The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest animal migration in the world. Around 1.2 million wildebeest(also known as gnu) and 300,000 zebra move in a constant 2900 kilometres/1800 miles cycle, mixing with the local topi, Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, eland and impala in each region they pass through.
One of the most sought-after experiences for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, the animals follow the age-old route in search of nutritious grass and fresh water
The Great Wildebeest Migration involves a variety of animals, with wildebeests being the most numerous and iconic participants. Here’s some information about all the animals involved in the migration:
These animals are part of a complex ecological web, and their interactions during the Great Migration have been the subject of extensive research and wildlife documentaries. The migration is not only a remarkable event for the wildebeests but also a vital spectacle for the entire ecosystem
Does the Zebra play the leading role in the migration? And also how/why do they get along?
The Great Migration in the Serengeti is indeed renowned for the massive herds of wildebeest that traverse the vast savannah in search of fresh grazing grounds. However, a lesser-known fact about this natural spectacle is that while wildebeest make up the majority of the migration, it is the zebras that often take the lead. Zebras play a pivotal role in guiding the migration’s path and timing, making them the unsung leaders of this grand annual journey.
Zebras, with their black and white stripes and keen instincts, serve as the vanguards of the Great Migration. Their selective grazing behavior, driven by a preference for specific grass species, significantly influences the timing of the migration. Zebras tend to migrate slightly ahead of the wildebeest, and their choice of direction is informed by the availability of their preferred grasses. This sequential movement is an integral part of their migratory strategy. As zebras graze and prepare the grazing areas, they trim the grasses, making them more accessible for the bulk-grazing wildebeest that follow in their wake. This resource partitioning reduces direct competition between the two species, allowing them to coexist harmoniously. In essence, zebras’ role as the forerunners of the Great Migration showcases their essential contributions to the success and ecological balance of this extraordinary natural phenomenon.
The best time to see the Great Migration each month
There is no single time of year to see the Great Migration since it is an eternal annual cycle from place to place, year in and year out. However, depending on either the aspect of the Great Migration you want to witness (such as rivercrossing or calving season), or the time of year that you prefer to travel, your safari can be tailored to give you the best chance of seeing what you desire.
Below is a map showing the annual clockwise circle, you can learn about the historical patterns that predict where the Great Migration is each month: