How Do Lions Hunt During the Wildebeest Migration?

How Do Lions Hunt During the Wildebeest Migration?

The wildebeest migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world. Every year, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. But while this migration is an amazing sight, it is also a time of danger for the migrating animals. The great predators of Africa, especially lions, wait for this moment. Lions are powerful hunters, and the migration gives them a great opportunity to hunt. But how do lions hunt during the wildebeest migration? As your safari guide and specialist from Seko Tours, let’s take a deep dive into how these big cats survive and thrive during this time.

Lions and Their Hunting Strategy

Lions are social cats, living in groups called prides. A pride usually consists of a few adult males, several females, and their cubs. The females do most of the hunting, while the males protect the territory. However, during the migration, even the males get involved because food is plenty.

Unlike cheetahs, which rely on speed, or leopards, which depend on stealth, lions use teamwork and strength to bring down their prey. They don’t chase animals for long distances but instead rely on ambush and strategy.

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Why the Wildebeest Migration Is Important for Lions

The wildebeest migration brings millions of animals into lion territory. This is a great advantage for lions because they do not have to travel far to find food. When the wildebeest arrive, lions change their hunting methods to take full advantage of this abundance of prey.

Some reasons why the migration is important for lions include:

Easy access to food – With so many wildebeests, lions have plenty of hunting opportunities.
More hunting success – Since the wildebeests move in large numbers, they can easily get confused, making them easy targets.
Feeding the whole pride – The migration allows lions to feed their cubs and grow their population.

How Lions Hunt During the Migration

Lions have different techniques for hunting wildebeests during the migration. Their methods depend on the terrain, the time of day, and how many lions are involved. Here are the most common hunting techniques:

1. Ambush Hunting

Lions are masters of ambush. Instead of chasing prey over long distances, they hide in tall grass or behind bushes and wait for the right moment to attack.

Female lions usually take the lead in setting up the ambush.
They position themselves carefully and wait for the wildebeests to come closer.
When the wildebeest is within reach, the lions launch a sudden attack, using their strong legs to jump on the animal.
They grab the wildebeest’s throat to suffocate it and bring it down quickly.

2. Hunting Near Rivers

One of the most dangerous parts of the migration is when wildebeests cross rivers. These crossings happen in places like the Mara River in Kenya.

Lions take advantage of the confusion at the riverbanks.
When the wildebeests are tired from swimming, lions wait on the other side and attack them as they come out of the water.
Sometimes, lions even jump into the river to grab a struggling wildebeest.
The riverbanks also provide natural hiding spots for lions to ambush their prey.

3. Hunting at Night

Lions prefer to hunt at night because they can see well in the dark, but their prey cannot.

During the migration, lions often hunt under the cover of darkness.
Wildebeests are less alert at night, making them easier targets.
Lions use silent movements to get close before launching their attack.
The darkness helps lions avoid being seen, giving them a higher chance of success.

4. Working as a Team

Lions are the only big cats that hunt in groups.

They surround a herd of wildebeests and separate one from the group.
Some lions chase the wildebeest toward their hidden teammates.
The hidden lions then jump out and attack, making it easier to catch the animal.

The Role of Male Lions

Male lions usually don’t hunt as often as females, but during the migration, they become more active.

They use their size and strength to take down larger wildebeests.
Their powerful roars can cause panic in the herds, making it easier for the pride to hunt.
Male lions also defend kills from scavengers like hyenas and vultures.

How Lions Choose Their Prey

Not every wildebeest is an easy target. Lions look for specific animals when hunting:

Young calves – They are small and weak, making them easy to catch.
Old or sick animals – These wildebeests cannot run fast, so lions target them.
Separated individuals – If a wildebeest is alone, it has less protection and is an easier meal.

How Often Do Lions Hunt During the Migration?

During the migration, lions hunt more often than usual.

Since there is plenty of food, they eat more frequently.
They can afford to leave some kills behind and move on to fresh ones.
Cubs get more food, which helps them grow strong.
Even injured or older lions get enough to eat.

What Happens When the Migration Ends?

When the wildebeest leave, lions must go back to hunting other animals.

They return to hunting zebras, buffalos, and smaller prey like warthogs.
Hunting becomes harder because there are fewer animals around.
Some lions follow the migration into the next region to keep hunting wildebeests.

Witness Lion Hunts with Seko Tours

Seeing lions hunt during the wildebeest migration is a breathtaking experience. At Seko Tours, we offer custom Kenya safaris that take you close to the action. Our guides know the best places to see lions in action, whether in the Serengeti or the Maasai Mara.

If you want to experience the wildebeest migration and watch these incredible lions hunt, we can help you plan the perfect safari adventure. Contact us today, and let’s make your dream safari come true!