The Tragic Migration: To Survive, One Must First Cross Death

Millions of animals march across the savannah in massive herds, each parade a spectacular sight. This awe-inspiring phenomenon is known as the "Great Migration" in East Africa, hailed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — a breathtaking spectacle you must witness at least once in your lifetime.

In search of food and to escape the dry season, herbivores from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park begin their “follow-the-grass” journey in mid-to-late May each year. They migrate northwestward, chasing fresh grass and water sources, all the way to Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Over 200,000 wild zebras lead the way, followed by a million wildebeest and 500,000 gazelles. These three great animal armies trek over 3,000 kilometers through nearly untouched wilderness in their struggle for survival. Once the grass is depleted, they turn southward, retracing their steps back to the Serengeti plains, repeating this cycle year after year.

The Great Migration, led by wild zebras. (Photo: DAGUI Images)

To cross may mean death, but not to cross means no survival. (Photo: DAGUI Images)

The migration is a brutal journey where death and new life unfold in turn. During the calving season in June, many newborns are born along the migration route. But closely trailing these herbivores are fierce predators waiting for an easy meal — packs of lions, cheetahs, and hyenas lurking in the grass, ready to pounce on the right moment. The law of the jungle plays out in real time. Yet the dangers don’t end there. Crocodiles dwelling in the Mara River lie in wait, especially when wildebeest attempt to cross. With gaping jaws, they drag their prey into the water and tear them apart, earning the crossing the grim nickname “the Crossing of Death.” For these wild animals, migration is both a journey of hope and a test of survival.

Though the journey is wild, perilous, tragic, and cruel, it remains one of nature’s greatest migratory events. The elephants, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes, and other wildlife that inhabit these pristine lands are equally astonishing. Trading hunting rifles for cameras, this is a trip you’ll never regret.

Take to a hot air balloon and capture the sights with your eyes and camera. (Photo: DAGUI Images)