Watch Live As Millions Of Wildebeest And Zebras Attempt To Cross The Mara River While Avoiding Hungry Crocodiles

Every spring, as the drought starts to bite, around 2 million wildebeest, zebras, and antelope begin their journey from Tanzania into Kenya. Following the rains in a roughly circular route, the animals migrate from the Serengeti in the south to the Maasai Mara in the north.

As the vast herds of animals follow the green grass across the landscape, so do their numerous predators. Lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas all prey on the herds as they pass, picking off the tired and elderly, as well as newborn calves.  

The near-continuous cycle also involves some incredibly high-stakes moments.

One of the most significant is when the wildebeest and zebras come up against the Mara River. This river flows for 395 kilometers (245 miles) through open grasslands, including across the Masai Mara and eventually the Serengeti.

The sides are generally steep, funneling animals into the few sections that are easier to cross. Unfortunately for the migrating herds, it isn't just the turbulent river they need to contend with, but the countless crocodiles that lie in wait at these choke points.

The timings of these crossings are highly variable. Depending on the seasonal rains and the build-up of the herds as they move and merge, wildlife watchers can wait for hours. Often, the animals will congregate on one side, pushing forwards and backwards as they hesitate to cross.

Eventually, one animal will take the plunge and the others in the herd will follow suit, surging in the river as they desperately try to reach the other side.  

The brutal scenes that play out as wildebeest struggle against the currents and crocodiles have been the focus of countless nature documentaries and safaris, but you no longer have to travel to see it.

Thanks to Africam, you can watch the events unfold live from your very own home, as the organization's cameras are trained on one of the most iconic and high-traffic crossing points along the Mara River. If nothing's happening on the live cam when you happen to take a look, you can also check out the past highlights here.

Discretion is advised, however, as the crocodile attacks are astonishingly savage when the crossings are in full swing. Often, multiple reptiles will indiscriminately grab the animals as they attempt to cross, pulling them down beneath the water to drown them before engaging in their characteristic death rolls.

Of course, this is all part of the ruthless life-and-death struggle that plays out right across the Serengeti-Mara complex each and every year.

While an estimated 250,000 animals are killed during the migration, it is thought that up to 500,000 calves are born each year as the wildebeest winter in the Serengeti. It is this dramatic cycle that maintains one of the greatest shows on Earth.