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The remarkable Serengeti migration is a spectacle that captures the eternal rhythm of nature, the constant dance of life and death, and the determination of millions of animals to survive. This detailed account serves to shine a light on the intricacies of the most significant, awe-inspiring wildlife spectacle on earth. Bringing into focus the majestic procession of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving in unison across the vast African plains, it paints a compelling picture of the cycle of life in the heart of the Serengeti while providing important insights into the broader ecosystem that supports this yearly event. At the same time, it acknowledges the more somber reality \u2013 the threats to this invaluable spectacle and the crucial efforts underway to conserve it for future generations.<\/p>\n\n
The Serengeti migration is an annual movement of wildebeest, along with zebra and gazelle, across the Serengeti ecosystem that spans northern Tanzania and southern Kenya. This movement is not a linear back and forth journey, but rather a continuous cycle of searching for fresh grazing and water sources. The exact timing and pattern of the migration vary each year and are primarily dictated by the availability of food and water which in turn is largely influenced by the region\u2019s annual rainfall pattern.<\/p>\n\n
In January and February, nearly 500,000 wildebeest calves are born during what is referred to as the Calving Season. The migration herds are concentrated in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the southern Serengeti during this time. This provides a grand spectacle as the young calves strengthen their legs while preying animals like lions and hyenas take advantage of the abundant food supply.<\/p>\n\n
Moving into the months of March and April, the Serengeti experiences its long rainy season. The herds begin their journey westward in response to these rains, crossing the Plains to congregate in the Western Corridor towards late May to early July. The Grumeti River in the western part of the Serengeti provides a significant hurdle for the migrating herds, posing threats such as the giant Nile crocodiles waiting clients below, stampedes and drowning.<\/p>\n\n
By July and August, the herds start moving northwards crossing the Grumeti and moving into the northern Serengeti and Kenya\u2019s Maasai Mara Game Reserve for the \u2018dry season\u2019. Here, another perilous river crossing awaits them, as the wildebeest and other migratory animals must navigate the treacherous currents and lurking crocodiles of the Mara River.<\/p>\n\n
As November approaches, the short rains begin to fall in the Southern Serengeti. It is this rain that eventually drives the wildebeest to migrate back south, where fresh new grasses are sprouting. The herds begin to re-enter Tanzania\u2019s Serengeti National Park from the north around November, congregating on the plains throughout December. Thus, the cycle is ready to restart in the New Year.<\/p>\n\n
The Serengeti migration is a fascinating event shaped substantially by weather patterns. Changes in seasonal rain patterns, especially those impacted by climate change, can shift the precise timing and route of this migration. Likewise, the consistent success of this worldwide phenomenon relies heavily on conservation efforts. These efforts help maintain an environment conducive to the survival of the massive herds involved in the migration.<\/p>\n\n