
Why do zebras and wildebeests migrate together during the annual migration?
Why do zebras and wildebeests migrate together during the annual migration? Surprisingly, migration began in 1960, which shows that the “great migration” is not as old as we think it is. About 2.5 million wildebeests and 32,000 zebras die every year because of the movement. The fact that zebras and wildebeest are good friends is one of the most interesting things about the great wildebeest movement that you should watch on a Kenya and a Tanzania safari.
Zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, and other animals also move every year as part of the Great Migration. It became the most well-known event in the world for wildlife shooters and other people who love animals. It’s not just about how to stay alive in the race of life; it also shows how well zebras and wildebeest get along. During the safari, both the wildebeest and the zebra use their senses to help each other stay alive.
If you want to see animals having fun and making friends, the Great Migration in Serengeti is the place to go on a safari. Let’s talk about some important facts about how the zebra and the wildebeest are related.
Each has their unique eating pattern.
Both the wildebeest and the zebra are herbivores, which means that they both eat plants. The zebra’s big front teeth help it eat the long grass, while the wildebeest’s mouth is designed to get the juice out of the short grass.
Both zebras and wildebeest eat the same kind of grass, but they eat different parts of it. The zebra and the wildebeest like to graze in open grasslands and open savannah meadows.
Each has their unique sense to alarm any threat.
The fact that wildebeest and zebra rely on each other for food and water is one of the most interesting things about the great wildebeest migration. The group of zebras travels with the wildebeest because they are good at spotting danger.
The wildebeest can hear and smell well, which helps them protect themselves from predators and find food. The zebra’s eyes are very good, so it can see any danger. The wildebeests have a swarm intelligence that lets them work together to solve problems.
The zebra is good at staying safe and finding its way around, while the wildebeest can find the water. During the journey, they stay safe because the wildebeest can hear well and are smart as a group, and the zebras can see well and remember things better.
More animals mean more security.
Zebras and wildebeests have made an agreement that can’t be broken. This has given them safety, food, and water on their migrations. More than 200,000 zebras and 1.5 million wildebeest travel together every year to escape the dangers of famine. Of course, there are less likely to be attacks when there are a lot more animals around. When they move, they also want to stick together for safety. Since wildebeest are smart as a group, they can avoid risks like crossing rivers or being out in the open. If the number of animals that migrate goes up, there are more ways to avoid an attack.
Why do wildebeest migrate?
Wildebeest move to places with better places to eat, like where the grass is greener. But the main reason is to go to a place where it is raining or will rain soon so that they can find water sources.
Wildebeest drink 9–12 litres of water every day or every other day, but they spend most of their time looking for water. This is one of their top goals, so it makes sense that they would move to meet this need. The weather and rains of the place they move to give them green grass and food sources.
Wildebeest and zebras need each other for safety, food, and water. Zebras have great eyesight, can see danger from far away, and have great memories, all of which help them live in the wild.
The stages of migration through the year.
Wildebeests, on the other hand, can hear and smell very well, which helps them avoid attackers and find food quickly. Wildebeests also have a very unique way of thinking as a group. They are very good at working as a group to solve problems.
Best time to watch the Serengeti migration.
Tourists should go on a Serengeti safari between June and October to see the “Great Migration.” In April and May, the Serengeti dries up, and at the same time, the herds start to move west towards the Grumeti River. The wildebeest and zebra groups have trouble crossing Grumeti River in June and July. This is the best time for visitors to see wild animals and watch the migration. The horses are on their way to the Mara River in August and September. When wildebeests and zebras graze in October, it looks even more beautiful. This is a great time to visit the Serengeti for tourists and people who love animals.

August, September and October.
Most animals cross Mara River to get to the Maasai Mara in August. After the crossing, you start to see the villages, though some people also live in the northern Serengeti.
Zebras and wildebeest – Mara River.
Undoubtedly, it is one of the tensest months, with more losses during migration. The current level dramatically influences the number of wildebeests that successfully cross. Still, crocodiles and predators waiting on the banks are other threats that claim some lives.
September and October are a time to get back on track, since most of the misunderstanding and chaos will be over by then. A lot of migrant groups are also moving to the east. But plans are made to cross the Mara River to the south again.
November and December.
When it rains in East Africa in late October or early November, the wildebeest move to the eastern parts of the Serengeti National Park. When December comes, the most wildebeest are in the eastern and southern zones.
At the end of the year, wildebeest groups are drawn to the grasslands of the southern Serengeti. This is part of a cycle that starts the birthing season.
