Annual Wildebeest Migration

Migration news: Rain in Southern Serengeti

2011-12-17T11:11:00.000-08:00

There has been heavy rainfall over the Serengeti. The main migrating herds are located on Ndutu grass plains, but are spread across the entire south eastern Serengeti - from the western slopes of Ngorongoro Crater, to Kusini, and south as far as Maswa Game Reserve.

Safari gameviewing is a challenge (but rewarding) at the moment. A lot of the area is muddy and some of the small tracks have been closed. Safari enthusiasts will have to endure a lot of rain. But the big advantage is that the Serengeti is abandoned by most travellers. You will have the plains to yourself! This is foaling season. There will soon be 10s of thousands of wildebeest foals across the Ndutu Plains. The cats will be around picking off the weak and isolated.#

The best camps to be located at the moment are the permanent camps in the southern and central Serengeti. We recommend avoiding mobile camps that are generally not set up to handle the rain.

At this time we recommend:Kusini Camp - A luxury tented camp south west of the Ndutu Plains.Ndutu Lodge - A basic, but comfortable camp close to the migration.The annual migration will be located in the southern Serengeti for the next few months until the rain subsides and the young new foals get enough strength to start the move west and noth-west.

Migration news: Wildebeest in central Serengeti

2011-11-23T02:44:00.001-08:00

The migration has moved south to the central Serengeti around Seronera. There are also large herds between Naabi, Gol Kopjes and Golini. The good rains means that the wildebeest will continue moving south into the southern Serengeti and base themselves around the Ndutu plains. Ndutu Plains has short grass plains and the richest grazing throughout the Serengeti/Masai Mara migratory eco-system. This is there preferred location during the rainy months and this is where they will remain until about March or April. They will foal in the Southern Serengeti in December/January.

Video of the migration in September

2011-09-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

Video of the migration in the Serengeti in September (2010).

Migration in the Masai Mara

2011-09-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

The Mara River is still flowing strongly and the Masai Mara is green and supporting huge herds of wildebeest and zebra. The herds are crossing the Mara River on a daily basis, often unsuccessfully. Carcass can be seen dragged down the fast flowing river. The herds are in the central Masai Mara and northern Serengeti. It looks like they will remain here for a few weeks more, at least until the grasslands turn dry and they start to get drawn south towards the Serengeti in search of better pastures. The best camps at this time are the camps around the Mara River or Talek River or northern Serengeti: Masai Mara Camps: Mara Intrepid Camp Governor's Camp Olonana Tented Camp Serengeti Camps: Klein's Camp Serengeti Under Canvas

Migration Report from Governor's Camp

2011-07-05T02:34:00.001-07:00

Report from Governor's Camp in the Masai Mara:

On the 1st July 2011 many wildebeest took the plunge and crossed the Mara River at the Sand River area of the Mara. The zebra are not far behind and could be with us very soon.

The elephant families and their calves have spread out within the Musiara Marsh, Bila Shaka and riverine woodlands of the Mara River. Good numbers have been spending their time in the Acacia woodlands in the Koiyaki conservancy, close to where we do our walking safaris. The swamp is still a good place to see elephant feeding and bathing and there are two large bull elephant that frequent in the Marsh and Bila Shaka areas close to Governors' Camp. But we expect that as the wildebeest migration begins to arrive the elephant will move away to quiter areas.

Most of the herbivores are staying in the short grass areas of Bila Shaka and Topi Plains, here the grass is green and they can see predators approaching. The woodlands close to our camps are home to giraffe, and there are also lots of giraffe in the acacia woodlands bordering the reserve. Good numbers of Cokes Hartebeest graze on the plains and many of the resident zebra are in the southern Koiyaki areas where grasses are still short and green due to the little rain they have had.

Warthog and their eight month old piglets are abundant all over the short grass plains, close to our camps. A few of them have been seen being chased into their bolt holes by lion and then often get they get dug out and eaten; the Marsh Pride have been eating many adults and piglets.

The large breeding herd of Cape Buffalo estimated at over 500 animals is still on the Eastern grassland plains of Rhino Ridge and Bila Shaka; grasses here are a little longer and well suited for buffalo. We have had excellent sightings of black rhino; a large male, and a younger male have been in the Paradise area and there are good numbers of eland on Paradise Plains and in the conservation areas of Koiyaki.

Topi, with their seven/eight month old calves, are on Topi plains and Emarti which is the southern end of Rhino Ridge.

Spotted hyena are frequently near to lion kills, or it is the other way around? On the Paradise plains as many as 40 Hyena have been seen at a time, with numbers like these the hyena clans will compete strongly with the resident lion.

We have also enjoyed some sightings this month of an Egyptian Mongoose. Officially named Serpentine Herpestrines, because their long tails drag along the ground giving them a serpentine look they are generally very nocturnal in their feeding habits, so it is a fairly rare treat to see them during the day.

Report courtesy of Governor's Camp

Migration report from Lemala Camps

2011-07-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

Lemala Ewanjan and Lemala Mara - migration
The migration is currently split 3 ways. The lead herd is in the Bologonja and Kleins area (northern Serengeti), heading rapidly towards Wogakuria and Kogatende. Another herd is between Grumeti and Iloma areas slowly starting to move up north. The trailing herd is still between Makoma Hills near Lemala Ewanjan and Seronera area.

There is excellent plains game around Lemala Ewanjan and as a result there is lots of predator activity. Lions and leopards can be heard almost daily near the camp. On Monday, a cheetah in a hunting mode was spotted about 0.5km from the camp and suddenly exploded into a full sprint, bringing down a wildebeest foal right in front of the Lemala vehicle. The next day a male lion was spotted by guests around the dining tent having a good whiff of the delicious Lemala food, eventually trotting off towards Ewanjan's seasonal waterhole. A leopard with 2 cubs are now a common sight near the staff tents at night when the guests are asleep. The cubs are still very shy but the mother feels very comfortable around the camp.

Meanwhile, Lemala Mara guests who have had game drives in the Lamai Wedge and around Wogakuria kopjes have had excellent sightings of resident wildebeest, several large prides of lions, a group of cheetahs, hippos and crocs. Guests have enjoyed watching ellies while having outdoor lunches. Groups of zebras have started arriving and within a few days we are expecting the wildebeest to thunder past the camp and across the river a few hundred meters away. One can literally feel the tension in the air as we wait for the drama to unfold.

Report courtesy of Lemala Camps

Migration News: Wildebeest arrive in Masai Mara

2011-06-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

The highlight of the Great Annual Migration has begun! Wildebeest and zebra have been seen arriving into the Masai Mara and moving towards the Mara River. Small numbers have been crossing around the Sand River.

The main herds are still in the Serengeti spread from Seronera (central Serengeti) towards the Grumeti (western Serengeti eco-system) and the border with the Masai Mara (northern Serengeti).

