# 5 fast facts on Africa's Great Migration *Source: https://bonamy.co.uk/posts/5-fast-facts-on-africas-great-migration* With 1.5 million wildebeest and over 200,000 zebra walking through the Serengeti and the Masai Mara in search of fresh pasture, The Great Migration is one of nature's greatest spectacles. ## Africa’s Great Migration through Tanzania and Kenya is truly one of nature’s greatest events.  Over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra evade prides of lion and negotiate crocodile infested rivers as they move through the Serengeti and Masai Mara in search of fresh pasture. In terms of natural phenomenon, there are few on a scale like this, and even fewer that we can witness first-hand.  Experiencing the migration should sit firmly on everyone’s bucket list! ***Here are our top 5 fast facts:*** ### The herd is constantly on the move It’s a common misconception that the Great Migration only occurs for a few months each year. In actual fact, the animals are *always*on the move.  The great herds slow down slightly for about 8 weeks between January and March when around 500,000 calves are born into the herd. That’s about 8,000 a day! *(For a detailed map showing where the herd migrate, scroll to the bottom of this page)* The Migration from Serengeti Under Canvas Camp ### The grass is always greener The herd follow the rain in a huge 700-mile clockwise circle in pursuit of the freshest pasture. It’s the largest overland migration of mammals in the world. A dazzle of zebra ### There are still resident herds While the mega herd is always on the move, there are many resident herds of wildebeest, zebra and antelope that do not migrate.  This means that throughout the year you will always be able to find a resident herd. A game drive through the migration from Serengeti Under Canvas ### Harmonious grazers Zebra and wildebeest don’t compete for food - they eat different parts of the same grass. This allows them to migrate together in much larger herds. Zebra and wildebeest taking evasive action ### The circle of life The size of the herd remains stable over the year. Thousands of wildebeest are killed by predators while many others die from natural causes such as thirst, hunger and exhaustion.  There are over 3,000 lions alone currently living in the Serengeti! Wildebeest crossing the croc-infested rivers in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara ***The map below gives an overview of where the herds migrate throughout the year:*** Have you travelled to **[Tanzania](/destinations/tanzania)** or **[Kenya](/destinations/kenya)** to witness the Great Migration?  If so, we’d love to hear your stories. Drop us an email at [safari@bonamy.co.uk](mailto:safari@bonamy.co.uk). --- ## Contact Email: safari@bonamy.co.uk Phone (UK/EU): +44 (0) 20 3575 1098 Phone (US): +1 917 310 1920 Website: https://bonamy.co.uk