Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration is spine-chilling and an experience that you can never describe nor forget. Every year, millions of wildebeest and zebras migrate to Masai Mara, crossing the danger-filled Serengeti river. The main reason to migrate is to find greener pastures, and their journey is filled with adventure and dangers, for they have to cover a long journey while saving themselves from predators like lions and crocodiles. Here are more facts you didn’t know about the Great Wildebeest Migration:
Wildebeest Are More Intelligent Than They Appear
Wildebeest may appear confused and frenzied, but they work with swarm intelligence, i.e., a decentralized yet self-organized system that helps them explore and overcome any obstacle.
This Is the Longest Migration in the World
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the longest, along with the largest, migration in the world. Depending on the cycle, the travel is as long as 500 miles or more.
The Entire Herd Does Not Follow the Same Path
Wildebeests don’t have a leader; therefore, you would find them scattered in different directions. Since smaller herds surround this mega-herd, they cover half of the entire Serengeti.
Zebras Help the Wildebeest Survive
You can say that it is hard for wildebeests to survive without zebras. Wildebeests are fussy eaters; on the other hand, zebras are not selective about food. They consume some part of the grass and wildebeest finish the remaining ones. This way, they both feed each other and migrate in harmony.
River Crossing Can Be Dangerous
Crossing the river seems like the strictest level of the migration for the Nile crocodiles are waiting to clutch these animals in their jaws and drown them. Crocodiles wisely use the tail as their secondary weapon to attack the potential victim.
Wildebeest Calves Can Walk as Soon as They Are Born
Millions of wildebeests are born at the start of the early migration cycle, yet, they are not left behind. This is because wildebeest calves can get moving as soon as they are born.
The Great Migration Experiences the Circle of Life
The Great Migration requires the most brutal survival skills for the animals to live through thirst, hunger, stampede and exhaustion. Along with that, they have to save themselves from predatory animals such as lions, African wild dogs, cheetahs, leopards and crocodiles.
The game of survival during the migration is unbelievable. It teaches you a lot about surviving techniques among wildlife and the rules of the jungle. Viewing the Great Wildebeest Migration should be on your to-do list, for you can’t miss this creation of nature. So connect with Bushman Safari and make your African safari memorable.