All safari enthusiasts and conservationist look forward to this time, the highlight of the year in terms of the wildebeest migration. Millions of wildebeest and zebra will soon be squashed into the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara. They will zig-zag across the grasslands crossing the Mara River and Talek River often. The crocodiles will ly in wait and pick off the weak and unlucky. Similarly, big cats will wait on the far side of the river waiting for exhausted wildebeest and zebra which make easy prey.

This is the start of the high season in the Masai Mara. Huge numbers is tourists will visit to see the migration - so expect company if you plan to travel.

The migration usually stays around the northern eco-system until October, when they will start moving east and then south.

Migration news: Central Serengeti

2011-05-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

The herds have started moving west and are currently from Serona in the central Serengeti moving west towards the western corridor. There are also large herds moving in a north westerly direction. The grazing is still good in the central Serengeti, for the time being, keeping the wildebeest in the area. As the rains start to dissipate and move west, the herds will follow. Over the next month we expect them to move rapidly through the western Serengeti and Grumeti Reserve, hopefully crossing the Grumeti River in the coming weeks. They will then make their way northwards in search of better grazing and water in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara (Kenya).
The best camps to use at the moment are the mobile tented camps. Central Serona also has a number of large safari hotels, but these do not provide an authentic safari experience (in our opinion).

Heavy rains in the central Serengeti

2011-05-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

The wildebest are around Moru Kopjes, Simiyu and the southern Moru area. Heavy rains around Seronera in the central Serengeti will finally encourage the wildebeest to start moving towards the central Serengeti. Due to the wet conditions, the best camps are still the permanent structured camps that have the facilities to deal with rain and muddy conditions. The central Serengeti is the location to see the migration in the coming weeks.

Migration update: Starting to head west

2011-04-27T07:38:00.001-07:00

The herds have slowly started heading west towards Kusini. Is this the start of the migration from the southern Serengeti towards Grumeti?

Wildebeest settled on the Ndutu Plains

2011-02-11T01:06:00.000-08:00

The southern Serengeti is wet and green. The main herds of wildebeest are settled on the Ndutu Plains enjoying the lush grasslands. There are also herds around Moru, Kusini and east towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Reserve.

Safari guest should be prepared to get wet at this time of year. But, in return, visitors will be rewarded with some of the most stunning and spectacular scenery and game viewing the Serengeti has to offer. The permanent camps are probably better equipped to handle the rain at this time of year. Kusini Camp is a good option.

News: Rain in the southern Serengeti

2011-01-14T05:59:00.000-08:00

The main wildebeest herds are grazing on the lush grass of Ndutu plains, but the migration is spread across the southern Serengeti. The seasonal rains have set in and are providing good grazing across the south. Going is soft and wet for safari vehicles, but game viewing has been good with lots of predators circling the static herds.

Update: Migration in Southern Serengeti

2011-01-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

Wildebeest are spread across the southern Serengeti. Rains across the region means that grazing is good over a wide area, from the outer slopes of Ngorongoro Crater, across Ndutu Plains and Gol Kopje. The migration is scattered and enjoying the nutrition rich grasses. They are fairly static and will only move around the southern Serengeti following the rains and new grass shoots. They will remain in this region until after the calving season and until the rains dry up in March/April.

Going on safari at this time can be rewarding for the hardy. The rains mean that it is not a typical African safari experience...sun and safari. But, gameviewing is excellent and tourist numbers are low, at times giving one the feeling that you are alone in the Serengeti!

Migration news: Central Serengeti

2010-11-26T10:08:00.000-08:00

There has been some rain in the central and southern Serengeti. The herds are moving south towards the Ndutu Plains. The majority of the migrating wildebeest are between Lobo, Seronera and the western perimeter of the Loliondo Game Controlled Area. The grazing is sustaining the herds, but more rain is required to turn the plains lush green. In the coming weeks the herds should arrive in the Ndutu Plains area where they will stay until March/April next year.

Game viewing is good, with many sightings of predators who track the migrating herds. The rain is moderate, not affecting roads too badly for safari guests.

Herds Return to the Serengeti

2010-10-24T23:55:00.000-07:00

The vast herds of Wildebeest have returned to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Serengeti Under Canvas is ideally located to take advantage of the excitement that surrounds the migration

Migration update: Mara River

2010-10-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

The migration is still in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara along the Mara river. Large herds have also been seen moving south through the northern Serengeti.

Lots of rain in the Masai Mara

2010-09-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

There has been quite a lot of rain over the past few weeks. Grazing in the Masai Mara is still good and the Mara and Talek Rivers are flowing strongly. This makes the crossing of the Mara River even more treacherous for the crossing wildebeest and zebra.

The main herds are in the northern Masai Mara (and into the private reserves that border the Mara), but there are also large numbers of herds starting the migration south east into the northern Serengeti and Loliondo Game Controlled Area. The migrating herds are likely to start moving south soon while the resident herds with move north towards Loita where they will remain for the rest of the year.

Migration spread across the Mara and Serengeti

2010-09-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

The wildebeest and zebra are spread across the Masai Mara and northern Serengeti. The recent rains have encouraged the migration to return to the Mara Triangle to find grazing. There are still large herds in the private reserves and concessions around the north eastern border of the Mara. Huge herds have also moved south into the Serengeti and the Loliondo Game Controlled Area.
The movement of game is always good for safari guest watching the migration as it means the wildebeest cross the Mara and Talek Rivers more often. The wildebeest have been seen cross the rivers on a regular basis, with some herds crossing multiple times in one day.

THE HERDS ARE ON THE MOVE!

2010-08-23T01:17:00.000-07:00

The vast majority of the wildebeest are now in the eastern Masai Mara where they are enjoying better grazing. There are however still a few straglers crossing the Mara River and grazing in the Mara Triangle. Keekorok Lodge and Kitchwa Tembo are ideally located to see the herds

River Crossings Every Day!!!

2010-08-18T03:47:00.000-07:00

The unusual weather patterns are making for spectacular sightings of the wildebeest crossing the Mara River. The herds are crossing back and forth between Kenya and Tanzania sometimes a few times a day in search of better grazing. Guests staying at Kitchwa Tembo and Serengeti Under Canvas are having unbelievable experiences.

Migration News: Mara River crossings continue

2010-08-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

The annual migration is in full swing with huge numbers of wildebeest and zebra in the Masai Mara and northern Serengeti. There are large herds around the Mara Triangle, Meta Plains and along the north eastern border of the Masai Mara National Game Reserve. There are large herds in the private ranches and conservancies that border the National Reserve, notably Olare Orok Conservancy.

Wildebeest have been crossing the Mara River and Talek River on a daily basis. The Mara River has consumed a large number of wildebeest, most getting killed in the stampedes while cross the river.

The highlight of the migration season also means that it draws large numbers of safari enthusiasts chasing the best location to see the river crossings. Some of the cross points can be over-run. The best way to enjoy the Masai Mara at the moment is to divide your time between the camps close to the Mara or Talek River (e.g. Mara Intrepid Camp, Mara Explorer Camp) and the camps in the private conservancies (e.g. Porini Lion Camp). This gives you a chance to be close to the river crossing, but also allows you time to get away from the other safari tourists.

