A mutual advantage

 Zebras are animals much smarter than wildebeest and it seems they are the ones driving the huge herd in motion. It can be deduced from the fact that the later part of the group is mainly composed of zebras. On the other hand, zebras have the great advantage of being less exposed to predators, also attracted by a huge number of wildebeests.

Herbivores move following the rainy cycle and seem to be extremely sensitive to pick up the incoming moisture. A few rainy days are enough to make the savannah bloom and provide food for everyone!

The large herd walks in single file for hundreds of kilometers, a truly unusual sight. The wildebeests are very used to following the herd. Sometimes it happens that one randomly starts running, does not know why, but immediately someone follows him! Poor things, they are not so clever !!!

The nourserie

After a lot of walking, it's time to stop. In mid-December the herbivores reach the ponds of Ndutu, in the southern Serengeti, and stay there until the end of February. It is the period of births. Zebras and wildebeest females have learned to coordinate their pregnancy perfectly and in about a couple of weeks about 8000 babies come to light. They will be able to walk within a few hours. The immense prairies of Ndutu are covered with very low grass, the rocky plateau does not allow other plants to grow there. It is the optimal place to spot predators!

But it is not the only reason why Ndutu was chosen as "nourserie". The volcanic rock is rich in calcium, potassium and sodium carbonate, the ideal nourishment for lactation.

It's a magical but at the same time dramatic moment. 40% of newborns will not reach adulthood. The presence of predators is really important and it will not be difficult to watch a hunting scene.

Survive the crocodiles

 In March gnus and zebras will resume their infinite journey. There will be two rivers, Grumeti and Masai Mara, the scenery of another truly spectacular and dramatic moment of migration.

Millions of wildebeests and thousands of zebras cross the rivers bravely to meet the dangers of water and crocodiles, just to continue the perennial ring circuit in search of new pastures.

Climate changes

Migration is also affected by climate change. The rains sometimes occur at different times than usual and the large group spreads more for the availability of food. Sometimes subgroups are created that detach themselves from the bulk of the herd and happen that they do not start again becoming permanent.

Nature remains partly unpredictable, especially in the wilds.

The most incredible natural African phenomenon!