Everyone who travels to Tanzania has heard of the Great Migration. Every year, more than 2 million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles make their way across the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara.
However, what many are unaware of is that the migration is a continuous cycle that takes place throughout the entire year. The start of this cycle begins in the southern part of the Serengeti, where new life is being created. Thousands of wildebeests are born between January and March. This is known as the calving season. It is a time of calm weather and abundant vegetation, which is ideal for the growth of young wildebeests.
When the calves are strong enough to stand on their own legs, it is time for them to head for the northern plains. Predictable rainfall and the growth cycles of the vegetation are the main drivers of this movement.
One of the most impressive moments of the migration occurs between the months of July and October. It is time to cross the river. The herds brave the waters of the Mara River, risking their own lives in order to be able to reach the other side. These rivers are often populated by hungry crocodiles and other predators, lurking for the most convenient prey. The animals are aware of the danger but are driven to continue their journey. The instincts of survival and reproduction are brought to the fore during this journey, making it a wonderful spectacle.
It is the true survival of the fittest!
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