The Great Wildebeest Migration!

The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest animal migration in the world.

Every year, around 2 million animals (wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle) migrate in a clockwise (north west) direction across the ecosystems of the Serengeti (Tanzania) and the Masai Mara (Kenya).

The migration usually takes place at the end of the rainy season - usually in May or June and is recognised as the "Eighth Wonder of the Natural World".

The animals are searching for greener pastures to graze on and fresh water, as well as safe and abundant land to give birth to their young. The grasses in the area they go to have the highest protein content in the whole region as well as high levels of calcium which is perfect for the young.

The annual migration is extremely dangerous. On the way, they have to cross rivers infested with Nile crocodiles, encounter other predators including lions, and face natural disasters such as droughts and flooding in a daily struggle for survival.

Thousands of animals don't survive the migration, and thousands of new babies are born - the circle of life in action!  Towards the end of the year, the animals make the return journey, again in search of better grazing and water.

Wildlife enthusiasts travel to witness this migration - which is truely spectacular.

No one knows for certain how the wildebeest know which way to go, but it is thought they are guided by the weather including lightning and thunderstorms in the distance. These storms mean rain and new grass.  

It has been reported that you can see this mass movement of animals from space!  What an amazing phenomenon.  One for the travel list for sure!