One
of the most unique and remarkable scenes is the annual migration. Usually in May/June,
thousands of wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, gazelle and buffalo migrate from the
central plains westwards or northwards in search of water and pasture. One
column turns to the north while another column turns to the west, later turning
eastwards to join the northern column. Then, together the whole herd finally returns
to the central plains, completing the circle. Over 1000kms are thus covered. As
the herds move to new grazing ground, they are followed by predators such as lions,
hyenas, jackels and hunting wild-dogs waiting for weak prey while vultures soar
overhead waiting for their share of the kill. Best time for visiting is
December - May when the animals are gathered on the short grass plains south of
the park around Ndutu and Naabi Gate, dispersed and moving back and forth in search
of water and fresh grass until the end of the long rains. Calving takes
place in February/March, when 90% of female wildebeest give birth, flooding the
plains with thousands of young ones. In May, when the plains begin to dry
up, the wildebeest, together with other animals begin the long track westwards
or northwards, once again. The migration involves between 500,000 - 1,000,000
animals out of the 4,000,000 found in Serengeti.
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