures.

HERDS DO NOT FOLLOW A SPECIFIC TRAIL:

During their journey across the Serengeti, wildebeest break off from large herds, because they do not have a natural leader. Usually, the Great Migration is seen as one large herd surrounded by several smaller ones. Maps of the migration usually show the path of the mega-herd, but if the smaller herds are included then the migration can sometimes cover half of the Serengeti.

CONCLUSION:

The wildebeest migration in Tanzania is a natural wonder that showcases the resilience and interconnectedness of the animal kingdom. Whether you witness it firsthand or learn about it from afar, this migration is a powerful reminder of the beauty and power of nature

CopyRight © 2024 Extreme Expeditions. All Rights Reserved

error: Content is protected !!