DUBBED ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’, the Great Migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra making their annual pilgrimage around the Serengeti is a spectacle as unique as it is ancient. It is a Story of the Circle of Life on the African Plains. This distinctive phenomenon – never to be witnessed on this scale anywhere else on earth.
EAST Africa's annual miracle is being performed again: the largest and longest overland migration on Earth is in full spate. More than two million wildebeest and zebra, with a few thousand gazelle hanging around the fringes are, as we read this, making their way across to the Western Corridor of the endless Serengeti Plains in Tanzania. Their journey across the Serengeti (nearly 15,000 sq kms, about the size of Wales) is made with the single aim of quenching their thirst and filling their bellies with the lush green grass in order to survive.
By this time next year, these herds will have covered in excess of 2,400km around the Serengeti Ecosystem (that’s 6 times the distance between Sheffield and Glasgow). The herds head for the Maasai Mara in Kenya, which will be their transient home from August through to late November. Thereafter they return south to the Serengeti, their home for the rest of the year.
The story of the Great Migration is really the story of perseverance and determination of the one animal species many people don’t know much about - it is the story of the wildebeest, who defy death in every shape and form – from the vicious jaws of hyena, lion and leopard to the ruthless grasp of Africa’s largest crocodiles or from injury or sheer exhaustion. Witnessing such great numbers of wildlife moving in such precise, almost military-like formation is a spectacle that draws thousands of people from all over the world.
Apart from these migratory herds, however, the Serengeti has plenty of resident wildlife year- round due to the presence of permanent water from the Grumeti, Mara and Seronera Rivers. Those who have had the opportunity to witness around two million animals on the move are overcome by the spectacle of long lines of animals moving as one. Can you imagine the social organization involved in gathering such a great number and guiding them safely to greener pastures?
The wildebeest spend the season between December and April in the volcanic open plains near Ndutu in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with the rich nutrients in the grass in this area providing the main attraction for nursing wildebeest mothers. This is the place where the calves are born. Calving season is the only time that the wildebeest stay put in one area.
When the calves are ready to make their first trek in May, after the long rains and the grass and water supply dwindle in the Ndutu/southern Serengeti area, the wildebeest begin their annual migration heading first towards the Western Corridor where new food and water has been generated by the rains around the Grumeti and Mbalageti Rivers. The plains begin to dry and the green luscious grass turn brown.
By July, competition for food and water means that the herds have to move on, northwards across the treacherous Mara River (home to Africa’s largest crocodiles) and into the Maasai Mara with its myriad of river systems. Here they eat their fill and by December ready to make their journey back to the Serengeti. And the cycle begins again …
Witness the Great Migration and make East Africa your next holiday destination. Aim 4 Africa offers bespoke holidays to East Africa. Each itinerary is unique and tailored to one’s own interests and budget. The company is UK’s only East Africa specialist tour operator with its origins at the heart of Africa. Its main ethos is providing responsible tours to East Africa to benefit both visitors and the local communities.
For information contact: Aim 4 Africa Ltd, www.aim4africa.com Tel: +44 114 255 2533 (or 0845 4084541 from within the UK)
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