The Serengeti Zebra Migration

The Great Migration encompasses a circular, seasonal movement of wildebeest, zebras, and Thomson’s gazelles and eland in the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem.  The annual migration of the blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) covers the entire range of the Greater Serengeti ecosystem, a round-trip that exceeds the straight-line distance of 650 km.  Data from GPS collars suggest that the true distance covered is over 1500 km.  The wildebeest migration is constantly moving, with females having an average daily movement of 4.5 km. The Serengeti zebra migration moves with them.

Animals of the Great Migration

Among the 2 million animals of the great migration, around 300,000 of these animals are zebras.  A symbiotic relationship exists between the zebras and wildebeest of the Serengeti.  The main reason they stick together is for safety.

The Serengeti Migration: Zebra and Wildebeest

• Together they have a strong “alarm” system, and the massive size of their accumulated herds reduces the chance of any single individual being targeted by a predator.  The wildebeest uses its superior sense of sound and smell to stay wary of predators, while the zebra uses its excellent eyesight to scan for threats.
• Zebras and wildebeest don’t compete for food, either.  Wildebeest are fussy eaters; they are selective grazers and only feed upon the shorter parts of the grass. Luckily for them, zebras are bulk grazers – cropping the grass (like a lawnmower) and making it palatable for the wildebeest to consume.
• Zebras have a great memory which helps them recall safe migration routes, which comes in handy for directing the sometimes-aimless wildebeests.  The wildebeest’s fantastic sense of smell can detect water even in dry times, an advantage for the zebra.
• Both species like a more plain open grassy areas though this makes them more vulnerable and that is why they need the safety in numbers (advantage) from predators.

The Serengeti Zebra Migration

Join Great Migration Camps or follow us, as we follow the Great Wildebeest Migration through the Serengeti on their journey from the southern plains to the Mara River and back.  We follow the wildebeest, zebra , eland and Thomson’s gazelle through the Mara-Serengeti Eco-system.

We have mixed availability in Kogatende area for the River Crossing Season 2022.  Book early  for the great migration by emailing info@greatmigrationcamps.com to avoid disappointment. #Conservationthroughtourism