THE SPECTACLE AT THE RIVER - The Great Wildebeest Migration in Focus - Diners Club
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TRAVEL
THE SPECTACLE
AT THE RIVER
The Great Wildebeest Migration in Focus
The annual migration of giant herds of grazers across northern Tanzania and
Kenya is a truly spectacular event. Over two million wildebeest, zebras and
gazelles traverse the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems in search of green
pasture, in a regular pattern that has become one of the greatest wonders of
the natural world.
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Zebra stopping for a drink of water in the Mara River
F
or decades, zoologists, the group, seemingly, switches to But what triggers this mass
animal behaviourists autopilot for a journey that will end migration to the Tanzanian south?
and other scientists in disaster for some, at the hands of How do the animals know where
have pondered how predators, crocodiles, and the fast- to find food and water? Evidence
Connochaetes taurinus (the common Blue flowing waters of the Mara. would suggest that weather patterns
Wildebeest) has developed such a finely- Remaining, to the delight of play a significant role, and that the
honed instinct for survival when food and scores of predators, until October or animals instinctively respond to
water become scarce. November when the return journey these phenomena.
Although broad-shouldered and will be undertaken, when lions, Finally, the day arrives, as the
muscular, the Wildebeest is, however, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas all Wildebeest gather on the banks of
not renowned as the animal kingdom’s grasp this festive opportunity to prey the Mara River. Eyes wide in fear and
intellectual giant – an accolade that predominantly on the elderly, the frail, with labouring breath, they scout for
surely must go to the African Elephant. and wobbly-legged offspring born the safest and surest path through
during the migration. the water, and onto the safety of the
FOOD IS EVERYTHING The Great Migration, as it is popularly opposite bank. The juveniles and slower
Driven by the relentless search known, is not an isolated once-a-year animals, especially, are noticeably
for food, the annual migration of event, but rather a constant migration fearful, fully aware of their potential to
thousands – some observers even of animals which begins in the 65,000- become crocodile dinner, and of the
mention millions – of Wildebeest km2 Serengeti ecosystem and during likelihood of drowning.
reaches a peak between July and which, over 1.5-million animals slowly Meanwhile, Marabou storks and
August each year when the animals, make their way. other carrion dispensers stand ready to
accompanied by herds of Zebra and Owing to the massive size of the perform their tasks as clean-up agents.
often also Thompson’s Gazelle and the herds, food and water reach depletion This is nature’s way and, although
occasional eland, enter the 1,510-km2 levels within six to eight weeks – with seemingly cruel to human observers,
Masai Mara in search of lush grasslands. a subsequent sense of panic in the it is an efficient control mechanism
Focussing on The Crossing – when ranks – which will ultimately launch to keep the environment clean and
the Mara River will be traversed – their departure. disease-free.
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...as the khaki-clad tourists sip their
G&Ts at dusk, the animals who
survived the crossing will sleep with
one eye open, always perfectly aware
that predators prefer the darkness.
HUMAN SPECTATORS
Homo Sapiens thrives on drama,
a fact that goes some way to explain
why visitors from all parts of the world
flock to Kenya and Tanzania for the
annual migratory spectacle. They
arrive in game viewing vehicles, with
telephoto lenses at the ready; reliant
on their knowledgeable guides to find
them that elusive perfect photographic
or viewing spot.
The popularity spell that the Great
Migration casts over tourists also
requires five-star infrastructure that
ranges from fly-in safaris to exquisite
accommodation, and ultimately also
Owing to the massive size of
the herds, food and water reach
depletion levels within six to
eight weeks – with a subsequent
sense of panic in the ranks –
which will ultimately launch
their departure.
Indulge in a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara Reserve
to the quality of the guides. Fine the privilege
Wildebeest crossing of witnessing
the Mara in what must African Marabou patiently
cuisine that would not be out of place searchthe
be of greener
most pastures
dramatic migration of waiting to feed
in the capitals of the world is taken animals on earth – a life-and-death
for granted – and there is a deliberate experience that will surely have an
(and successful) attempt to create an
authentic “Out of Africa” experience.
And as the khaki-clad tourists sip
their G&Ts at dusk, the animals who
survived the crossing will sleep with
one eye open, always perfectly aware
that predators prefer the darkness.
ACCOMMODATION
Whether staying at the conservancy
or in the main reserve, one is virtually emotional impact on the viewers.
guaranteed the discerning experience Emotions will range from anticipation
you seek. The Masai Mara Reserve to excitement and also sadness at
offers superb plains scenery, yet it the inevitable demise of so many
is recommended that visitors focus beautiful animals.
on the five main migration zones – But this is nature’s way, and it will
g etting ther e
northern, eastern, southern, western not change – unless humankind, in
and central – when planning their trip. our perversity, cannot resist the urge
Considered Kenya’s best park and to intervene. Enjoy excellent business class service
one of Africa’s highest wildlife density aboard Kenya Airways’ Boeing 788
regions for predators, the reserve Dreamliner, flying daily between
Johannesburg and Jomo Kenyatta
provides unmatched safari activities
International Airport in Nairobi,
including hot air ballooning, as well
Kenya. For more information, visit
as possible bush walks with armed
www.kenya-airways.com.
rangers in attendance.
by bernard hellberg /
Only the fortunate few will enjoy photography by istockphoto.com
40 www.dinersclub.co.za
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