Nature’s grandest theatre unfolds annually in the heart of East Africa known as the Great Migration of the Masai Mara. This awe-inspiring event is characterised by the movement of millions of herbivores across vast savannas and crocodile-infested rivers. And what a breathtaking beauty of nature’s majesty to witness!
What Is The Great Migration Of Kenya’s Masai Mara?
The Great Migration 2020. Maasai Mara National Reserve. Photo by @bobbyneptune pic.twitter.com/rI8qv9nSiH
— Kenya Pics (@kenyapics) July 22, 2020
The Masai Mara, a sprawling national reserve in southwestern Kenya, serves as the stage for this remarkable phenomenon. Migration is a continuous cycle that revolves around the search for food and water. It’s a journey fraught with challenges, but it showcases the unyielding resilience of the animal kingdom against the backdrop of unforgiving landscapes.
The migration begins around July each year as the dry season takes hold over the southern Serengeti plains in Tanzania. The wildebeests and zebras, driven by an innate instinct for survival, embark on a perilous journey northward. This staggering assembly is not only a feast for the eyes but also a strategic decision for survival.
The crossing of the Mara River is a spectacle fraught with danger. Hungry crocodiles lie in wait. The sight of thousands of wildebeests and zebras gathered on the riverbank and their tension is palpable.
As the migration continues, the herds fan out across the Masai Mara, creating an awe-inspiring mosaic of life against the backdrop of golden grasslands and the vast African sky. This expanse of life sustains a delicate balance, as predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas closely shadow the herds, preying on the weak, the old, and the young.
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This Is A Once-In-A-Lifetime Spectacle To Witness
It's happening! The 8th wonder of the world. The Great Wildebeest Migration in full flow in the Maasai Mara. pic.twitter.com/kX6JvWiKua
— Kenya Pics (@kenyapics) July 10, 2019
The Great Migration is not merely a display of natural wonder; it’s a reflection of the intricate balance of life and death. The Great Migration’s allure extends beyond the borders of East Africa, captivating the hearts and minds of people worldwide.
Moreover, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, researchers, and tourists flock to witness this astonishing phenomenon firsthand. The migration has inspired documentaries, books, and art, serving as a poignant symbol of the beauty and complexity of our natural world.
This annual migration, with its epic river crossings, dramatic predator-prey interactions, and stunning vistas is nature’s majesty.
Have you ever witnessed this?
Cover image credits: Canva