The annual relocation of over one-and-a-half million wildebeest and zebra across the Serengeti in Tanzania into the Maasai Mara in Kenya is an incredible spectacle. The 1,500 kilometre circular journey is the largest migration of land animals on the planet. Herds can stretch on for 45 kilometres as their movement fertilises the land and provides vital protein for predators.
There are several “migration myths” that exist and over the past forty five years, I’ve heard all of them, and laughed as these myths create confusion and uncertainty.
Myth 1: The wildebeest migration happens at the same time every year.
Numerous scientists have spent years studying the migration and no one has been able to predict when the migration begins in the southern Serengeti, moves into the Masai Mara or turns around and returns. The wildebeest and zebra move by instinct and much depends on the rains and grasses of the savannah providing the food supply for the herds. No two years in the last twenty has followed any pattern, so the migration is random. If anyone claims to predict migration dates, ask them for next week’s winning Lotto numbers.
Myth 2: The place is empty without the migration.
Only two species of wildlife migrate, wildebeest and zebra and that leaves every other creature, big and small, in situ, close to where they’ve always lived. Most of the cats and may of the other larger animals are territorial and mark out a territory to defend. So, while the area may be low density on wildebeest and zebra for some of the year, it makes little difference to the other wildlife species.
Myth 3: You won’t see any wildebeest or zebra.
Scientists who have followed and researched the herds for many years have discovered about 25 – 33% of the entire wildebeest and zebra populations don’t migrate so there are always herds of both species throughout the year. However, these same scientists are unsure if it’s the same lazy animals that avoid the trek, or the entire population takes turns.
Myth 4: The herds follow a dedicated migratory path.
There are dozens of maps with arrows of the migration route with claims the herds dash right past the safari lodge or camp that publishes the map. This just does not happen. The herds go where the food supply is plentiful and they literally eat their way north like a huge lawn mower. There are years when the migration stops, turns around, turns again and then continues, both northwards and southwards.
Myth 5: Don’t bother visiting East Africa except during The Migration.
For all the reasons stated above, and more, the Serengeti – Mara eco system is an outstanding wildlife viewing venue throughout the year, with the bonus of the migration time. Why not hedge your bets and visit both the Serengeti and Masai Mara on the same safari? Wildlife Safari can design an excellent safari that includes Ngorongoro crater, Serengeti and Masai Mara, three outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.