Migration video from a hot air balloon

2010-08-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

Interesting video of the migration crossing the Mara River.

Migration constantly crossing the Mara and Talek rivers

2010-07-26T01:05:00.000-07:00

The migration is in full swing with wildebeest and zebra as far as the eye can see. The Mara Triangle is overflowing with migrating herds. The herds have been criss-crossing the Mara River and Talek River over the past few weeks. They will often cross the river multiple times in one day looking for the best grazing. Rain on one side of the river sees a major movement of the herds in the expectation of better grazing.
The most dramatic crossings have been seen at Paradise Crossing, and generally between Fig Tree Camp and Intrepids Camp. Crocodiles and lions have been very active making easy kills on a daily basis.
There are large herds around Talek Gate, Lookout Hill, Central Plains, Meta Plains and Olmisigiyio.

Annual Migration Highlight has started!

2010-06-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

The wildebeest and zebra have entered the Masai Mara in large numbers over the past few days! This is earlier than expected and earlier than "normal".
This is the start of the highlight of the annual migration season: The migration from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara and the Mara River crossing. The wildebeest have not yet started crossing the Mara River, but safari guides are expecting this to happen in the next few days. With the lack of water in the western and southern Masai Mara, the wildebeest will quickly move north and cross the Mara River. The crocodiles are waiting!

There are still large herds in the Serengeti and there has been some rain.
The main herds have been entering the Masai Mara from the Sand River and moving north and west.

The best safari camps for the migration at this time are:
Keekorok Lodge: The migration is all around this lodge at the moment and rangers have a hard job clearing the airstrip for each landing and take off. This is a large camp and not for those looking for an exclusive intimate safari experience.

Migration Update: Central and Eastern Serengeti

2010-06-02T01:04:00.000-07:00

This season has seen unusual rain patterns. Rains have continued on through May, which is very unusual. This has meant that the wildebeest remained in the southern Serengeti (around Ndutu) until later than usual. As can be seen by the migration map, they are now spread out across a wide area of the Serengeti. Some small herds have crossed the Grumeti River (western Serengeti), other have gone directly north toward Lobo, while the large bulk of the wildebeest and zebra are in the central Serengeti (Seronera).

The general movement tends to be west through June (towards Grumeti) and then north into the Masai Mara (July/August), but with the good rains the wildebeest can find grazing across a much wider area this season.

The Grumeti River crossing has not yet kicked off properly, but safari guides are expecting this to happen in the coming week(s).

Migration news: Wildebeest moving from Ndutu

2010-04-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

Finally, and later than "normal", the migration has started to leave Ndutu heading west and north west. The herds are stretched from Ndutu in the east, across the southern Serengeti to Grumeti in the west. Some herds have started crossing the Grumeti River. From here they will move into the Grumeti Reserve before making their way north.

Large herds are also moving north west from Ndutu and will move through Seronera towards the Masai Mara.

Rains keep the migration around Ndutu

2010-04-09T03:59:00.000-07:00

The decent rains over the past month has meant that the short grass plains around the southern Serengeti are still able to feed the herds. They will stay here until they are forced to move due to the lack of grazing. The "norm" is that the wildebeest would already have started moving in large numbers, but in the past few years this has been happening later than normal. We are still waiting for the main migration to start moving west and north west, but for the moment they remain around Ndutu.
Safari guests have been enjoying superb gameviewing with predators enjoying the abundance of wildebeest and their vulnerable foals.

Migration starting to move

2010-03-11T07:26:00.000-08:00

The main migration herds are still around Ndutu, but a number of large pockets of wildebeest have started moving west and north west.

As the rains start to dissipate more of the herds will start leaving the southern Serengeti.

The best camps to be based at the moment are:
Premium camps -
Kusini tented camp
Tanzania under Canvas

Economy private tented camps -
Mobile private tented camp: A great choice for safari enthusiasts who want to see the migration without the need for all the superfluos luxuries.

Rain in Ndutu

2010-03-01T13:58:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of rain around Ndutu, Masek and the Ngorongoro slopes. This is keeping the main wildebeest herds in the southern Serengeti. There are lots of foals getting stronger for the journey north.

A safari at this time of year is always challenging as the roads are muddy and a number of them have been closed by the rangers. Game viewing is excellent with huge herds across the plains and plenty of predators tracking them.

The best place to be based is for a safari is around Ndutu, Kusini or Seronera.

Herds starting to head towards Grumeti

2010-02-24T01:45:00.000-08:00

Small pockets of herds have started moving west towards the western corridor of the Serengeti. The main herds are still in the Ndutu area, but will also start moving in the coming weeks. They normally head west or north west (towards Seronera) around this time.

Calving season in the Serengeti

2010-01-22T01:33:00.000-08:00

This is the rainy season in the Serengeti and this season has seen its fair share of rain. The southern Serengeti is green and lush with excellent grazing for the wildebeest herds. There are literally wildebeest as far as the eye can see on the Ndutu Plains. The herds stretch from Oldupai in the east, Ndutu and towards Seronera, the Golini Plain and Lake Masek.

This is calving season in the Serengeti and there are young foal everywhere. The wildebeest pick this time of year to foal as the conditions are perfect with lots of lush grass and water. The foals will have a month or two to gather their strength before beginning to long migration north to the Masai Mara.

Due to the heavy rains, the ground is muddy and moving around is hard going. A safari at this time of year is challenging with a lot of tracks too muddy to traverse. It can be a rewarding time for the safari die-hards as you will have the Serengeti to yourself. But expect rain!

The best safari camps to be based at are the permanent camps rather than tented camps - for obvious reasons - the tented camps can get quite muddy without permanent footpaths and structures. Having said that, a number of mobile operators do do a great job in setting up robust camps.

Recommended locations include: Seronera, Ndutu

Rain in the Serengeti

2009-12-03T01:07:00.000-08:00

There has been rain throughout the Serengeti. The herds are moving south towards the Ndutu plains where the grass is now starting to look lush. The are located across the eastern corridor of the Serengeto and into Loliondo Game Controlled area.

Gameviewing is excellent. The best places to be based are at Seronera or in the private tented camps in Loliondo.

Migration heading south

2009-11-19T14:33:00.000-08:00

There has been been heavy rains across the Masai Mara and Serengeti. The herds are spread across a wide area. There are still huge numbers of wildebeest and zebra in the Masai Mara, north of the Mara River, but there are also large herds around the western Serengeti (towards the Grumeti) and the central Serengeti heading south towards Ndutu.

Migration update: Drought conditions in Kenya

2009-09-26T00:53:00.000-07:00

In response to recent concern in the media about the drought situation in Kenya, Offbeat Safari Camps have issued this update on the situation on the ground in Kenya:

Whilst we appreciate that some areas of Kenya may be struggling due to drought conditions this is not affecting in any way the experience that our guests are having whilst staying at any of Offbeat's properties.

