The Great Migration

More than 2 million creatures—wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles—travel nearly 1,600 kilometers across grassy plains, low hills, and small woodlands. They’re seeking food.

The southern Serengeti is mainly a treeless short-grass savanna. The northern Serengeti has taller grasses and woodlands of flat-topped acacia trees. The name Serengeti comes from a word used by the Maasai people who live there. It means “endless plain.” 

Wildebeest make up the majority of the migrating animals by far. About 1.5 million wildebeest are part of the moving herds.  Also called gnus, wildebeest are large antelopes with curved horns, oversized heads, and pointed beards.

As the Mara River flows southwest and then west before emptying into Lake Victoria, it cuts through the Serengeti. It also cuts across the route of the Great Migration in Kenya. In fact, the river is the animals’ biggest obstacle.

These wildebeest are crossing a rocky stretch of the Mara River. They’re on the move day and night throughout the migration. They’re big beasts—up to 2.5 meters (8 feet long) and 270 kilograms (600 pounds)—who need lots of food.

The rest of the herd has already crossed. You can see a line of hundreds of animals stretching off into the distance.

Since they’re used to grazing continuously, now they are intent on their goal of reaching grassy plains.

Vans and trucks loaded with tourists park on the opposite riverbank. The tourists are armed with cameras, ready to shoot photos of the migrating animals.