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Facts about the Great Wildebeest Migration Serengeti

Facts about the Great Wildebeest Migration Serengeti

Facts about the great wildebeest migration Serengeti is an article that shall look at the various aspects about the Great wildebeest migration that you may otherwise have not known. The Great wildebeest migration refers to the continuous movement of large numbers of wildebeests accompanied by large numbers of zebras and other animals like gazelles in search of food and fresh water, between Tanzania and Kenya. The Great Wildebeest migration is an outstanding spectacular natural wonder of the world that sees millions of wildebeests and other herbivores crossing the iconic Mara River to Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya, in the world’s largest animal migration. The great wildebeest migration takes place due to the animals’ search for pasture and water.

Witnessing the Great wildebeest migration is one of the most sought after activities in the world by travelers and photographers to capture one of the most fascinating wildlife event. The Great Wildebeest migration Serengeti is an annual occurrence which attracts thousands of travelers every other year. Witnessing the Great Wildebeest migration is the most sought after activity for any traveler intending to visit Tanzania on Tanzania safari tours. As you plan to embark on a Serengeti National Park migration safari, below are some of the most interesting facts about the Great Wildebeest Migration Serengeti;

  • The Great Wildebeest migration is the world’s largest animal movement. The Great wildebeest migration sees millions of wildebeests, gazelles, zebras and other herbivores run in the same direction, to cross the Mara River infested with predators like crocodiles in search of the fresh water and greener pastures.
  • Between the months of January and March is the calving season in the great wildebeest migration cycle, usually in south of the Serengeti National Park. Over half a million wildebeests are born during this time, and can interestingly be able to walk as soon as they are born. The predator population is however also high here, ready to feast on the weak calves, especially lions and leopards.
Facts about the Great Wildebeest Migration Serengeti
Facts about the Great Wildebeest Migration Serengeti
  • The great wildebeest migration is a natural phenomenon which only started in the 1960s: it has not always been there.
  • The Great Migration is a true life cycle, with over 250000 wildebeests and 30000 zebras perishing every single year due to a number of factors including extreme thirst, hunger, exhaustion, crushes and even drowning during stampedes whilst crossing the Grumeti River and Mara River; as well as predators which go everywhere else that the migration is.
  • Where the wildebeests go, the predators go too. Yes, where the great wildebeest migration takes the wildebeests, gazelles and zebras among other herbivores, the predators too do follow because they provide the right meal. Common predators to spot while witnessing the Great wildebeest migration include lions, leopards, hyenas, African wild dogs, cheetahs and even crocodiles in the Mara River, among so many others.
  • River crossings can be quite dangerous during the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park. the Grumeti River and Mara River crossings during the Great Wildebeest Migration is considered iconic because of the spectacle it brings, but can be quite dangerous to the animals as the crocodiles in the waters are a great threat for they prey on them.
  • The Great Wildebeest migration may seem like the animals do move in a frenzy but research has it that herds of wildebeests possess ‘swarm intelligence’ where the wildebeests explore and overcome an obstacle together as one.
  • One of the fun facts about the Great Wildebeest Migration Serengeti is the reason why both the wildebeests and zebra do graze together. The zebras and wildebeests graze together and consequently both participate in the Great migration because they eat different parts of the same type of grass.
  • The Great Wildebeest migration sees the animals covering about 800km of distance during the Great wildebeest migration cycle, right from the Serengeti Plains to the Kenya Mara area. The great wildebeest migration has the animals covering about 40km per day, during the migration cycle.
  • The Great wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park is not just a spectacle to watch and amaze the travelers, it is actually an event that keeps the balance of the food chain in the Serengeti ecosystem.

The above are some of the facts about the Great wildebeest migration Serengeti. You shall be amazed by the sheer beauty and fascination of the world’s largest animal migration. The great wildebeest migration is an annual event which takes place in different stages in different months of the year in specific areas. The iconic river crossings occur from around July and October, with the months of February and March being the calving season in the Serengeti National Park. The best time to go for the Great Wildebeest Migration is during the months of July to October for the iconic river crossings, but you can catch the Great Wildebeest Migration cycle throughout the year. Be sure to talk to your tour operator to help you decide which part of the Serengeti National Park you can visit in which month of travel you are available, and be able to enjoy one of the most fascinating spectacles in the world.

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