It was an incredible stroke of luck to witness the main characters of the African animal migration three times in just two days, a truly awe-inspiring and deeply moving experience.
Every year from July to October, millions of wildebeest follow the water and grass, migrating from Kenya’s Maasai Mara to the Serengeti plains of Tanzania, covering hundreds of kilometers on their epic journey.
The Mara River is a critical checkpoint for this migration. The wildebeests carefully observe the water flow and the presence of predators on the banks. Interestingly, during our first observation, four zebras took the lead, bravely jumping into the water first, followed by the wildebeests in a wave of determined crossings.
This crossing is often referred to as the “crossing of the heavenly river” due to the myriad dangers involved. Crocodiles and lions lie in wait, ready to strike at any moment, and those that fall behind are particularly vulnerable to becoming prey.
After surviving the perilous crossing, the herds return to a state of calm, continuing to graze for several kilometers, their resilience and determination on full display.
However, the danger does not end once they cross the river. Not far from the banks, hyenas lurk, hungrily awaiting their chance. It remains unknown if the leading zebra met with misfortune. Vultures and Marabou storks also gather, watching the hyenas’ feast, but they dare not join in, instead, they patiently wait to scavenge any leftovers.
Wow, that sounds like an unforgettable experience! Seeing the migration three times in two days is pure luck. I can only imagine how amazing it must have been to witness such a massive movement of wildlife.
Thank you for your kind words! Yes, witnessing such a grand event feels almost magical. Pure luck indeed, but also the result of careful planning. Hope you get to experience it firsthand someday!