SERENGETI WILDEBEEST MIGRATION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The wildebeest migration or the great wildebeest migration as popularly known is the one of the natural phenomenon in the Serengeti National Park, the largest National Park in Tanzania followed by Ruaha National Park and Burigi – Chato National Park. Serengeti National Park is believed to be the best wildlife sanctuary in the world, covering 5,700 sq miles, (14,763 sq km).
The wildebeest migration is a seasonal movement of millions of wildebeests, thousands of antelope-gazelles and zebras from the great Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, in search for water and pastures.
Wildebeest migration has been announced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a seventh natural wonder of the world, among all other natural wonders in the world. The Serengeti wildebeest migration is the most famous and unique.
Timing of migration
Most part of migration take place in the Serengeti National Park, between the months of December until May the migratory herds spend their time in the southern east corridor of the Serengeti National Park. Presence of short and green pastures in Lake Ndutu and Naabi Hill attracts more herds to settle and graze, dozens of calves are born during this natural spectacle, while on the other side, bunch of them are killed by predators.
Between June and July, the migratory herds heading towards the Serengeti western corridor, lions and other predators follow the migration picking off the weaker members, calves and injured members. At the Grumet River where the migratory herds crosses the western corridor of the Serengeti, crocodile hungry awaiting their annual feast.
Inexplicably despite their search for water, the migratory herds swings northwest just before Lake Victoria, heading into Maasai Mara-Kenya during September and October, then they heard southward again toward Tanzania side into Serengeti National Park and the cycle continues.
Factors for migration
This natural phenomenon has attracted a number of studies trying to establish factors for migration. Unfortunately, there is no definite conclusion as to which factors triggers the movement of large groups of animals moving from one place to another.
However, some studies suggest that, the migration is triggered by the presence of rainfall, such that, herds move with rainfall cycle.
Moving style
This spectacular natural phenomenon teaches a big lesson to humankind. During their movements, consideration is given to calves and weaker members who are put at the middle, with a view of protecting them from predators. This suggests that, animals are very considerate when it comes to the weak and vulnerable, the position that is advocated by humanitarians and men of God for the betterment of this world.
Challenges during the migration
It is not an easy task for migration member to complete the circle. Along the way, they encounter a number of setbacks such as crossing flooded rivers, where as many animals will drown, calves will die or be lost crossing rivers and lakes. Equally, diseases, poachers, predators add up to challenges encountered by migration members which largely contributes to the reducing size of the herd.
Best view and best time to see wildebeest migration.
As described before, the migration takes place between two parks available in two different countries, which is Tanzania and Kenya. Nonetheless, the largest part of the migration takes place in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
Despite the fact that, Serengeti National Park can be visited throughout the year, but the most convenient time to visit and see the migration is between July and October whereas the migration herds graze in the northern part of the Serengeti National Park.
The most spectacular views can be obtained when the herds cross Mara River, you will have a chance to spot gigantic crocodiles in the River Mara, rolling around in the water tearing apart wildebeest’s fresh.
The unforgettable and breathtaking scenes can as well be observed the moment the herds jumps from above banks of the river into water, during this moment many animals get injured and others even die, and become free lunch to the carnivores such as lions, hyenas, jackals, crocodiles etc. None of these setbacks prevent the migratory herds from keep on moving.
Who to take you to see Migration
If you think of travelling to Serengeti National Park to see the wildebeest migration, think of Wildtaina Safaris, a registered tour operating company in Tanzania ready and willing to making your Safari experience memorable. We know the language, the laws and the culture of Tanzania, above all, we are professionals knowing what we are doing and what is expected from us, therefore, choosing working with us will not be a regrettable decision.
Wildtaina Safaris is a reliable and trusted tour company in the country which will make your Safari to Tanzania memorable. At Wildtaina Safaris, we prioritize quality services and customers’ satisfaction.
We make sure that there is value for money for every service that we render; we have a passionate, dedicated, innovative and experienced team to serve you. We have competitive and affordable tour packages prices to suit your budget. We can also arrange a tailor made package to suit your plan. Therefore, when you think of travelling to Tanzania, think of Wildtaina Safaris.