Lions, elephants, hippopotamus, rhinos, hyenas, leopards, giraffes, zebras, these are the few that come to mind on this wild life encounter, but take a look at the smaller creatures and the amount of different species of birds that do their part, breaking up droppings and eating carcasses to prevent any diseases from spreading and so on.

It’s a lesson in science to learn how this conveyor belt effect works, you’ll be surprised by how many contributors add to this environment. I was with a group, touring Africa, not game hunters in case you get the wrong impression. 

Nature is an educational lesson when we can experience it up close and personal. The wilderness can be heartbreaking in its cruelty and rawness for the act of survival and yet it’s enchanting when you encounter its effectiveness for the protection of the continuous support and existence of the herd.

If any of you are into music, there’s a song recorded by a group called Toto. “I bless the rains down in Africa”. One wonderful piece that keeps spinning in my head, “I know I must do what’s right. As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti”. As the rains stream down to the music one can appreciate how valuable water is to life. As you’re watching the migration, of hundreds of thousands of animals leaving the area in search of grasses, herbs, water and sustenance, you cannot but think that this is the ‘greatest show on earth’, and can be seen on the African plains. The wildebeests lead the charge, followed by the zebras, gazelles and other herbivores that follow the food trail. Crossing the Serengeti in Tanzania and then the Masai Mara in Kenya, the migration travels in a clockwise direction. The journey covers over 2,500 kilometres. Recognized as one of the new seven wonders of the world, when millions of animals cross the Serengeti National Park and plunge into the Grumeti and Mara River. This migration is the highlight of the trip for many travellers. The wildebeests don’t just keep galloping up and into the river, they recognize the danger. Approaching the banks they pause, withdraw, for hours or maybe a day, braying and restless, then in an overpowering moment of madness or a flush of adrenaline or enthusiasm some decide to jump. There are no false starts called in this race, as one or more moves, then the avalanche has started, crocodiles in the water take their required quota, many animals are hurt and lost trying to get across the river. This crossing is the most unforgiving part of the journey. The crocodiles in the water, the predators on the river banks and the treacherous currents all take their toll. Annually it’s estimated that 200,000 animals are lost. Their demise on the journey is not in vain, the corpses contribute to the rivers ecosystem by adding 1,000 tons of biomass to feed the Serengeti Plains. 

The temperature and climate dictate the movement in different areas, hence the reason why the migration happens throughout the year. These animals complement each other on their journey, some animals are not capable of digesting the various grasses along the trail, so with the different taste buds, nothing goes to waste. This is particularly true of the wildebeests and zebras. With this volume of animals moving, there are a number of unwanted animals within their midst, they are the predators lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, crocodiles, eagles and vultures. This is nature’s circle of life, only the strong survive. You may witness a kill but you’ll certainly see the new born calves, foals, fawns etc. 

You’ve seen the migration on the discovery channel and TV but being up close and personal is something like watching a video on your hand held phone and then going to a cinema and watching it on Mega Screen. Many people travel for different reasons, it may be for sun, beaches or the fun of seeing someplace. The Great Migration is a destination tour that will have an overwhelming impact on your impression on nature, why the climate needs to be protected, why the Plains of Africa are the most beautiful and enticing destinations for that small group tour that’s not rushed, not invasive to the area. The drivers and guides involved in the promotion of their habitat are interlinked to the region and terrain. Like the rulers of these areas that have gone before them, they are leaving their mark here, declaring that not only are they the Masters of the land, but also its Servant.