It is dry in Kenya right now as a lot of areas did not get the usual rain in April and May. However, this happens every few years. The forecast is that the short November rains are going to arrive early, in October, and should continue through November too, so we’ve just got a few more weeks to wait – if the forecast is right! At the moment game viewing is spectacular as the game is concentrated near water. We hope that the below description of the areas in which we operate will help to reassure you and encourage you to send more clients to Kenya.

The Maasai Mara from Piers Winkworth – owner of Offbeat Mara Camp

Again the Mara is very dry and this has no doubt been reported on a fair bit. In particular reference to the river being low and the Mau forest being encroached on.

Around the camp (in our Offbeat valley) game viewing has been and continues to be excellent. Our Offbeat lions are seen at close quarters by car and horse almost every day, our 7 resident buffalo come into camp at night as usual, elephants come and go, leopard are seen more frequently and are becoming more habituated to our cars. This valley of 1,000 or so acres is exclusive to Offbeat Safaris (Offbeat Mara and the riding safaris). Outside this area the wider North Mara Conservancy (formerly known as Koyiaki) is very dry and there are quite a number of cattle. This is not a new situation and occurs most years towards the end of the dry season. We have had the odd bit of rain, and the Olare Orok stream still has enough water for the wildlife. We have had the odd bit of rain, but not enough. When the predicted rain of November hopefully comes pressure from livestock will ease.

Migration Update: Mara River crossing

2009-09-16T00:39:00.000-07:00

The northern Serengeti and Masai Mara have been exceptionally dry this season. The rivers are flowing, but are very shallow making the crossings much easier for the wildebeest and zebra. They can be seen strolling across the Mara River at leisure rather than facing the normal swim. This has made the job a lot harder for the crocodiles - with very little place to hide in the shallow waters.

The herds are spread across the Masai Mara and northern Serengeti. They are having to move more to find suitable grazing in these low rainfall conditions. Last week large herds moved into the northern Serengeti following some rain in that area. The recent back-burning by the rangers in the Serengeti meant there was some new shoots for the herds. The majority of the migration is still in the Masai Mara, but spread widely across the region.

Some of our recommended camps for this time of year are:
Camps in private concessions -
Porini Lion Camp
Kicheche Camp
Offbeat Mara Camp

Camps in the Masai Mara Reserve -
Governor's Camp
Mara Intrepid's Camp

Migration Update: Mara Triangle

2009-09-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

The migration is still moving widely across the Masai Mara and northern Serengeti. The core herds are located around the Mara Triangle. Paradise Plain is overflowing with wildebeest, zebra and Thomson gazelle. Safari guests have been enjoying exceptional gameviewing with lots of predators picking off the abundant plains game.

Migration news: Wildebeest still in the Masai Mara

2009-08-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

The migration is still moving between the Serengeti and Masai Mara. In the last few days the Serengeti herds have been moving north into the Mara at Look Out Hill. The lower seasonal rains have meant the wildebeest and zebra have had to work harder to find good grazing. The Mara and Talek Rivers are flowing shallower than usual making crossing quite easy for the herds.

There are herds spread across the Masai Mara and northern Serengeti so any camp in this region will provide a good safari location.

Mara River crossing underway

2009-08-10T02:41:00.001-07:00

The Masai Mara is overflowing with millions wildebeest and zebra. The entire area from Paradise Plain, Look Out Hill and the Mara Triangle is teeming with game and predators. The Mara River is flowing well, but shallow at most of the crossing points. The crocodiles have been active, but finding it harder to disguise their attack.

The next few weeks should be excellent in the Masai Mara with constant river crossings as the herds criss-cross the Mara and Talek River to find grazing. Any camps in the Mara or adjoining private concessions are a good locations to be based as the herds are spread across the central, western and northern part of the reserve. But, as always, if you can be based close to the Mara River, you will be ideally placed to see the crossings without travelling too far.

Migration News: Wildebeest in Masai Mara and Serengeti

2009-08-01T03:42:00.000-07:00

The migrating herds have been moving back and forth between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti. In July the wildebeest and zebra are normally located in the north western Masai Mara around the Mara River. But this July they arrived a bit later than in 2008 and were seen moving back into the Serengeti on a regular basis. They seemed to be going back into the Serengeti to graze on the new grass shoots that sprang up after the Serengeti rangers had back-burnt the long grass of close to the northern border with Kenya. At times the Masai Mara has been quite deserted of any wildebeest. Having said that, there has been regular crossings and the normal crocodile feeding frenzy that marks the highlight of the migration calandar.

As usual, best area to be based in August is in the north western Masai Mara around the Talek or Mara Rivers. The wildebeest may move off for a few days, but invariably come back to this area for the better grazing and water. The northern Serengeti camps are also reporting excellent sightings of wildlife.

Safari guest numbers are about the same as 2008, down on previous years. Last year the Kenyan elections affected the tourist numbers and in 2009 it is the global economy.

Migration News: Migration from Grumeti to Masai Mara

2009-07-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

The lead herds of wildebeest and zebra have reached the Masai Mara, but the laggards are only now leaving the dutwa plains and Mbalageti River in the south western part of the Serengeti. There are still a large population of wildebeest in the western corridor around Musabi areas all the way to Grumeti Reserve.

Photograph courtesy of Mbalageti Serengeti Camp, an excellent camp to see the migration from March to June. They saw these herds leaving the Mbalageti River this week.

Migration reaches the Masai Mara

2009-07-04T05:01:00.000-07:00

The first wildebeest and zebra have been spotted crossing from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara! The migration season has started in the Masai Mara! The herds having been crossing at Sand River. Only a relatively small number are now in Kenya, but the herds are massing in across a wide area in the northern Serengeti. There ha been plenty of rain over the past few months keeping the herds in the Serengeti. The grass is long and slowing the progress of the herds north.

The Loita herds that do not migrate into the Serengeti) have also moved south and have been seen around Musiara gate and the concession areas north of the Masai Mara.

The highlight of the migration season, the crossing of the Mara River, has not yet started. Everyone is waiting for this annual spectacle to begin - probably in the next week or two as the wildebeest and zebra push north.

Migration Update 2009: Central Serengeti

2009-06-22T04:25:00.000-07:00

We would like to clarify the post from 16 June 2009. This was a comment from one of our readers who has just returned from the Serengeti. I thought it was interesting so included it. The comments were probably based on individual and personal conversations with guides. As always, opinions on where and how the migration moves is very subjective and can change quickly with a change of weather or any number of factors. The truth is: No one really understands exactly how the migration moves and any prediction is only that.

The Masai Mara is not only dependent on the Serengeti herds for the migration. Herds also migrate from other northern areas of Kenya (e.g. Loita Plains) and there are resident herds that remain in the northern migration region of the eco-system throughout the year. There will almost certainly be a large migration in the Masai Mara this year, but the exact timing is debatable. The herds from the Serengeti may arrive later this year than in 2008, as conditions have meant they are staying in the central Serengeti longer this year. But, who knows for certain?

