Life on the planet is difficult for the animals, perhaps harder for the wildebeests of Tanzania. Every year during the end of the rainy season a timeless drama takes place on this region of the planet known as the “Great Wildebeest Migration“. The instinct of fear, the race of life, the fight for survival happens every year across Serengeti, Mara River, and the Grumeti River is a show to witness once in a lifetime. The Great Wildebeest Migration is the heart of Serengeti.
The story of this incredible journey begins at the plains of the Serengeti National Park, in the shadow of Great Rift Valley. The question arises why do Wildebeest Migrate and that to in such large numbers and all at one time? However, the exact answer is not sure, but as per the fact, it is all about pursuing the race of life.
The journey includes millions of wildebeests and other antelopes that runs constantly in the burning search of fresh green grass. The wildebeest migration that occurs every year includes around 1.5 million wildebeests followed by 250,000 zebras and grant’s gazelle. They must chase the seasonal rain around 300 miles of land around Tanzania and Kenya. The great wildebeest migration of Serengeti is the largest migration of the planet.
Best Unknown Facts about Wildebeest Migration
Wildebeests Are antelopes –
The Wildebeests are known as gnu and look more like cattle. They are large African antelopes, in fact, one of the largest antelopes of Africa. They are however closely related to cattle, goats, and sheep. Wildebeests have a thin muscular body with a sloping back and curved horns.
There are 2 subspecies of Wildebeests; the black wildebeest and the blue wildebeests. The black wildebeests are territorial. They occupy a region and live within. Only the blue wildebeests take part in the great wildebeest migration that occurs every year.
Others also Take Part In Migration –
The migration called Great Wildebeest migration due to a large number of Wildebeests that take part in the annual migration run. However, it is not only the journey of wildebeests. Apart from the wildebeests, there are other plain games too that take part in the migration. with 1.5 million wildebeests, 250,000 zebras also participate along with the grant’s gazelles. So moreover the great wildebeest migration is a journey of antelopes and zebras.
There is No Leader to Lead –
The Great Wildebeest Migration is truly an incredible journey to witness. Surprisingly 1.5 million wildebeest starts their journey at once without any head or leader. They start the journey suddenly at the end of the rainy season. At once they all just start running at one pace, there is no leader or no one is in charge of leading the groups or path. The wildebeest migration is stunning in itself but these iconic facts make it more stunning.
The longest & Largest Migration In the World –
The great wildebeest migration is the largest and longest migration that takes place on the whole planet. The Great Migration is a year-round event that starts from Serengeti and ends at Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve. The large herds of antelopes and zebras start moving during the end of the rainy season and the migration happens almost year-round.
They start their journey to Masai Mara, and again the migrating herds return to Serengeti for grazing upon the new grasses in the wet month. The migrating herds travel the longest distance of 300 miles and it is supposed to be the longest migration on earth.
Most of the wildebeests are Killed by Carnivores –
Not only the exquisite and rare glimpse of raw nature and the largest plain games are the attraction of the Wildebeest Migration, but also the thrilling predator’s activity mesmerizes travelers. Following the large herds of wildebeests and zebras, the predators come on hunting. It is a great opportunity for them to feed themselves well. As there is a large number of grazers are available the lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and other killers stay active. Watching the chasing game between the predators and prey can be one of the stunning play witnesses and memorize for a lifetime.
Wildebeest Claves Runs in a Short Periods of Born –
January and February are the months of calving for the wildebeests. The wildebeest stop their constant run during this time and give birth to their young. Around 8,000 wildebeest calves were born every day during this time. Surprisingly the babies start running with the rest of the migrating herds just after a few hours of their birth. However, it is hype time for the predators, most of the claves get killed in the attack of these deadly hunters.
Migration Keeps Wildebeests Alive –
There is a very common question that pops in mind seeing the millions of wildebeest during the Great Wildebeest Migration and that is why Wildebeest Migrate. The simple answer to the question is migration keeps them alive and it is their life support system.
The wildebeests are grazers and they spend their life by eating lowland green grasses. During the long dry seasons of the Serengeti plains, the green grass almost gets vanish from the land. Hence, to stay alive in search of food the wildebeests start a journey in search of fresh food. As they can sense rain from miles away, they start running towards the region where they sense the arrival of rain.
The Most Difficult Part of The Journey –
During July the wildebeest face the greatest hurdle of their path. It is the time to cross the Mara River, where the hungry water beasts wait for them with open mouth; the cross. The Nile crocodiles residing in Mara River are known to be the deadliest crocodile species on earth. To complete the journey the wildebeests must risk their life crossing the river. The only weapon they have is the largest number.
This year-round event is truly breath-taking and there are many nature enthusiasts and animal lovers come to visit Tanzania during the great wildebeest migration time. The thrilling activity of predators, spectacular places to stay and witness the journey, and taking a hot air balloon ride over the running large antelopes can be a life-changing experience. We offer some of the best packages to witness this world-famous event. Let’s plan your Wildebeest Migration Safari, meet us https://carnivoressafaris.co.tz/.