Tanzania has an abundance of wildlife and natural wonders that are some of the most spectacular on Earth. From Mount Kilimanjaro, which stands tall above other peaks, to the vast Serengeti savannas. But, there is one thing that tops them all; The Great Wildebeest Migration. This feat features a movement that involves over 1.5 million wildebeest, as well as hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles — all moving together across the endless grasslands of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
For lovers of nature and seekers of adventure, witnessing this great migration in Tanzania is something everyone should have on their bucket list. It’s hard to put into words just how magnificent and unforgettable it is as each animal moves in unison with others like a living creature across the landscape. The sight will surely take your breath away and leave you in awe at what mother earth can do.
Serengeti Ecosystem: Ground For The Big Event
With its widespread reach over 12,000 square miles (30,000 square kilometers), Serengeti takes up space that spans both northern Tanzania and southern Kenya – And for good reason too! The vast wilderness is home to some incredible wild animals such as lion, leopard , elephant , buffalo , rhino etc . Not only do they have these big five but also many other iconic African species such as giraffes cheetahs antelopes.
But here is where it gets interesting; The true stars are wildebeests — They are large antelopes perfectly adapted to thrive on the savanna. Their shaggy manes curved horns and grunting calls are all very familiar sights especially if you have been on East African safaris before.
It goes without saying though , wildebeest are the main characters in this ecosystem. Their circular journey takes them from the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti to give birth to their young ones. Then they will go up north to lush grasslands of Maasai Mara in Kenya, then come back down south through that same route.
This epic migration is driven by their need for food and water — As they follow the rains and grow new grass across all corners of the landscape. But it isn’t just a walk in the park for them as they have a lot of obstacles on their journey such as predators, crocodiles etc.
The Southern Serengeti: Where the Magic Begins
The southern Serengeti is where the Great Wildebeest Migration begins each year, when the short rains arrive in November and December. That’s when wildebeest give birth to their young, at a rate of hundreds of thousands of calves over just a few weeks.
The southern Serengeti is a massive expanse of plains covered in short grass. There are also granite outcrops and acacia trees. It can be described as nothing short of serene beauty. Bright blue skies stretching endlessly above golden savanna.
In the calving season, there’s no better place for new parents than the southern Serengeti. Newborn calves aren’t exactly known for being able to walk well… because they don’t walk well at all. Luckily, their mothers are always vigilant for predators while their little ones struggle to get their footing.
Seeing all these baby wildebeest running around is heartwarming, and it’s hard not to feel joyous at the cycle of life happening right there in front of you.
Eventually—when the babies have grown stronger and the rains start to slow—the wildebeest will start moving northward with fresh grass on its way down from wherever it comes from down south. And make no mistake that this isn’t just any old migration: The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the greatest single movements of animals on earth. They’ll cross hundreds of miles over some seriously brutal terrain but some seriously amazing views on their way back up north after winter ends too!
The Western Corridor: A Perilous River Crossing
Heading north from the southern Serengeti, the wildebeest enter what is called the Western Corridor. It’s a long, narrow strip that runs along the border between Tanzania and Rwanda, and it’s where some of the migration’s most dramatic and dangerous moments occur.
The Grumeti River slices through the middle of the corridor. The fast-flowing water can be treacherous for herds on their way to greener pastures. The river is rife with crocodiles that lie in wait for wildebeest as they try to cross.
Watching wildebeest negotiate this river is heart-stopping. Thousands gather at its banks, some hesitant to take a dip while others jostle to get into position. Eventually they all plunge in together, creating waves that crash against one another like a rugby scrum. Some are swept away by the current or snared by patient crocs. Most make it across — clamber up muddy slopes on the other side and shake themselves dry before continuing to trudge northward.
For me, these river crossings are one of the great wonders of nature — raw power incarnate. They show off just how resilient and tenacious life can be in Africa’s hardscrabble savannas.
The Northern Serengeti: The Climax of the Migration
After dodging the Western Corridor’s obstacles, wildebeests continue their journey northward into the heart of Serengeti. This is the most spectacular and dramatic phase of the migration, as the herds cross Mara River and enter Maasai Mara’s lush grasslands in Kenya.
Mara River crossings are a climax to the Great Wildebeest Migration. And it’s a sight that will never leave your mind. The river is wide with steep banks making it deep, and strong currents that can easily sweep away a wildebeest or zebra. Just like Grumeti River is home to large populations of crocodiles that lie in wait for migrating herds.
