What Are the Main Reasons for the Wildebeest Migration?
The great wildebeest migration is one of the most amazing things to see in Africa. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeests, along with zebras and gazelles, move across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. But why do they do this? What makes these animals travel such a long distance, facing dangers like hungry lions and big rivers full of crocodiles? Let’s explore the main reasons behind the wildebeest migration in a very simple way.
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1. Searching for Fresh Grass and Water
The biggest reason for the wildebeest migration is food. Wildebeests eat grass, and they need a lot of it. When one area becomes dry and the grass is finished, they must move to a new place where the grass is fresh and green. This is why they travel from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara and back again, following the rain that brings new grass.
2. Following the Rain
Wildebeests are very smart when it comes to finding rain. They can smell rain from far away and will start moving toward it. When the short rains come in November, the wildebeests move to the southern Serengeti and Ndutu areas because fresh grass starts to grow there. When the long rains stop around May, the grass begins to dry up, and they move to the north, heading towards the Maasai Mara.
3. Giving Birth in Safe Places
Every year, from January to March, about 500,000 baby wildebeests are born in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu. This area is perfect for calving (giving birth) because it has short grass, making it easy for mothers to see predators like lions and hyenas. The baby wildebeests must be strong enough to keep up with the herd, so they need to be born in a safe place where there is food and fewer dangers.
4. Escaping Predators
Wildebeests are always in danger from predators like lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles. When they stay in one place for too long, predators become more common, and many wildebeests get eaten. By moving all the time, the wildebeests make it harder for predators to catch them. Also, in big numbers, they have a better chance of survival.
5. Avoiding Dry Seasons
During the dry season (June to October), there is not enough water in many parts of the Serengeti. Wildebeests need to drink water often, so they must move toward places where there is still water. The Mara River in Kenya is one of these important water sources, and that’s why many wildebeests cross dangerous rivers full of crocodiles to get there.
6. Instinct – They Are Born to Move
The wildebeest migration is something they have done for thousands of years. It is in their blood. Even if you take a baby wildebeest and raise it somewhere else, it will still have the instinct to move when the time comes. This is why no one needs to guide them; they just know when to go.
7. The Wildebeest Migration Never Stops
Some people think that the migration happens only once a year, but the truth is, it never stops. The wildebeests are always moving in a big circle from Tanzania to Kenya and back again. They follow the seasons, looking for food, water, and safety. Every month, they are in a different part of the Serengeti or Maasai Mara, making this one of the most incredible journeys in the animal kingdom.
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Experience the Wildebeest Migration with Seko Tours
At Seko Tours, we understand the wildebeest migration better than anyone. If you want to see this amazing event, we can create a custom Kenya safari for you. We know the best places to be at the right time, whether it’s watching the calving season in Ndutu or the dramatic river crossings at the Mara River. Let us help you plan your perfect adventure.
