Around July of each year, these animals migrate north from the Serengeti plains towards the Maasai Mara in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south again around October. The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide, involving some 1,300,000 Common Wildebeest, 500,000 Thomson’s Gazelles, 97,000 Topi (a subspecies of Tsessebe), 18,000 Common Eland and 200,000 Plains Zebras. Astoundingly, about 250,000 wildebeest and other mammals die during the journey from Tanzania to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Death is usually from thirst, hunger, exhaustion, or predation.
Year after year, governed by the seasons as they change from wet to dry and back again, this cycle repeats itself, and has done so for thousands of years. These animals encounter dangerous predators and other wildlife along their way, from Lions and Leopards to African Elephants, dung beetles and of course massive Nile Crocodiles.
Simply put, the Great Migration is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth, as well as being one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders. This is the stuff of countless wildlife documentaries over the years and a true bucket-list adventure.
This incredible event takes place in the Masaai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, and in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks in Tanzania. The Masaai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife area. The image of acacia trees on an endless grassy plain epitomises Africa for many, and then add a Maasai warrior and some cattle to the picture and you have a typical, classic east Africa safari!
Join one of our Tanzania Safaris and Tours to experience this wonderful safari destination with us.
