Tanzania: Great Migration
The incredible odyssey
The incredible survival odyssey of millions of animals looking for fertile land, pastures and water. Every year, huge herds of gnu, followed by zebras, big cats, hyenas and vultures, undertake a long and dangerous journey that from the green plains of Ndutu, where the baby animals are born, leads them to the rivers in the North, in the Kogatenge region.
Following the rains...
Following the rains, they cross fords, valleys and hills. Over a period of months they complete a circular journey, which every year is repeated exactly the same.
Already in April the newly born are capable of following the adults. In May huge herds of animals come together and start the migration following the endless trails.
Hundreds of crocodiles
Hundreds of crocodiles await their passing hidden in murky waters. It is already June and July when the animals reach the shores of the Grumeti and Mara. This is when one can witness one of the most natural and at the same time cruel spectacles on earth. It is like being on the set of a great documentary, the tension is palpable and vibrates strongly in the air.
The wait
The animals often remain blocked by terror of death or of raging currents for hours or even days. After several close attempts, one single gnu breaks ranks and dives in, challenging his destiny. Immediately behind him, in a compact group, his companions follow him.
From the silence of terror...
From the silence of terror, suddenly the thunder of millions of hooves and splashing water thrashed by hundreds of animals fighting for survival.
On the far bank, green pastures rich in food begin to be repopulated, after a whole year the cycle of life has repeated itself again. But there is no time to waste because a new one is about to begin!
