The Serengeti wildebeest migration is one of the most spectacular natural events in the world, occurring annually in the Serengeti ecosystem of East Africa, primarily in Tanzania and extending into Kenya. The migration involves the movement of millions of wildebeest, along with zebras and other grazing animals, across vast distances in search of food, water, and better breeding grounds.
The wildebeest migration is a circular movement that takes place over the course of a year. In the dry season, which runs from July to October, the wildebeest and other grazers congregate in the northern part of the Serengeti, where there is still some grass and water. As the dry season progresses, the animals begin to move southward, following the rains and new growth.
By November, the wildebeest have reached the southern Serengeti, where they gather in massive herds to give birth to their young. The calving season lasts for several weeks, during which time the predators are particularly active, preying on the weak and vulnerable newborns.
Once the calving season is over, the wildebeest begin their journey back northward, following the rain and fresh grasses. By May or June, they have returned to the northern Serengeti, completing the circle.
The migration is not without its dangers, as the animals must cross crocodile-infested rivers and face predators such as lions and hyenas. However, it is also a vital source of food for many species, and a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to witness the spectacle.