Written on
Apr 2, 2024
What Is The Great Mammal Migration?
One of the Ten Natural Travel Wonders and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world is the Serengeti's Great Mammal Migration. It offers incredible views of the plains speckled with vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and other small animals, as well as picturesque landscape made up of a variety of volcanic grasslands and rocky plains, rivers, and forests. Visiting in the right season will treat travellers to once in a lifetime views of this natural phenomenon. One that will leave them astounded making them feel blessed to have shared in the intimate lifestyle of the wild. Nature’s oldest pilgrimage plays out on these endless plains of the Serengeti National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve, annual with over a million wildebeest, gazelle and zebra journey towards healthier grazing areas. Serengeti is the stage on which the 'greatest wildlife show on earth' plays out, as it is the most significant mass movement of land mammals on the entire globe. These animals cross plains and rivers as the seasons change to search for rain-ripened grasses as the area that they currently inhabit are depleted due to weather, forcing them to move on in search of greener pastures. These migrational herds are not the only animals interested in the happenings of the great migration some of the continent's most infamous predators also attended the mass movement too; Big cats, hyenas and even crocodiles are just a few steps behind lying in wait patiently watching the migration with awe and intent.
Where Is The Great Mammal Migration?
The Great Migration takes place among the Serengeti Plains in Tanzania and the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya, generally moving in clockwork motion and forming one big circle.
When is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration changes each year dependant on the rains, during the first two months of the year the annual rains pour in the Serengeti, this is a time when many mammals give birth, making it a prosperous and happy season. By the third month of the year, March the once lush and grassy plains have begun to dry out, becoming desolate thus starting the first trek of the migration, forcing the mammals to move northwards towards Lake Victoria. After a short stint at Lake Victoria, the masses move towards Maasai Mara in June or July this is generally when most people come to see this great phenomenon - witnessing the sight of thousands of animals crossing mountain plains and crocodile-infested rivers. The suspense-filled river crossing is seen between July and September. The animals pass between the two areas, back and forth crossing back into Serengeti at the end of September.The Great Migration is a once in a lifetime experience and the perfect opportunity to share in the intimate lifestyle of the wild. Get up close, connect and share in this natural wonderment.
