Migration Route & Timing
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth, often referred to as the "Greatest Show on Earth." It is a year-round movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water.
Migration Route & Timing
The migration follows a circular pattern, driven by seasonal rainfall:
- January – March: Calving season in the Ndutu region of the southern Serengeti.
- April – June: Herds move northward towards the Grumeti River.
- July – September: The dramatic Mara River crossings occur as wildebeest enter Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
- October – December: Wildebeest begin their journey back south to the Serengeti.
Predators & Survival Challenges
The migration is dangerous, with predators like:
- Lions & Cheetahs: Hunting in open plains.
- Hyenas & Leopards: Targeting weaker individuals.
- Crocodiles: Lurking in rivers, waiting for crossings.
Interesting Facts
- Wildebeest calves can run within minutes of birth.
- Zebras migrate alongside wildebeest, helping them navigate and graze efficiently.
- The migration covers over 800 km annually.
