Every year, an awe-inspiring event takes place in the rolling hills of Kenya and Tanzania: the migration of 1.5 million wild beasts. Spanning months and sweeping across hundreds of miles, this remarkable natural phenomenon is a spectacle like no other.
Awe-Inspiring Migration
Each year, wildebeests, impala, zebras and other grazers set off on an epic journey in search of greener pastures. Starting in the vast Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, the herd of 1.5 million animals heads eastwards towards the Kenyan Masai Mara National Reserve. During their journey, they cross two major rivers: the Grumeti and the Mara.
The migration often takes place in two separate waves. The first wave is usually driven by the younger males, while the second is made up of the females and their young. As the herds move, they attract predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
The migration is an extraordinary sight, with vast herds of animals moving across the landscape in a seemingly endless wave. The noise of the animals is deafening, and the dust created by their hooves can be seen for miles.
1.5 Million Wild Beasts
The migration is one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife spectacles, and an estimated 1.5 million animals take part each year. This includes more than 1 million wildebeests, 100,000 Thomson’s gazelles, and 200,000 zebras.
The journey is fraught with danger, and the herds must negotiate steep river banks and treacherous currents. They also have to contend with predators such as lions, cheetahs and crocodiles. Despite the risks, the herds usually make it to their destination after a journey of around two months.
Once they arrive at the Masai Mara, the herds will spend the remainder of the dry season grazing and drinking from the river. They will then return to Tanzania when the rains arrive, and the cycle begins again.
Every year, the incredible migration of 1.5 million wild beasts is a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature. It’s also a reminder of the importance of conservation, and the responsibility we have to protect this awe-inspiring phenomenon for future generations.