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HerdTracker is a real time Google map showing weekly updates of the wildbeest migration’s precise location. Have you seen the herds? Become a HerdTracker Contributor by actively contributing to the live feed.
The wildebeest migration encompasses an area of approximately 25,000 square miles, stretching from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Each year, around 1.5 million wildebeests, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, embark on this epic journey. The migration is a continuous, cyclical process driven by the animals' instinctual need to find fresh grazing grounds and water sources.
The migration follows a roughly circular route influenced by the seasonal rains. Starting in the southern Serengeti, the herds move northward through the central Serengeti and then across the border into the Maasai Mara. This movement usually begins in April and can last until October. The exact timing can vary each year based on rainfall patterns, which are becoming increasingly unpredictable due to climate change.
The primary motivation behind the wildebeest migration is the search for food and water. The herds are driven by their instinctual need to find fresh grass, which is crucial for their survival. As the dry season progresses, the herds move to areas with better grazing opportunities and water sources. This seasonal movement ensures that the wildebeests have access to the resources necessary to sustain their large numbers.
The calving season is a crucial part of the migration cycle and occurs from January to March in the southern Serengeti. During this period, approximately 500,000 calves are born, ensuring the continuation of the species. The abundance of new life provides a food source for predators, who take advantage of the vulnerable young. The calving season is essential for maintaining the population numbers and ensuring the future of the migration.
The migration provides ample opportunities for predators, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. These predators follow the herds, taking advantage of the high concentration of prey. The sheer number of wildebeests and other grazing animals provides a significant food source for these predators, creating a dynamic and sometimes brutal balance within the ecosystem.
The wildebeest migration plays a vital role in the health of the Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem. As the herds graze, they help maintain the balance of vegetation, preventing overgrowth and allowing other species to thrive. Their droppings also fertilize the soil, promoting new plant growth. This ecological impact helps sustain a diverse range of wildlife and contributes to the overall health of the environment.
Modern technology has greatly enhanced our understanding of the wildebeest migration. GPS tracking collars fitted on some of the animals provide valuable data on their movements, behaviors, and the challenges they face. This technology has revealed intricate details about the migration patterns, including the influence of environmental factors and the impact of human activities.
The wildebeest migration is not only a natural wonder but also a significant economic driver for the region. It attracts thousands of tourists each year, contributing to the local economies of Kenya and Tanzania. The migration has also become a cultural symbol, representing the resilience and determination of wildlife in the face of adversity.
Climate change poses a growing threat to the wildebeest migration. Altered rainfall patterns and increased temperatures can disrupt the timing and extent of the migration, impacting the availability of food and water. Conservation efforts are crucial to mitigating these effects and ensuring the continued survival of this iconic event.
Answer: The wildebeest migration is primarily triggered by the search for fresh grazing and water. As the dry season progresses, the herds move from the southern Serengeti to the northern Maasai Mara in Kenya in response to the seasonal rains, which bring new grass growth and replenish water sources.
Answer: The migration occurs annually and follows a roughly circular route. It typically starts in the southern Serengeti around April and continues through the central Serengeti before crossing into the Maasai Mara. The migration generally lasts from July to October, though the exact timing can vary based on rainfall patterns.
Answer: The most dangerous parts of the migration are the river crossings, particularly across the Mara River. Wildebeests face threats from crocodiles lurking in the river and strong currents that can sweep them away. These crossings are among the most dramatic and perilous events of the migration.
Answer: Approximately 1.5 million wildebeests participate in the migration, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles. This massive movement creates one of the largest and most spectacular wildlife gatherings on the planet.
Answer: The calving season occurs from January to March in the southern Serengeti. During this time, about 500,000 wildebeest calves are born. This period is critical for the survival of the species, as the high birth rate ensures a steady population despite predation and other challenges.
Answer: Climate change impacts the wildebeest migration by altering rainfall patterns and temperatures. These changes can disrupt the timing and extent of the migration, affecting the availability of grazing and water. Conservation efforts are essential to address these challenges and support the sustainability of the migration.
This megaherd was spotted on the Musabi Plains of the Serengeti National Park. Gigantic herds like this will clear huge areas of their grazing grass in no time! Activity in the Western Corridor of the Serengeti has sharply increased as huge numbers of wildebeest arrive.
This incredible video was taken by Exodus Safaris on the 6th of October 2023.
This herd was spotted near the Western Corridor of the Serengeti National Park. This long line of wildebeest are quickly making their way into the Western Corridor for fresh grazing! The herds have spread out from the central Serengeti with some making a detour west before joining the rest of the herds moving south.
This awesome video was taken by Michael Graham on the 5th of October 2023.
This herd was spotted crossing the Mara river at crossing no 0. You can see a hungry crocodile fast approaching a stray wildebeest in this video! This small crossing was the only for the day as river crossing season comes to a close for the year.
This amazing video was taken by Mawe Lodges on the 4th of October 2023.
This megaherd was spotted on the Musabi Plains of the Serengeti National Park. Gigantic herds like this will clear huge areas of their grazing grass in no time! Activity in the Western Corridor of the Serengeti has sharply increased as huge numbers of wildebeest arrive.
This incredible video was taken by Exodus Safaris on the 6th of October 2023.
This herd was spotted in the central area of the Serengeti National Park. Wildebeest continue to fill the plains of the central Serengeti with the bulk of the migration herds now in the area! This rotating video perfectly shows how a herd can occupy a huge area when grazing.
This fantastic video was taken by Karmen Whitbread on the 2nd of October 2023.
This herd was spotted near the Mara river at crossing no 7. This hunting leopard was certainly waiting for the herd to let their guard down after the river crossing! The herd was quick to react, but the leopard was still able to catch one unlucky wildebeest.
This fantastic video was taken by @mubamubarakh of @maasaiwanderings on the 1st of October 2023.
This herd was spotted in the Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park. There’s plenty of activity in the central Serengeti as the wildebeest journey further south for calving season! The herds generally pass through Seronera from October to December and then again from April to June.
This great video was taken by Andrea Capriotti on the 1st of October 2023.
