This article explains the reasons behind the wildebeest migration. One of the main reasons these animals move is to follow the rain. In Africa, the climate keeps changing between dry and wet seasons.
Wildebeests are forced to move during the dry season when the savanna grass has dried up, heading toward Masai Mara National Reserve.
At this time, food becomes scarce, and they search for areas where it has rained. The grass in these places is fresh and plentiful because fewer animals have grazed there. However, when large herds arrive, the grass is eaten quickly, especially during the dry season when new grass cannot grow back due to a lack of rain.
The migration often takes place around July, which is also when the calving season happens.
Mothers are truly amazing. The female wildebeests work hard to cross dangerous rivers and avoid fierce predators to reach safer areas where they can give birth and care for their young. Zebras, which also take part in the migration, are fast runners and have a strong ability to sense danger early, making them difficult to catch.
Visiting East Africa is a great adventure, especially if you include these activities in your plans:
- Visiting the Maasai Village: Making new friends helps you feel more at home, so don’t skip the Maasai village. You may end up wanting to visit again. Take a walk through the village, especially in the morning when the sunrise reflects on nearby water sources. You can join the local high-jump dance and take 15 minutes to snap some photos.
- Walking through Masai Mara: Many tourists who come to see the wildebeest migration also enjoy nature walks. This is a great way to see the environment up close. While waiting for the main event, you can observe other animals along the way, making sure your time is always interesting.
- Game Drives: Game drives are safe because animals usually stay away from vehicles, which they see as large and not worth approaching. This allows tourists to watch and take photos of the animals without worrying about safety.
