Why Do Wildebeests Migrate from Serengeti to Masai Mara?

Why Do Wildebeests Migrate from Serengeti to Masai Mara?

Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeests, along with thousands of zebras and gazelles, move in a great circle across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. This movement is called the Great Wildebeest Migration. But why do they migrate? What makes them move from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya? As a safari guide and specialist from Seko Tours, we will take you on a journey to understand this incredible event.

What is the Wildebeest Migration?

The Great Migration is the largest animal movement on land. It happens every year and is driven by one main thing – food! Wildebeests need fresh grass and water to survive. Since the grass in different areas changes with the seasons, they must keep moving to find food.

The migration follows a circular path between Tanzania and Kenya. Most of the time, the wildebeests stay in the Serengeti, but when the dry season comes, they move north to the Masai Mara. When the rains return, they come back to Tanzania. This journey is full of challenges, but it is necessary for their survival.

RELATED POST: 15 Best Things To Do In Tanzania

Why Do Wildebeests Migrate?

There are several reasons why wildebeests move from Serengeti to Masai Mara:

1. In Search of Fresh Grass

Wildebeests love fresh, short grass. The Serengeti has great grasslands, but during the dry season, the grass becomes dry and hard. This makes it difficult for the wildebeests to find food. The Masai Mara, however, receives rain when the Serengeti is dry. This makes its grass green and fresh, attracting the wildebeests.

2. Water Availability

Just like humans, animals need water to survive. In the dry season, water becomes scarce in the Serengeti. The Masai Mara has permanent rivers like the Mara River, which provides water even when other areas dry up. The wildebeests migrate to the Masai Mara to drink and survive the dry months.

3. Natural Instinct

For thousands of years, wildebeests have followed the same migration route. It is part of their natural instinct. Even baby wildebeests, which are born in the Serengeti, will learn to follow the herd when it’s time to migrate.

4. Avoiding Predators

Although the migration is dangerous, staying in one place can be even worse. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas hunt wildebeests. By moving, wildebeests can escape areas with too many predators and reduce the risk of being hunted.

5. Reproduction and Survival

Wildebeests give birth to their young in the Serengeti because it has large open spaces and plenty of food. However, once the dry season begins, they must move to ensure their survival. By migrating, they increase their chances of living longer and reproducing again.

The Journey of the Wildebeest Migration

The Great Migration is not a simple walk. It is a tough journey filled with dangers and challenges. Here is how the migration happens month by month:

• January – March: The wildebeests are in the southern Serengeti. This is the calving season when thousands of baby wildebeests are born.
• April – May: The herds start moving northward, leaving behind the southern Serengeti as food becomes scarce.
• June – July: The wildebeests reach the western corridor of the Serengeti and begin preparing to cross the dangerous Grumeti River.
• August – September: This is the most famous part of the migration. The wildebeests cross the Mara River into Kenya. Huge crocodiles wait in the water, making this crossing extremely dangerous.
• October – November: The herds spread across the Masai Mara, feeding on fresh grass and drinking from the rivers.
• December: The rains begin in the Serengeti, and the wildebeests start moving back to Tanzania, completing their cycle.

Challenges of the Migration

Migrating is not easy. The wildebeests face many dangers:

1. River Crossings – The Mara River is one of the biggest obstacles. Wildebeests must cross the river full of crocodiles, strong currents, and steep banks.
2. Predators – Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards follow the herds, hunting the weak and young ones.
3. Hunger and Thirst – If the wildebeests do not find food and water in time, many can die of hunger and exhaustion.
4. Human Activities – Farming and fencing can block migration routes, making the journey more difficult.

RELATED POST:  Dendrosenecio kilimanjari | Mount Kilimanjaro Plants

Witness the Great Migration with Seko Tours

Watching the wildebeest migration is one of the most exciting safari experiences in Africa. Imagine standing on a safari vehicle as thousands of wildebeests run past you. You hear their hooves pounding the ground, see the dust rise, and watch as they bravely cross the Mara River.

At Seko Tours, we specialize in creating custom Kenya safaris that allow you to witness this spectacular event. Whether you want to see the thrilling river crossings or the calving season in the Serengeti, we can design the perfect safari for you.