What Other Animals Migrate with the Wildebeests?

What Other Animals Migrate with the Wildebeests?

As a guide and safari specialist at Seko Tours, I’m excited to share with you the incredible spectacle of animal migration that takes place in Kenya and Tanzania. It’s one of nature’s most remarkable events, drawing travelers from all over the world to witness the migration of wildebeests and other animals. You might already know that wildebeests (also called gnus) are the stars of the show, but did you know that they don’t travel alone? Many other animals join them on this long, adventurous journey.

In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating world of animal migration. You’ll learn which other animals travel with the wildebeests and why their migration is important for the entire ecosystem. By the end of this post, you will be ready to witness this grand event for yourself – and we at Seko Tours can help you organize a custom safari experience to make that dream come true.

The Great Migration: A Journey Across Africa

Before we dive into the other animals, let’s understand the Great Migration itself. The Great Migration is one of the most famous wildlife events in the world, and it happens every year. It takes place across Kenya and Tanzania, mostly in the Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Wildebeests are the leaders of the migration, with over a million wildebeests moving across the plains. They are looking for fresh grass and water, and their journey covers a large area, starting from the southern Serengeti to the Masai Mara in Kenya. But as we mentioned earlier, wildebeests are not alone on this journey.

Animals That Migrate with the Wildebeests

The migration is not just a wildebeest parade. In fact, several other animals also join the wildebeests, forming an exciting and diverse group. These animals include zebras, gazelles, predators like lions and cheetahs, and many others. Let’s explore these animals in more detail and discover why they also make this incredible journey.

1. Zebras: The Migrating Companions

Zebras are one of the key animals that travel with the wildebeests. You might wonder, why do zebras migrate with wildebeests? Well, zebras and wildebeests have a great partnership during the migration. Zebras are great at spotting predators, so they help warn the wildebeests if danger is near. Wildebeests, on the other hand, are better at finding grass, so they lead the way to fresh grazing areas.

The two species often travel side by side, grazing together. Zebras tend to prefer the taller grasses, while wildebeests prefer shorter grass, so their grazing habits complement each other. This partnership benefits both species and helps them survive the migration.

2. Thomson’s Gazelles: Small and Swift

Another important animal that migrates with the wildebeests is the Thomson’s gazelle. These graceful animals are much smaller than wildebeests, but they travel in large herds. They are known for their speed and agility, which helps them escape from predators. When wildebeests move, the gazelles follow behind, grazing on the same grasses.

Gazelles are often seen in the open plains, where they can easily spot predators such as lions and cheetahs. They benefit from traveling with the wildebeests because the larger animals can create a barrier between them and the predators.

3. Grant’s Gazelles: Fellow Travelers

Grant’s gazelles are also part of the migration team. These gazelles are slightly larger than Thomson’s gazelles and share many of the same habits. Like the Thomson’s gazelles, they are quick and agile, making them excellent at evading predators. Grant’s gazelles travel in mixed herds with wildebeests and zebras, benefiting from the safety of traveling with larger animals.

4. Warthogs: The Surprising Migrants

Warthogs are not as well known for their migration, but they are also part of the Great Migration. These tough, pig-like creatures are often seen following the herds of wildebeests and zebras. Warthogs are great foragers, and they love to dig into the ground to find food. While not as fast as the other animals, warthogs benefit from the migration by finding plenty of food and water along the way.

5. Eland: The Majestic Giants

Elands are the largest antelopes in Africa and are often found in areas where the migration is happening. While they don’t always migrate with the wildebeests, they can be seen moving in the same general direction. Elands are slower and heavier than the other antelopes, but they have a great ability to travel long distances.

6. Giraffes: The Tall Travelers

While giraffes don’t travel in large herds like wildebeests and zebras, they are often found near the migration route. Giraffes tend to follow the migrating animals because they too are looking for fresh foliage. Giraffes eat leaves from tall trees, so they are not directly involved in the grazing competition on the ground, but they benefit from the fresh plants that the migrating animals make available.

7. Crocodiles: Waiting for the Moment

While they don’t travel with the migrating herds, crocodiles play an important role in the Great Migration. When the animals cross rivers, like the Mara River, crocodiles lie in wait. These massive reptiles are expert hunters and can ambush the migrating animals as they cross. The Mara River crossing is one of the most dramatic moments of the migration, and crocodiles are a key part of this dangerous event.

8. Predators: Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, and Hyenas

Predators are also an essential part of the Great Migration. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas all follow the migrating animals. These predators rely on the herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles for food.

Lions are powerful hunters and often hunt in groups to bring down large prey, such as wildebeests. Cheetahs are faster and rely on their speed to catch smaller animals like gazelles. Leopards are stealthy hunters that prefer to ambush their prey from trees, and hyenas are known for scavenging and hunting in groups. The predators help control the population of the migrating animals, ensuring a balance in the ecosystem.

9. Birds: The Helpers

Several bird species also follow the migration. Birds like the yellow-billed oxpecker and the cattle egret often ride along with the herds. The oxpecker birds are known to pick parasites off the backs of wildebeests and other animals. In return, the birds get a meal while helping the larger animals stay healthy. Cattle egrets follow the herds to catch insects that are stirred up as the animals move.

The Importance of the Migration for the Ecosystem

The Great Migration is not just an exciting event to watch. It’s also crucial for the health of the entire ecosystem. Here’s why:

Grass Growth: The migration helps prevent overgrazing in one area. As the animals move, they eat grass in different parts of the landscape, giving the grass a chance to grow back in the areas they’ve left behind.
Nutrient Cycling: When animals like wildebeests and zebras graze, they fertilize the soil with their droppings. This helps the plants grow and supports the rest of the food chain.
Predator-Prey Balance: The migration creates a healthy balance between predators and prey. While the predators hunt and control the population of herbivores, this ensures that there are enough resources for the entire ecosystem.

Why Seko Tours Can Help You Witness This Amazing Event

As a guide and safari specialist from Seko Tours, I can tell you that experiencing the Great Migration in person is something you will never forget. The drama of the wildebeest crossing the river, the sight of zebras and gazelles running together, and the thrill of watching predators in action is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We can help you create a custom Kenya safari that suits your interests, whether you want to see the wildebeests in action or learn more about the predators. With our expert guides, you can explore the best migration routes and get up close to the animals in a way that’s safe and exciting.

Seko Tours offers personalized itineraries and a team of passionate, knowledgeable safari specialists who are committed to making your safari experience unforgettable. Let us help you design a trip that will allow you to witness the majesty of the Great Migration.

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A safari in Africa, especially during the Great Migration, is an unforgettable experience. Witnessing wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and predators all coming together in one of nature’s most magnificent events is something many people only dream about. The migration is a symbol of the resilience and beauty of nature, and it’s something that you can experience firsthand.

At Seko Tours, we understand that every traveler is different. That’s why we specialize in creating custom safari itineraries that cater to your unique interests and needs. Whether you want to explore the Serengeti, see the Mara River crossings, or get close to the wildlife, we are here to help you make it happen.

If you’re interested in experiencing the Great Migration, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team will work with you to design the perfect safari for you, ensuring that you have an unforgettable time.