Thanks for your comments and please keep them coming. Any first hand experience in the area is also highly valued.

Migration News: Central Serengeti

2009-06-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

Feedback from a reader that was in the Serengeti:

Last week they were in central Serengeti - just south of Seronera.

We travelled down from Grumeti Sunday 7th & Tuesday 9th - about 3.5 hours each way.

Grumeti are not expecting to see them until mid-July & there was talk that they might not reach Kenya at all this year.

Migration in the Western Corridor heading for the Grumeti

2009-06-15T00:39:00.000-07:00

There has been good rain in the western Serengeti and the Grumeti. The Grumeti River is flowing strongly and promises to facilitate some dramatic river crossing scenes in the coming weeks as the mega herds head into the Grumeti Reserve and north.

Migration still located in the Southern Serengeti

2009-05-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

The main wildebeest and zebra herds are still located on the short grass plains of Ndutu. There has been good rains across the Serengeti. The grass is green, but more rain will be necessary to sustain the herds through the long dry season.

Migration update: Rain in Ndutu

2009-05-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

This video shows the wildebeest migration during the rainy season. The video was taken in February 2009. During the rainy season, a Serengeti safari can be be a challenging (but rewarding) experience. Expect to get wet!

Migration Update: Wildebeest around Ndutu and Gol

2009-04-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Serengeti has seen quite a bit of rain throughout April. The short grass plains around Ndutu and Gol Kopje are green and providing necessary grazing to the wildebeest and their new foal. The foal are building strength for the migration north and west once the rains stop in the next few weeks.

Migration News: Migration remains around Ndutu

2009-04-06T00:57:00.000-07:00

The migration remains in the south eastern Serengeti eco-system. The rains have been sporadic and unreliable so far in 2009. The wildebeest and zebra move within the south eastern Serengeti depending on the rains and grass. Immediately after a downpour they will return to the short grass plains of Ndutu, where the grazing is the best in the entire Serengeti and Masai Mara. At other times, they will be spread around this region (on the slopes of Ngorongoro Crater, or around Olduvia, Maswa Game Reserve, Moru, Nasera, Naabi and Gol). But, the remain in the general area until the rains abate, which should happen in the next few weeks. At this point, the migration will head west and north west toways the western corridor or the Serengeti and into the Grumeti Reserve.

Migration Update: Rains across the Serengeti

2009-03-20T03:31:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of rain over the last week. This has caused the Ndutu plains to spring to life with new freeze grass. The wildebeest have returned in thousands back to their favourite grazing in the Serengeti, the Ndutu Plains. The rains have been welcome as 2009 started relatively dry.

There are wildebeest (with their new foals) and zebra as far as the eye can see around Ndutu. It is a spectacular time to the in the Serengeti, but moving around is a challenge as a lot of the roads are muddy. The best place to be based over the next couple of months is the permanent lodges in the central and southern Serengeti. They have better access roads to their camps and are generally more prepared for the rain. The mobile tented camps can be an adventure!

Migration News: Herds spread across the south eastern Serengeti

2009-03-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

The lack of substantial rain on the Ndutu plains has pushed the wildebeest and zebra out across a wide area in search of grazing. They are finding grass on the outer slopes of Ngorongoro Crater, Mawza Reserve, around Olduvia and also west of Ndutu. These areas have seen more rain than the Ndutu plains. Foaling continues. The herds are trying to build up their strength before they start their migratory trek west and north west when the rains finally stop completely in about a month. The 2009 season has been much drier than last year and it will be interesting to see how this affects the herds movements in the coming months.

The best safari camps for the migration, at the moment, are:
Klein's Camp
Mobile Tented Camps: Budget
Mobile Tented Camp: Luxury
Ndutu Safari Lodge

Travel to see the migration in 2009

2009-03-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

There are still some excellent special offers available to see the migration in 2009. The highlight of the 2009 calendar is the Mara River crossing that usual happens between August and October each year.

For more information on special offers or for further enquiries, contact info@sunsafaris.com or visit our website at www.sunsafaris.com

Migration news: Wildebeest foaling

2009-02-27T07:59:00.000-08:00

The herds are spread from the western Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the south eastern Serengeti, around the short grass plains of Ndutu. There has been sufficient rain and heat to keep the plains green, but 2009 has started out drier than normal. There are a lot of wildebeest foal in the area with more to come. This is supplying the predators with abundant easy prey. Game viewing has been good, Ther are huge herds of wildebeest and zebra congregated on the plains and predators picking off the weak and vulnerable.

Migration news: Wildebeest start foaling

2009-02-09T01:37:00.000-08:00

The first foals of the 2009 migration are being born on the Ndutu plains of the southern Serengeti. This is where the wildebeest always foal during the annual migration. It is here that the grass is the most nutritious throughout the entire Serengeti eco-system and where the young foals have the most chance of surviving. The wildebeest and zebra will remain in this area for another couple of months, giving the foals sufficient time to gain some strength before the long trek north to the Masai Mara. The predators are having a easy time picking off the young wildebeest from the herds.

There have been heavy rains and the area is muddy and wet. A number of roads have been closed. A safari at this time is rewarding, but challenging.

Migration on the short grass plains of Ndutu

2009-01-31T02:04:00.001-08:00

This video show the migration in the south eastern Serengeti. The video shows the wildebeest scattered over the short grass plains around Ndutu. The video was filmed in January.

It also shows some of the big cats that track the migration. Watch out for the vehicles in the background at about 2 minutes into the video. These are the typical stretch 4x4's that most tour operators use. The vehicles have closed sides, but large windows, allowing everyone a good view. The roof normally pops up. Only a few of the camps use open-sided vehicles (e.g. Kusini, Klein's Camp, The camps in the Grumeti).

Migration Update

2009-01-28T04:23:00.000-08:00

The rains have been intermittent throughout January, with some heavy downpours. A number of tracks are so muddy they are impassable and have been closed to vehicles. During January and throughout the rainy season, the wildebeest tend to leave the woodlands and long grass plains during the rains and move to the short grass plains between Naabi, Ndutu and Sanjan. During drier spells over this period, the migration tends to spread out over a wider area, moving back to the woodland and longer grass plains.
Game viewing is good, with large herds and good predator sightings. The advantage of this time of year is that the Serengeti is quiet, but expect rain and be prepared for rugged conditions as the roads can be an adventure. The central Serengeti (around Seronera) or southern Serengeti are the best locations to be based to see the migration at the moment.

Migration News: 2009 has started off dry

2009-01-18T07:54:00.000-08:00

The migration remains in the south eastern Serengeti. The wildebeest and zebra are moving between the short grass plains of Ndutu and the surrounding areas. At the moment, the main herds favour the area around Naabi Hill and east towards the outer slopes of Ngorongoro Crater. The grasses are green and nutritious. This is mostly from December rains. January has been relatively dry so far.

