The Cycle of the Great Migration: The Great Migration is widely considered to be one of the greatest wonders of the natural world and is defined by the annual migration of more than 1. Five million wildebeest and several hundred thousand zebra and gazelles migrate through the plains of the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. This exciting and dangerous process is the journey for the sake of life: the animal has to cross the rivers, go through the territory inhabited by predators, and overcome vast fields of the savannah in search of new pastures. Wildlife lovers will cherish the memories they get to experience such as the great migration in the Serengeti where one gets to see nature in its purest form.
The Great Migration is not a one-time occurrence but a cyclical procession that occurs throughout the year as it in influenced by the rainfall and the presence of fresh grazing pastures. These are the different stages of the journey, each of which presents the traveler with great chances of spotting wildlife.
Calving Season (January – March)
The migration commences in the southern Serengeti, especially in the Ndutu area where the wildebeest calve. This time of year is called the calving season and during this time about half a million calves are born in a few weeks. Many new lives are born and this draws other animals such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas which creates a shift of events in the form of hunting. The plains are green and one can witness the newly born wildebeests getting up and walking making it a good time for photography and viewing.
The Journey North (April – June)
With the rains coming to an end, and the plains becoming dry, the herds start their migration to the north in search of better pastures. This phase of the migration is characterized by long and tiring walks through the Serengeti plains, with the herds moving in long files that seem to go on for miles. This is usually done together with the sounds of wildebeest and the sound that resembles that of thunder from the hooves of the animals.
The Grumeti and Mara River Crossings (July – September)
The crossing of rivers is one of the most famous and perhaps the most theatrical events of the Great Migration, which includes two main rivers – Grumeti and Mara. These crossings are rather dangerous as the herds have to cross fast streams and stay away from the crocodiles waiting for their prey. The wildebeest and the zebras, thousands of them, race towards the river to cross it, and then into the river, this has to be one of the most spectacular things that one can see in the wild. These are the most productive areas, especially for the big cats and crocodiles and therefore this time is the best and the most enjoyable time to watch the migration.
The Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara (August – October)
Next the herds had to cross two treacherous rivers and they moved to the rich pastures of the northern Serengeti, and the Mara plains of Kenya. They are here fattening up on the available grazing and are quite secure although they are always at the mercy of the predators. Due to the availability of open terrains and the sky, it is an ideal place for game viewing and photography with the possibility of witnessing predator-prey confrontations.
The Return Journey (November – December)
With the rains coming back to southern Serengeti the herds start to move back in the southern direction. This second half of the migration involves the herds moving in the reverse direction and in this case, they often move in small and scattered groups. This phase is relatively less spectacular than the river crossings but the wildlife is still spectacular and one can witness the herds grazing the vast savannah and getting ready for the next stage of the migration.
Planning Your Great Migration Safari
To watch the Great Migration, one has to be prepared for the fact that the herds’ movement depends on the weather and can change from one year to another. Here are some tips to help you plan your migration safari:
The Cycle of the Great Migration: Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Serengeti for the Great Migration depends on which phase of the migration you want to witness: The best time to visit the Serengeti for the Great Migration depends on which phase of the migration you want to witness:
– January to March: For calving season in the southern Serengeti.
– April to June: To see the herds on the move and the Grumeti River crossing.
– July to September: for the dramatic Mara River crossings.
– October to December: For the journey southwards.
Choosing the Right Location
Serengeti is very large and the herds move around frequently. Selecting the best place to take a safari depends on the season of the year and the particular activities that are of interest to you. The middle part of the Serengeti which is around Seronera has virtually year-round game viewing while the northern part of the park is best for river crossings. The southern Serengeti is the best place to visit when there is calving season.
The Cycle of the Great Migration: Accommodation Options
Accommodation in the Serengeti ranges from the high-end lodges to the mobile tented camps which can be moved around following the herds. There are high-end accommodations such as Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti and Singita Sasakwa Lodge that include all sorts of facilities. Others are the mobile camps such as Serengeti Safari Camp and Alex Walker’s Serian which give one a more personal and a more contained feel of the region and the benefit of the fact that they are situated close to the herds.
Guided Safaris and Tours
Cropping up in the middle of the Great Migration with an experienced guide from an escorted tour operator can be quite valuable. An experienced guide will be able to explain why the animals are behaving a certain way, follow the movement of the herds, and position you with the best chance of finding a great shot. Several companies provide the so-called migration safaris in which tourists can visit several camps to track the herds.
Wildlife Beyond the Migration
However, the Great Migration is the main spectacle, it is important to know that Serengeti is a year-round home to a broad diversity of animals and plants. These big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs are in abundance in the park. The Serengeti also has the biggest populations of elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and a large number of different bird species, thus attracting tourists, especially photographers.
The Cycle of the Great Migration: Conclusion
The Great Migration in the Serengeti is a spectacle that captures the essence of the wild: It was like life, death, and survival on a large, never-ending wheel. Whether it is the calving season, the dangerous river crossings or the vast herds feeding on the plains the migration is the perfect chance to appreciate nature in its crudest yet most beautiful form. If one arranges for a proper itinerary and chooses the correct dates, then a trip to watch the Great Migration is an exciting and memorable experience that will take hold of anyone who has the opportunity to go on such a trip.
