The Great Migration

What may be one of the greatest shows on Earth is the annual migration of wildlife in the Masai Mara in Kenya. 60 Minutes and Scott Pelley had a chance to witness this natural spectacle, along with photographer Robert M. Greene, who shared the following pictures.

These wildebeest are making a 350-mile trek from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and back again.

The reason for the long and dangerous trek? Grass and water can still be found in the Masai Mara.

In this dry and unforgiving landscape, vultures are keeping a watchful eye for what may be their next meal.

And there are significant dangers. At one point the wildebeest have to cross the Mara River, which is "patrolled" by crocodiles, some 15 feet long.

The feeding is so plentiful for the crocs, that their food needs are met for several months. The wildebeest used to swim across the river, but a major drop in the water level now allows them to wade through. Often crocodiles use these shallow points to wait for their prey.

But not just wildebeest and crocs inhabit this area. It is home to cheetahs...

...lions...

...the Thomson gazelle...

...zebras...

...and elephants.

There are also water buffalo. Apparently, these magnificent creatures are quite aggressive: a day after this photo was taken, a water buffalo nearly killed a games keeper.

Majestics giraffes also grace the Masai Mara.

And the ever-present vultures are keeping a look out for a meal.

Here, they can be seen sharing a carcass with a hyena.

Also present are hippopotami. Turns out they are apparently quite safe from crocodiles.

While there, our team managed to witness magnificent African sunsets.

Our team managed to get quite close to the herds by using hot air balloons. Unlike planes and helicopters, which scare the animals, balloons are much more silent.

Producer Henry Schuster and correspondent Scott Pelley.

Rebecca Peterson, looking very lady-like in the wilderness, said that at night one doesn't hear crickets or cicadas - instead it's a wildlife symphony, complete with the occasional roar of the lion.