This epic event, of millions of mammals thundering across the plains of Tanzania and Kenya, is one of the most spectacular sights that nature can offer. Over the months ahead various herds are forming. The one ingredient that it depends on is the weather. The migration has no time clock but as the scent of rain is in the wind the wildebeest get restless. Thousands upon thousands start to move and this event continues for months. 

Leading the charge are the Wildebeest, next their colleagues, the Zebras, followed by thousands of Antelope. Young and old alike gather on the dry plains of the Serengeti, to start the trek north in a clockwise direction in search of food and water in the eco-rich Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The Great Migration is a journey of almost 2,000 miles, an ongoing event throughout the year. The best time to see the Great Migration in the Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara is between July and October.

Following closely are the Predators, Lions, Wild dogs, Leopards and Hyenas. You may witness a kill - that's nature. Now look, there's a newborn calf, it's first feed of colostrum and its ready to run with the herd. Only the strong survive, an estimated 250,000 Wildebeest are lost annually but their birth rate is close to 350,000, enough to compensate for the natural loss of the herd. Their demise on the journey is not in vain. The rivers of Grumeti and the Mara are filled with crocodiles and the currents are just as unforgiving but the corpses of these animals contribute to the rivers ecosystem by adding 1,000 ton of biomass to feed the Serengeti Plains.

Why do the Wildebeest and the Zebras travel together? One compliments the other. Grasses that one won't eat the other will. Directions are another. One's ability to detect danger. What is it with this mass migration? Simply put it's for food or the lack there of. Since time immemorial humans and animals alike follow the food chain. Why in such large numbers? Survival and safety in numbers, with predators following close, waiting for an opportunity.    

To watch this wonder is a lesson of nature in action. The Greatest show on earth has to be seen to be believed, and it's there on the plains of Africa.