Watching these animals gather on river banks is terrifyingly exciting. They seem to sense what lies beneath, and they become restless, snorting and grunting as they try to work up the courage to cross.
Eventually one brave individual decides to take a plunge; diving into water then swiming towards far bank. The rest follow suit surging off in all directions with hooves high above heads. Some get swept away by current others fall prey to waiting crocodiles but most make it across, by climbing up steep sides of riverbank then shake off water before continuing on their journey
The Maasai Mara: A Green Paradise for the Herds
Once the wildebeest have crossed the Mara River, they enter the lush grasslands of the Maasai Mara in Kenya. This is a green paradise for the herds, with abundant food and water to sustain them after the long and dangerous journey from the south.
The Maasai Mara is one of the most iconic and beautiful wildlife destinations in the world, with its rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and vast savannas teeming with life. It is home to an incredible diversity of species, from the Big Five to a wide variety of antelope, giraffe, cheetah, and other iconic African animals.
For the wildebeest, the Maasai Mara is a time of plenty, with the herds grazing on the rich grasslands and building up their strength for the long journey back to the south. The Mara is also a time of intense predator activity, with lions, hyenas, and other carnivores taking advantage of the abundance of prey.
Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara is an unforgettable experience, with the endless sea of wildebeest stretching out to the horizon in every direction. It is a sight that will leave you in awe of the power and resilience of nature, and a reminder of the incredible diversity and beauty of the African wilderness.
The Return Journey of the Wildebeests
Having spent several months in the Maasai Mara gorging themselves on grasses, the wildebeest begin their return journey to the south. It’s a long and exhausting walk, with the herds going back along their steps across Serengeti and back to where they were born and will soon give birth.
The journey home is hard for wildebeest, but they seem built for it. “They do this twice a year,” says Asilia guide James Sengeny. “It’s just amazing how such a big animal can eat so much and still have enough energy to move 2,000 kilometres.”
There are still predators hiding in every bush — most notably lions, leopards, hyenas and wild dogs — and there are still river crossings to make; but at least now they know where they are going.
And anyway: they’ve already done this once before.
Experiencing the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania
If you’re lucky enough to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania, here are some of the best ways to experience this incredible event.
Game Drives – Most safari lodges and camps offer daily game drives in open-topped vehicles, led by experienced guides who know the best spots to see the herds and the predators that follow them. This is one of the most popular ways for a reason.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris – Floating silently above the vast herds of wildebeest and zebras is a magical experience. The early morning light and cool temperatures make it perfect for stunning photography opportunities.
Mobile Tented Camps – Stay close to nature. These camps are set up close to where animals migrate, giving you unparalleled access to everything around you.
Walking Safaris – Walking safaris aren’t as common as game drives but it brings you closer to everything around you. Led by experienced guides and armed rangers, you’ll be able to see these migrating herds up close if not personal.
There’s no right way or wrong way to experience The Great Wildebeest Migration. Just remember when doing so that it’s important to do responsibly and ethically. Respect their habitats, follow guidelines set by park authorities and tour operators, support local communities through sustainable tourism practices
Conservation and The Future of the Migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration isn’t just a pretty show. It’s also crucial to Tanzania and East Africa’s ecology and economy. Supporting many different species, it is home to much-improved livelihoods.
However, this future is uncertain. The wildebeest, among other migrating animals in Tanzania, are vulnerable to habitat loss, climate change and poaching – among other things.
One big problem is the increasing pressure on land as human populations grow and spread into previously uninhabited areas.
There’s also the threat of poaching – particularly for bushmeat (any meat from non-domesticated mammals caught in an African forest) After all, even if the wildebeest aren’t targeted by hunters themselves they still face snares set up for them or other animals. Any loss will disrupt the ecosystem’s balance.
Climate change is also growing more concerning. Not only could it impact rainfall patterns and vegetation growth but temperatures will continue to rise making weather patterns much more unpredictable overall.
On that note, here’s what everyone can do:
Living-humans must learn how to live a life with wildlife so that a balance between humans and wildlife can be struck.
For travelers – consider choosing responsible tourism options each time you’re out traveling.
For nature lovers – Respect not just your local community but wildlife too —if you spend enough time protecting them then they’ll have no choice but to return the favor some day
Be consistent when advocating conservation at home and abroad; this helps make sure that we build an environment where people know better than to destroy these natural wonders.
