[PHOTOS] Ruto presides over global coverage of 2025 Wildebeest migration

Every year, over two million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate across Serengeti in TZ to Maasai Mara

by Allan Kisia

In-pictures24 July 2025 - 13:35

In Summary

The migration begins in Tanzania on the Ndutu Plains and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
During the early months of the year, just after the short rains, it is calving season for the wildebeest.

President William Ruto presides over the global coverage launch of the 2025 Great Wildebeest Migration at Maasai Mara National Reserve in Narok County on July 24, 2025/PCS

President William Ruto on July 24 presided over the global coverage launch of the 2025 Great Wildebeest Migration at Maasai Mara National Reserve in Narok.

Every year, over two million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate across the Serengeti in Tanzania, heading north to the Maasai Mara in Kenya in search of better grazing lands.

The migration begins in Tanzania on the Ndutu Plains and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

During the early months of the year, just after the short rains, it is calving season for the wildebeest.

It is estimated that 500,000 calves are born during these six weeks.

As the plains start to dry up, the wildebeest and other grazing mammals head north from Ngorongoro towards the Serengeti, moving clockwise as they work their way up towards the Maasai Mara.

Driven by the search for fresh grazing and water, the migration follows the rains and is a continuous cycle, with the herds moving clockwise through the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya.

President William Ruto presides over the global coverage launch of the 2025 Great Wildebeest Migration at Maasai Mara National Reserve in Narok County on July 24, 2025/PCS

July to October is when the wildebeest migration reaches its peak, with herds crossing the Mara River into the Masai Mara National Reserve.

August is often cited as the peak month for witnessing the river crossing.

Driven by instinct and resilience, the animals brave challenging terrain, river crossings, and constant threats from animals like lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, and crocodiles.

The migrations are often described as one of nature’s greatest displays.

President William Ruto presides over the global coverage launch of the 2025 Great Wildebeest Migration at Maasai Mara National Reserve in Narok County on July 24, 2025/PCS