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Why the Great Migration Needs to Top Your Bucket List in 2024

Serengeti National Park A Safari Haven

As we have so far created more memories for our safaris but Forget HD documentaries. You need to see it for yourself and we have all the reasons at GoExplore Safaris to show you the best wildlife event of the year.

This perpetual movement of animals between Tanzania and Kenya, following the best seasonal grazing in the Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve, reaches the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River in mid-to-late July. Breath-taking numbers of weary wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, impala, and eland face this watery challenge during the world’s largest animal migration—a life-and-death lottery. For those that make it, greener pastures await … as do the big cats.

The Wildebeests

On the Move Blue wildebeests, also known as white-bearded wildebeests, make up the bulk of the great migration that covers 1,200 miles of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. The rumbling mass of 1.5 million hoofed beasts heads north from the Serengeti’s dry, depleted grasses to the Maasai Mara’s greener plains, with the first herds crossing the treacherous waters of the Mara River from mid-to-late July. By January the beasts have made their way back to the southern Serengeti again where about half a million calves are born through March before dry grasses prompt their departure in May again. Whether you are planning a trip or just want to follow the fascinating journey from afar, a team at the University of Glasgow has collaborated with a research group in Tanzania, which allows you to track various animals in the park in real time.

Crocodiles

The stillness of the Mara River’s Nile crocodiles as they wait for the arrival of their prey makes the moment, they snap into action all the more terrifying. Reaching a maximum of about 20 feet in length and 1,650 pounds in weight – second only to the saltwater crocodile – these crocs can survive for long periods without food, but when they do eat, they can fill up on half their own body weight at one sitting. This most unlikable of creatures does have one redeeming feature, however, as a responsible parent. Unlike most other reptiles, Nile crocodiles guard their eggs and gently roll them in their mouths to help them hatch.

Ballooning Safari

While there’s nothing quite like viewing wildlife at close quarters on safari, ballooning provides another amazing perspective. From up high, you can take in the vast Serengeti (its name derives from the Maasai language, meaning “endless plains”) and huge numbers of animals on the move across the Maasai Mara game reserve and at the river crossing.

Early Start Set your alarm before 5 a.m. for unforgettable sunrise launches and post-flight breakfasts from Serengeti Balloon Safaris and Mara Ballooning.

On Safari Tourists gather along the Mara River to witness the stunning sight of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, eland, and impala taking their chances against the crocodiles and currents. While the migration times can vary slightly each year, the river crossing is at a peak through July and August.

The Roaming Zebras

About 200,000 zebras add a touch of striped glamour to the muddy-gray mass of wildebeests. They’re usually first to arrive in the Maasai Mara reserve following the river crossing, and they stay put through October when the first herds begin their journey south again along the eastern edge of the Serengeti in search of new grasses. Zebras’ bold markings have long puzzled biologists, given the number of predators on the prowl theories include their stripes having a cooling effect (scientists have found the hotter the location the more stripes a zebra has), a way of repelling disease-causing insects, and an optical illusion when mixed with grassland to confuse predators.

Cycle of Life

It’s harrowing to witness seemingly endless numbers of weary wildebeests lining up on the banks of the Mara River before taking their chances against hungry crocodiles and currents. About 10,000 animals die in the river every year, but their plight is essential to the ecosystem, providing food for the crocs, vultures, and fish, as well as nutrients for the river.

Leopards

A herd of wildebeests survives crossing the crocodile-infested Mara River, only to stray into the path of a leopard on the other bank.

Predators The cast of predators in the story of the great migration includes lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The abundant source of meat means the lion population sits at about 3,000, making the Serengeti one of the best places in Africa to see big cats in action or (more likely) slumbering, considering lions spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping – especially after feeding.

The Maasai Tribe

Young Maasai warriors perform the adumu or aigus, a competitive jumping dance. The distinctive dress and culture of the Maasai are fascinating aspects of a trip to Kenya, and some welcome visitors to their villages to share their culture for a fee. Following the best conditions for their cattle, the Maasai—relating to speakers of the Maa language—are nomadic and semi-nomadic, moving within the Great Rift Valley of Kenya and Tanzania, the Samburu of Kenya, and the semi-pastoral Arusha and Baraguyu of Tanzania.

As much as our safaris cover the whole of the East African region GoExplore Safaris a luxury boutique company offering gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park located in Uganda and gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda

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