Migration update: Sporadic Rain over Ndutu

2009-01-06T01:21:00.001-08:00

The wildebeest are now spread across a wide area in the south eastern Serengeti from the slopes of Ngorongoro Crater (east); to Loliondo (north) and past Ndutu (west). November and December are commonly referred to as the “short rains”. This is generally followed by a drier period (January/February) before the “long rains” start. This season has been variable with quite a lot of rain in November, but little rain in late December. This has meant that the herds have now moved away from their preferred grazing on the short grass plains of Ndutu. These plains have not yet received enough water to fully florish. Ndutu has short nutritional grasses and this is where the wildebeest prefer to calve. They will return to this area as a few days after decent rains as the grass will quickly shoot at the first sign of rain.

The wildebeest are about to start foaling with lots of heavily pregnant wildebeest. The number of wildebeest and zebra appears large this year, mostly due to the excellent conditions in 2008. The 2009 annual wildebeest migration has once again started the year in Ndutu and will remain here until the foals are born (January/February) and strong enough to start their trek westwards.

The best place to be based to see the migration is around Ndutu or Loliondo. Kusini Camp or one of the mobile tented camps are ideal at this time. Most of the roads in the area can be travelled as the drier conditions have meant that the roads are not swamped. The recent rain over the past few days and today may quickly change the road conditions though.

Storm brewing over the Serengeti

2008-12-14T02:12:00.000-08:00

Storm approaching over the Serengeti.

There has been a lot of rain over the Serengeti over the past week. The main migrating herds are located on Ndutu grass plains, but are spread across the entire south eastern Serengeti.

Migration Update: Wildebeest arrive on Ndutu short grass plains

2008-12-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

The migration is currently in the southern and south eastern Serengeti, spread from Seronera towards the east to Loliondo Game Controlled Area and south to Ndutu. The short rains have been falling through the Serengeti during the past few weeks. The migrating wildebeest are making their way south to the Ndutu short grass plains. This is where they will calve from late in December through to February. This is the favourite resting place of the wildebeest, with rich short grass. The first herds are already grazing on the Ndutu Plains, but within the next week most of remaining herds will be based around Ndutu and east towards Oldupia and as far east as the western outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater.

The objective of the wildebeest is to settle around the rich grazing of the Ndutu area for the next few months. This is the best grazing in the Serengeti eco-system. They will only leave this area when the grazing is depleted and their foals are ready to start moving west – around March next year. The rains have caused new shoots and the area is very green.

The rich dark soil of the Serengeti is very muddy making moving around on safari quite difficult in places. Some of the smaller roads will be closed to protect them from excessive erosion. This is not typically a very busy time of the safari season, but guest are still experiencing excellent sights. As always, the predators are following the migration closely, picking off the weak and vulnerable. The best place to be based for a safari at the moment is around Seronera, Ndutu or Loliondo Game Controlled Area. Most of the mobile camps are set up around Seronera, but will be moving to the Ndutu campsites in the next few weeks.

Migration: Mobile Tented Camps

2008-11-19T14:22:00.000-08:00

As the migration enters the central and southern Serengeti, one of the best accommodation options is the mobile tented camps which are now set up in the central Serengeti. One luxury mobile tented option is "Tanzania under Canvas":

Migration update: Wildebeest in the central Serengeti

2008-11-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

The migration is in the central Serengeti and heading south. There has been a some heavy rainfall in the central Serengeti.

The short rains have not yet started to water the Ndutu short grass plains, so the wildebeest are still only making a slow procession south. The herds are spread from Seronera to Lobo and to the Loliondo Game Controlled area.

Migration Update: Central Serengeti and Loliondo

2008-10-31T05:33:00.000-07:00

The migrating herds are in the central Serengeti, moving south through Seronera and Loliondo towards the Ndutu plains. There are still some herds in the Masai Mara, but these will probably remain as resident herds or trail behind later. A smaller group of wildebeest and zebra, which form the Loita herds, have also moved towards the eastern Masai Mara. These will eventually end up on the Loita Plains in Kenya and not migrate into the Serengeti. The migration has left the Mara slightly earlier than usual this year, but this seems to have been the trend in 2008 as they arrived early too.
The Mara River is flowing strongly causing problems for the remaining wildebeest trying to cross. Thousands have perished try and getting caught in the strong currents.
The Serengeti has seen good rains over the past week. There is new green grass throughout the southern Serengeti. It has had a chance to recover while the wildebeest have been in the north.
The wildebeest are heading to the short grass plains of the Ndutu as quickly as possible. Ndutu has the best grazing in the region, with short rich grasses. They will stay in this area as long as they can and will foal here later in the year. Eventually, towards March or April 2009, they will reluctantly be forced to move away from the Ndutu plains as the area is overgrazed. But, until then they will be in the southern Serengeti.
The best place to be based at the moment is around Seronera. There are a few large lodges (e.g. Sopa Lodge) in this area, but we recommend one of the smaller mobile camps that are now all set up in the private camps in the Seronera area. There is also a mobile tented camp in Loliondo that is ideal for the migration at moment.

Migration News: Wildebeest die crossing the Mara River

2008-10-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

Between 3000 and 4000 wildebeest died this week crossing the Mara River. These were some of the last herds that will cross the Mara River this year. They chose the wrong place to cross (at a steep bank) and were swept away by the river.

Migration News: Migration in the dry Serengeti

2008-10-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

The migration has left the Masai Mara. The last of the herds were seen crossing the Mara River on the Serengeti side over the last 2 weeks. Some dramatic scenes were experienced by safari guest staying in the northern Serengeti.

The herds continue to move south through the bushy northern and eastern Serengeti. The rains are expected shortly and this will probably hassen the move to the Ndutu grass plains. The Serengeti is dry and grazing sparse.

One of the best camps at this time of year is the permanent Migration Camp. Watch the video of the camp:

Migration moving south

2008-10-11T14:31:00.001-07:00

The migration has started to move out of the Masai Mara and into the northern Serengeti and Loliondo to the east of the Serengeti.

Game viewing is still excellent in the Masai Mara. The BBC's Big Cat Diaries are still broadcasting live from Governor's Camp and the past week has seen some amazing footage of the Marsh lions, leopard and cheetah.

Migration News: Migration enter the Serengeti

2008-10-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

The main herds are now in the northern Serengeti moving south. The rear of the migration is still in the Mara, but in fewer numbers than a week ago. The Mara is grazed out, but the moderate rains will quickly restore the savannah plains.

This movement south is earlier than usual. The last migrating herds normally depart from the Masai Mara in November, but it looks like it could happen within the next week or two.

Game viewing is still excellent in the Masai Mara, with good wildebeest and zebra populations as well as all the resident game (that do not migrate) and predators. The BBC Big Cat Diaries is currently based at Governor’s Camp on the Mara River. They are following prides of lions and cheetah and have seen some dramatic predatory scenes. This is also an excellent time for birders as the migratory birds are arriving from the northern hemisphere. Some will remain in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, while most will continue further south towards the end of November.

