This breathtaking landscape, set between vast lakes and immense volcanoes, forged by clashing continental land masses and a resultant rift valley, has been the backdrop for the migration for thousands of years. Known as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the annual migration is rated as 'one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth'.

Dr Dick Estes, an American biologist specialising in the behaviour of animals in mainland Africa, was on site at Singita Grumeti Reserves during the migration this year to share his knowledge with presentations on the behaviour of Serengeti Big Game, and to accompany guests on game drives through this pristine wilderness area.

He has a particular interest in wildebeest, and it is acknowledged that he is responsible for most of the world's knowledge of wildebeest behaviour. Rod East, the former co-chair of the IUCN-World Conservation Union, dubbed him the 'Guru of the Gnu'.

The annual great migration does not actually have a 'start' or an 'end', but rather runs in a circular motion throughout the year. From the Western Woodlands of the Grumeti concession in Northern Tanzania, it sees nearly two-million ungulates traverse the area that stretches into the Mara and Serengeti reserves in Southern Kenya.

Reaching the bushed grasslands of the Northern Mara during the short rainy season of October and November, this is the scene of the dramatic crossings of the perennial Mara River, especially with high water levels after good rains. This is followed by a short, dry season in December and January spent in the central Serengeti where reduced grazing sends herds Southwards again.

Up to 1.5-million wildebeest, as well as hundreds of thousands of zebra, Thomson's gazelle and smaller numbers of eland embark on this epic 12-month journey, covering between a total of 500 and 800-kilometres and walking as far as 60km in a day. A well defined grazing sequence determines the movement of the animals.

Generally the zebra, being coarse feeders, crop the longer grass down first after which wildebeest concentrate on the shorter shoots, while the Thomson's gazelles prefer the well grazed areas. And so they continuously migrate, moving in search of grazing.

Dr Estes obtained his doctorate in the late 1960s with a thesis on the wildebeest of the Ngorongoro Crater, in which he advanced the theory that the female estrus was triggered by the rumbling 'love call' of the males. Estes has spent most of the ensuing 40 years doing field work in Africa.

In 2004 he began a project in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institute to test his early theory using new advances in molecular chemistry. He is the author of two guides for travellers to Africa; 'The Safari Companion', and 'The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals', which is considered the standard reference of its kind.

Dr Estes chose to study wildebeest because he thought they were 'the most interesting' animals he knew, particularly in their rutting behaviour. "The rut (from the Latin Rugire ? 'to roar') is a chaotic event with lots of vocalizing, a frenzy of approximately 250 000 bulls covering 500 000 cows in about four to five weeks, with conception rates of up to 90 percent," he says.

In February, with the onset of the long rains, the huge herds will have reached the short grass plains of the Southern Serengeti (the Maasai word serenget means 'endless plain'). Here the wildebeest cows give birth after an eight-month gestation period.

The mighty herds feed on the mineral rich grasses to build up energy reserves for lactating, marching and mating, before the endless circle of life and movement continues in a North Westerly direction during the long, dry season from June to September.

Travel advisor

Singita Grumeti Reserves is a 340 000 acre private concession comprising three luxury lodges. With a mild, temperate climate, quintessential savannah scenery and only three lodges on an area almost the size of the entire Mara National Park, Singita Grumeti Reserves is a unique and exclusive destination, which is highly sought after by affluent, intrepid travellers wanting an authentic, exclusive East African safari experience.

Sasakwa is a member of Relais & Chateaux, and is the flagship in the exclusive trio of luxury lodges of Singita Grumeti Reserves. Perched on a hilltop with awe-inspiring views of the Serengeti plains, the lodge is built in the style of a 1900s East African ranch house with dramatic chandeliers, leather and sparkling crystal adding plush opulence to ten deluxe cottages and suites that have between one and four bedrooms each.

Whilst Sasakwa is essentially luxurious, Sabora Tented Camp offers elegant simplicity and laid-back romance. Situated on the flatness of the Serengeti plains, the camp has been designed around a 1920s style. Beautifully decorated with European finery and ethnic artifacts, six lavish tents evoke a sense of adventure where soft canvas separates you from the wild, while cocooned in the most luxurious creature comforts.

Overlooking a watering hole and the Grumeti River, intimate Faru Faru has been built in the style of a classic East African safari camp, accommodating only 21 guests. The local influence is ever present, inspired by rock formations said to have been left behind by ancient people. The elevated viewing decks over the water hole mean that viewing game without even leaving your lodge is an option, and a Swahili-inspired 'beach' offers the opportunity for some serious barefoot rest and relaxation.

In addition to exceptional game drives and walks, other activities offered at Singita Grumeti include archery, tennis, hot-air ballooning, a fully equipped spa and gym and a jogging track, as well as community tours to various projects initiated and supported by the Grumeti Community and Wildlife Conservation Fund.

Sasakwa furthermore boasts a state-of-the art Equestrian Centre that offers guided horseback safaris, taking experienced riders through the vast, game-rich plains where up close and personal sightings and magnificent wildlife encounters await.

For more information on the Singita properties in the region, visit www.singita.com or call +27 21 683 3424.