How Dramatic Are the Wildebeest River Crossings? What happens when the wildebeest try to cross the Mara River?

What is the Great Wildebeest Migration? The Great Wildebeest Migration, also sometimes referred to as the “Greatest Show on Earth,” is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on earth.  Each year travelers from all over the world visit Kenya and Tanzania to witness this natural spectacular unfold. Annually over 1.5 millions wildebeests are accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, embark on a long round trek across Tanzania Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve (Serengeti-Mara ecosystem). At the heart of this natural migration lies one of the most dramatic and perilous spectacles; the dramatic wildebeest river crossings at the Mara River and Grumeti River. The dramatic river crossing is a must see for most wildlife safari enthusiasts visiting Kenya and Tanzania to witness this natural phenomena. You might however wonder ‘How Dramatic Are the Wildebeest River Crossings?’

How Dramatic Are the Wildebeest River Crossings? As the large herds move a cross the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, one of the biggest hurdles faced on their journey is the dramatic river crossings. How Dramatic Are the Wildebeest River Crossings? The wildebeest river crossings are not just physical barriers but dramatic battlefields where nature’s most primal forces come into play and only the strongest and lucky ones survive. What happens as the wildebeest try to cross the crocodile infested rivers? How Dramatic Are the Wildebeest River Crossings? The river crossings are filled with chaos, desperation, and survival instincts at their peak. The sheer scale of the event, combined with the life-threatening obstacles the wildebeests must overcome are undeniably the most breathtaking wildlife event on earth– a must see during wildebeest migration safaris/Wildlife Safaris in East Africa.

What is the experience like witnessing the dramatic Wildebeest River crossings?

The river crossing are the major highlights of this spectacular even and the experience is like no other – a must witness on a wildebeest migration safari. After large herds of mammals arrive at the river banks, they gather here for hours or even days before deciding to take the plunge. As they congregate at the river banks, there is lot of tension and you’ll witness them in hesitation because of the high risk and danger that awaits in these dramatic rivers. The wildebeest hesitation stems from the dangers that lie ahead including, the strong currents, steep riverbanks, and lurking predators that lie in wait on the other side of the river.

As the pressure from the predators, and lack of any other pastures to feed on at the river banks, the wildebeest and their entourage (zebras & gazelles) will be left with no choice but to take on the challenge and plunge into the river. What is the experience like witnessing the dramatic Wildebeest River crossings? As they gather at the river banks, you’ll see thousands of wildebeests pacing back and forth, snorting anxiously, and braying in unison creating an atmosphere of suspense that is almost unbearable among these mammal but spectacular to watch on your Wildlife safari tour/Wildebeest Migration Safari tour. After a long time of hesitation, one wildebeest will take a leap of faith and plunge through the stiff cliff into the dramatic waters and the rest of the wildebeest will follow.

The Mara River and its notorious currents: How Dramatic Are the Wildebeest River Crossings?

The Mara River originates from the Napuiyapi swamp which has the Amala and the Nyangores as its main tributaries, draining water from the Mau Escarpment. The sheer power of the river adds to the drama. The Amala and the Nyangores rivers flow out from the Mau Escarpment and converge to form the Mara River, between northern Tanzania and Kenya. This river is one of the most dramatic obstacles that the migrating wildebeest are faced by on their long round trek. The Mara River is known for its swift currents, which can easily sweep away young or weak individuals and a healthy population of large Nile crocodiles.

During the dramatic river crossing, wildebeest struggle against the force of the water, their eyes wide with fear as they attempt to keep their heads above the surface. The weak onse usually get trapped between rocks, while others drown from exhaustion and force from the fast running water. Before the wildebeest crossing, the river, is calm and clean but after the wildebeest crossing, it turns into a chaotic, churning mass of hooves, horns, and bodies fighting against the current.

The Giant Nile Crocodiles that wait patiently in the River waters

The Mara River is known for its health population of giant Nile crocodiles, with some of the largest found here. During the massive wildebeest migration, one of the most fearsome dangers lurking in the Mara River waters is the Nile crocodile that lie patietly in wait for opportunities to make a kill. The Nile crocodile in here are large and measure over 15 feet in length. What do crocodile do when the wildebeest start plunging in the River? The moment the wildebeest hesitates or falters, a crocodile surges from the depths, clamping its powerful jaws around its prey.

At this moment, you’ll witness an ensuing struggle in a dramatic contest of strength between the crocodile and the wildebeest, as the crocodile attempts to drag the wildebeest under while the desperate wildebeest kicks and thrashes in an attempt to break free. In most cases the crocodiles always emerge as the winners in this battle. Adding to the experience of the viewing large herds of mammal grazers, the river crossing becomes even more gruesome as these brutal encounters unfold in the Mara Rive.

A chaotic Reception at Masai Mara National Reserve & Serengeti National Park

Finally after making it to the other side of the river, the large herds arrive to a chaotic reception of large predators (lions, leopards, and cheetahs) that are in wait to prey on the exhausted wildebeest. Since the wildebeest are always exhausted from the dramatic river crossing, predators exploit the wildebeests’ exhaustion, launching surprise attacks to pick off the weakest individuals.