The best place to see the migration at the moment is the northern Serengeti or the Masai Mara. Alternatively, visitors should base themselves at Seronera, in the Serengeti, as the advanced herds are just north of this area.

The vegetation in the north eastern part of the Serengeti is a lot thicker than the grass plains of Ndutu or the Masai Mara so safari guest will not necessarily see the full extent of the migration. The herds are also spread across a wide area from the Masai Mara in the north, Loliondo Game Controlled Area in the east and Seronera in the south.

Migration Update: Moving south from the Masai Mara

2008-09-29T14:43:00.000-07:00

There are still lots of wildebeest and zebra in the Masai Mara, but most have moved out of the Masai Triangle. They are spread from the central Masai Mara down through the northern Serengeti. There are even good populations north of Seronera in the central Serengeti, but they are likely to turn back as this region is still very dry and there is not enough grazing to sustain them.

The migration will probably start moving south shortly.

The best place to be based at the moment is the northern Serengeti and Loliondo Game Controlled Area. All the camps in this area are reporting good sightings. Some of the best camps are Klein's Camp or the mobile camps that are based in the northern Serengeti. The camps of the Masai Mara are also a good option with lots of game in the Mara. But, the dramatic migration crossings of the Mara River are mostly over.

Migration heads south into the Serengeti

2008-09-17T04:12:00.001-07:00

The main wildebeest herds have rapidly moved south into the northern Serengeti. This is likely to be a temporary movement and most of the rangers and guides expect them to head back into the Masai Mara in the next couple of weeks.

The northern Serengeti experienced some short rains over the past few weeks which caused new grass shoots across the region. This rich grazing and water allowed the wildebeest to move south earlier than usual, normally around late October or early November.
Most of the herds that were in the Mara Triangle and Engoikwateet salt lick have moved south into the Serengeti. The herds that were in the central Masai Mara, have also headed south and crossed the Sand River. The game viewing is still excellent in the Masai Mara, but for the moment, the main migration has abandoned the area. They will probably return shortly as there is some light rain in the Mara which will draw the herds back. In other words, the spectacle of the Mara River crossing is unlikely to be over. In fact, this movement of the herds is good news for safari enthusiast as they are likely to return to cross again and again.

Video and Photographic Competition: WIN a 7 day Kenya safari

2008-09-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

Enter our video and photographic competition and you could win a 7 day safari to Kenya to see the migration in 2009! The prize is worth $6830.

The competition is sponsored by SUNSAFARIS, in association with Porini Camps. You and your partner will journey through some of the most spectacular game reserves in Africa. This safari includes 2 nights at Amboseli Porini Camp, 2 nights at Porini Lion Camp, 2 nights at Porini Rhino Camp and all internal transfers. Send us your latest videos or photos or upload your entry directly on our video & photo website.

Read more about the competition.

Migration Update: Herds split towards north, west and east

2008-09-10T04:58:00.000-07:00

The migrating herds have split into a few large core herds. The bulk of the migrating herds have moved south towards the virtual unfenced border between the Serengeti and Masai Mara. This area of the Masai Mara is known as Engoikwateet salt lick. They drifted south from the Mara Triangle which now only has a few smaller herds. A large number of wildebeest and zebra have also moved south east from Burrungat plain and Topi plain towards Meta plain and the east part of the Masai Mara. At the same time, most of the herds that were on Paradise plain have moved north into the conservancies around the Masai Mara. This movement pattern is likely to change again as the weather changes. The herds will stay close enough to the water source of the Mara River. They may drift away to the south or north for a while, but will return quickly depending on the supply of water and grazing elsewhere.

The river crossings along the Mara River and Talek River have continued to be spectacular with thousands of wildebeest and zebra crossing in stampedes. More wildebeest get killed in the stampedes than would ever be taken by crocodiles. The banks and river beds of the Talek and Mara Rivers are lined with carcasses and the walking wounded, with broken legs caused by the stampedes. Carcasses have also been seen floating down the Mara River.

We continue to recommend splitting your safari time between a camp that is based close to the Mara or Talek Rivers and a camp in one of the private conservancies. Most camps are still have late availability, a sign that tourism still has not fully recovered in Kenya. See our detailed map of the Masai Mara Reserve for a full list of camps in the Reserve and adjacent conservancies.

Recent video of a lion killing a wildebeest

2008-09-07T01:51:00.000-07:00

This is a good video of a lion killing in the Masai Mara during the migration which is still in full swing. These safari guest were lucky not to have too many other vehicles around at the time. The driver is very irresponsible getting so close to the kill and potentially disturbing the lions, but it does illustrate how the migration works and the type of action tourists have been experiencing the the Masai Mara.

Migration Update: Migration still in the Masai Mara

2008-09-01T01:44:00.000-07:00

The river crossings have been spectacular over the past week. Literally millions of wildebeest have been criss-crossing the Mara River of the past couple of weeks. The Talek River, which is virtually dry, has also seen lots of activity. The constant stream of wildebeest crossing the rivers has entertained safari guest for hours. Crocodiles have been picking off individual wildebeest with ease. Lions have been on killing sprees, often taking more wildebeest than they can eat. There have been reports of a pride of lions killing 13 wildebeest in one day! Leopards and cheetah have also been very active and taking wildebeest at random.

There has been some sporadic rain across the Mara region over the past weeks. The northern Serengeti has also seen some rain. This always causes confusion amongst the migrating herds and has resulted in them turning back on their path a few times. Some of the herds have gone back into the Serengeti following the rain, but the core herds are still spread across the Masai Mara Reserve and adjacent conservancies and ranches. Koiyaki and Olare Orok Conservancies have seen large herds cross through their land. The Mara Triangle, Paradise plain, Olorukoti plain, Burrungat plain and Rhino ridge all have large herds of wildebeest, zebra, Topi, Thomson’s gazelle and buffalo.

The migration is likely to remain in the Masai Mara for some time.

Masai Mara: Recommended camps for the migration

2008-08-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

The migration is in full swing with over 2 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson's gazelle spread across the Masai Mara and northern Serengeti! Any camp in this region will offer excellent game viewing. Depending on your budget and preferences, the Masai Mara has a wide variety of camps and lodges.

Sunsafaris specialise in tailor made safaris to Kenya and Tanzania. We recommend small personalised safari camps which we feel offer a superior safari experience.

For this time of year, we recommend:
Porini Lion Camp: A small tented camp in the Olare Orok Conservancy bordering the Masai Mara. They currently have resident cheetah and offer exclusive access to the conservancy, away from the large crowds. It is a bit of a drive to the Mara River, so we recommend that you split your time between this camp and a camp closer to the Mara River.
Little Governor's Camp: Little Governor's Camp is located along the Mara River and an excellent location to be based to see the wildebeest crossing the Mara River.
Karen Blixen Camp: Karen Blixen Camp is set on the bank of the Mara River in a private concession of land leased from a Masai landlord.

