The Great Migration

THE GREAT CIRCLE
The migration never stops until …

Witnessing the migration from A-2-B or the mass river crossings might seem like a chaotic frenzy at first.
It is estimated at 1.4 million Wildebeest and 200 000 Zebras, migrating from Masai Mara in Kenya to Serengeti in Tanzania throughout the year, following the rains.

Large herd, seemingly 400 or more, gathering on the bank of the Mara river, you could hear the ‘gnu’s and rustle as they move toward the crossing. However, none of us knew when it might happen, not even Wildebeest themselves. We gripped our camera in anticipation, ready for action and … nothing happens, – they turn back again.
This anticipation could last for hours and hours, building up an incredible power of energy in the air amongst the trampling of the hooves and low humming of ‘gnu’s.

We waited for four hours under the heat of the dust and baking sun,
but as any photographer knows, patience pays off.
It happened so quickly, without warning, when suddenly one brave Wildebeest decided to take the Superman-style leap and rest of the desperate, adrenaline-fueled herd followed to cross the river. The hustle, splashes, even louder calls of ‘Gnu’s’ and suddenly appearing Crocodiles for their share. We tried to capture the moments with our cameras, but mainly It was an experience hard to be able to describe.

It is a fascinating circle of life that I hope is here to stay uninterrupted by human hand for generations to experience this spectacular wonder of nature.

East Africa’s migratory wildebeest are currently found in five ecosystems
Serengeti-Mara –
Greater Amboseli –
Mara-Loita –
Athi-Kaputiei –
Tarangire-Manyara –
Four of five migrations are critically threatened and on the verge of collapse.

Migratory wildebeest populations in East Africa decline with an alarming rate.

As often the case, the main drivers behind many critical wildlife and nature challenges are human population increase and with this appear numerous other human-wildlife conflicts.
The leading causes of the decrease in numbers of migratory wildlife in East Africa are the expansion of agriculture, settlements, urban development and with its roads and infrastructures.
Contributing to the problem is the failure of government wildlife policies, badly planned agricultural expansions and lack of law enforcement for illegal hunting.

Wildebeest migrations in East Africa are facing extinction if humans act too late.

Photography by Love Nature Phix – Johan and Annica Van Rensburg