Photographer and regular contributor Nick Dale sent this dramatic footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while on safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
The Great Migration
Throughout the year in East Africa, a constantly unfolding spectacle amazes all who witness it. It begins on the southern plains of the Serengeti, where over half a million pregnant wildebeest drop their calves in a two-week window.
Later, the herd sets off on a 2000-kilometre round trip, chasing the rain in search of green pastures. Comprising over a million wildebeest and a similar number of zebra and various antelope species, the mixed herd must face many challenges.
Aside from thousands of predators that lie in wait, it is at the various river crossings that the migration reaches its dramatic climax.
In the image above, the first wildebeest reach the banks of the Mara River. However, its still waters give no hint of the drama that is to come.
A nervous pause
Meanwhile, exhausted but driven by instinct, the herd pauses at the river. Experience tells them that this is a dangerous place.
Massive crocodiles lurk below the surface. Predators wait in ambush on the banks.
Pressure builds
Behind the leaders, the rest of the herd amass. As a result, their relentless bellows urge them onwards, but who will be the first to take the plunge?
Consequently, like a trickle of water through a cracked dam wall, a narrow column of gnus tentatively makes their way across the river. At the water’s edge, and seeing the way ahead clear, others follow, pressed from behind by the growing throng.
Inevitably, the dam bursts.
With more and more wildebeest plunging into the water, the column splinters as the herd seeks to cross. Even as dozens cross, an endless stream continues to emerge from the treeline.
Over and onward
For those safely over, there is no pause for celebration. Instinct drives them relentlessly on. Soon, dust begins to fill the air as thousands of sharp hooves shred the soil.
Abandoned
Within the ordered ranks, there is confusion. One sub-adult calf, separated from its mother, turns against the tide in a futile bid to reunite. Sadly, she is long gone.
Predators will pick off hundreds of calves that fail to rejoin the living river. There is no mercy here, only survival.
Blind faith
The herd flows like water, following the path of least resistance. Following blindly, those who come after must place their trust in those before them. Some will be led to fortune, others to certain death.
By the time they return to the birthing plains, up to a quarter of a million will have died, sacrificed so that the herd may live.
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Lucky day
However, at this crossing point, the herd is lucky. For reasons unknown, there are no crocodiles present. The current may sweep some away, but the majority cross safely.
This is no small thing, as some crocodiles are thought to eat only when the herd passes.
Tsunami of life
As Nick’s video nears its end, the herd continues to arrive at the river. As dust swirls in the air, the scene is reminiscent of war.
At the same time, it is a scene of hope. The migration has been going on for thousands of years. Without it, the entire Serengeti-Mara ecosystem would wither and die.