FACTS ABOUT THE WILDEBEEST MIGRATION IN MASAI MARA
World recognition: It’s one of “Seven New Wonders of the World”
Major players: Wildebeest- 1.6 million
Thomson’s gazelle 350,000
Zebras- 180,000
Eland- 12,500
Period : July-October
Reason for migration: To search for greener pastures in Mara reserves
Migration route: Ngorongoro-Serengeti park-Maswa Game Reserve-Masai Game Reserve.
Major predator Lions, Hyenas, Leopards, Crocodiles, Cheetah and other on migration route: Carnivorous
Notable activity:
Seeing the water terrified wildebeest cross the Mbalangeti, Grumeti and Mara River is hilarious activity but it’s also a sad scenery because some are eaten by the crocodile. Wildebeest arrive at the Mara River in thousands and gather along the Mara River waiting to cross. For days their number grows but many times they turn and wander away from the water’s edge. Eventually the courageous wildebeest will choose a crossing point. Although the point may vary from year to year, each year the over a million wildebeest will use the specific spot chosen by their first wildebeest. Usually the chosen point will be a fairly calm stretch of water without too much predator-concealing vegetation in the far side, although occasionally they will choose seemingly suicidal places and drown in their hundreds.
Physical ability of Wildebeest
The animals have physical ability to travel for long distances. A newborn wildebeest gains co-ordination faster than any other animal and is usually on its feet two to three minutes after birth. It can run with the herd at the age of five minutes and is able to outrun a lioness soon thereafter