For more recommended camps and the best place to be located to see the migration, contact us.

Migration News: Mara River rises following some rain

2008-08-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

There has been rain over the Mara in the last week. This has quickly filled the Mara and Talek Rivers and temporarily halted the crossings. The herds are backed up at Paradise and Pump-House crossing points waiting for the rivers to subside a bit. The rain should bring some much needed sustenance to the grass plains that have been maintaining huge herds of wildebeest. The herds are spread across most of the Masai Mara and adjoining Maasai community land, conservancies and ranches.

This has been a spectacular season for the migration. The wildebeest numbers are probably the highest seen in a number of years and at least comparable to 2001. There has been sufficient rain and generally the migration has been running a few weeks ahead of the normal migratory pattern. The grass was burnt back around June in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti. This was following by a decent level of rain which resulted in excellent grazing conditions for the arriving migration. They will now stay north in the Masai Mara and northern Serengeti until the first signs of rain in the southern Serengeti. They are likely to start heading south only towards October, giving them a long stay in the Mara this year.

Crocodile and lion killing wildebeest crossing the Mara River

2008-08-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

This is an excellent video that was taken this week in the Masai Mara. It shows a huge crocodile taking a wildebeest crossing the Mara River. These safari guests then saw a lion ambush a lion. The video also shows the migration in full swing.

News from the Masai Mara

2008-08-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

The wildebeest and zebra are spread across most of the Reserve, with more arriving from the Serengeti in the south. The highest concentration of herds are on the central and north plains. The core herds have been moving north from the Mara triangle onto Paradise Plain. Huge numbers have been crossing the Mara River in an almost constant procession, at Paradise and Pump-House crossing points.

There were light rains a few days ago. This has caused the herds to spread out across the reserve and move north from the Serengeti. The herds have also moved into some of the ranches that border the northern part of Masai Mara, notably Olare Orok Conservancy.

The Masai Mara is the best place to be based to see the migration. At the moment, almost any camp is ideally located for the migration. There are still some herds in the Serengeti, Tanzania, but not in great numbers.

Migration News: Mara River crossing continues

2008-08-09T02:33:00.000-07:00

The wildebeest and zebra continue to cross the Mara River and spread out across the Masai Mara. Grazing is good on both sides of the border, in Kenya and Tanzania. The wildlife numbers are impressive with herds as far as the eye can see. All camps have reported excellent sightings of the migration herds and some spectacular predator action.

This time of year is also great for predators, with lots of sightings of cheetah, leopard and lion. There are a number of resident families of cheetah in the reserve and adjoining ranches.

News from Porini Lion Camp

2008-08-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

One of our favourite camps in the Masai Mara, Porini Lion Camp in Olare Orok Conservancy, currently have resident cheetah. These cheetah were recently seen chasing a hyena off their kill. This is an extremely rare sighting.

The camp shares an unfenced boundary with the Masai Mara Reserve, offering easy access into the reserve, but also exclusive access to the conservancy.

Current location of the wildebeest migration

2008-07-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

The map shows the migration across the Serengeti and Masai Mara, concentrated in the Mara Triangle. The wildebeest continue to cross the Mara River in search of grazing and water. I have indicated the Mara River on the map.

Here is an update from Governor’s Camp:
“The Wildebeest Migration has arrived in the Masai Mara.
This photo was taken on the 26th of July 2008 and since then we have been seeing almost daily river crossings.
The Governors’ Collection of Camps are located in the heart of the best game viewing area of the Masai Mara, only 30 minutes away from the regular river crossing sites.
There is still the opportunity to book a safari to see this year’s wildebeest migration.” Source: Governor’s Camp

The last comment from Governors is generally true about most camps in Kenya this year. In other words, the over-stated media coverage of the political unrest from the recent elections is still being felt in the tourism industry and the number of visitors in the Masai Mara is down this year. Given the fact that 2008 is turning out to be a superb year for the migration and there are fewer safari guests in the reserves, this is an excellent year to visit the region. Contact us to assist you in planning your visit.

Mara River crossing continues unabated

2008-07-29T03:44:00.000-07:00

The Mara River is still the place to be for the migration, whether on the Kenya or Tanzania side. The wildebeest and zebra are still crossing the river in huge numbers and facing the threat of the waiting crocodiles. Safari guests have been privileged to see excellent action by predators, whether crocodile, lion or hyena.
The main herds are now in the Mara Triangle and will cross back and forth over the Mara and Talek Rivers during August and probably most of September. There is good grazing in both Serengeti and Masai Mara, especially where rangers burnt back the long grass in June. New grass shoots, after the moderate rain over the course of July, are sustaining the herds. The Mara River is lower than usual, but still the best source of water in the eco-system at the moment. This will keep the herds in the north until the rains start in the southern Serengeti. The herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are spread across a large area of the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara, especially towards the west and north around Burrungat plains.

Mara River crossing video

2008-07-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

This video of the Mara River Crossing was produced by CNN. It shows wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River into the Mara Triangle. It also has some great aerial shots of the migrating herds and panoramic views over the savannah plains of the Mara.

Migration Update: Serengeti or Masai Mara?

2008-07-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

There have been large numbers of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River in both the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara Reserve (Kenya). Unfortunately, visitors are still not allowed to cross directly between the two reserves. Maybe, one day the Tanzania and Kenya authorities will consider creating a transfrontier park. Until then, safari enthusiast are stuck on one or the other side. At the moment, both the Serengeti and Masai Mara are experiencing excellent game viewing and camps are reporting large numbers of game, including predators.

The northern Serengeti is relatively remote with very few camps. Klein’s Camp or the mobile camps around Kogatende are good options for Northern Serengeti at the moment. The lower tourist numbers do add to the safari experience, but the cost is generally higher than the equivalent in the Kenya. The easier and safer option is the Maasai Mara as you are virtually guaranteed to see the Mara River crossing and there are lots of excellent camps. One of our favourites is Porini Lion Camp in Olare Orok Conservancy. They currently have resident cheetah.

Migration News: Hot Air Balloon over the Masai Mara

2008-07-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

There are huge populations of wildebeest abd zebra in the Mara Triangle. The Loita herds from the north have merged with the Serengeti herds.

Hot air ballooning over the Masai Mara offers spectacular views over the savannah with hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra.

Migration update: Highlight of the year in underway

2008-07-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

The Masai Mara migration is in full swing. Herds have been crossing the Mara River into the Mara Triangle and also heading north towards Burrungat plains. There is now game spread across most of the western and northern Masai Mara Reserve and across the adjoining conservancies and ranches. The limited amount of rain in the last 2 weeks has allowed new grass shoots to germinate providing good nutrition to the herds.

There are still huge populations of wildebeest in the northern Serengeti especially around the Sand River.

Some experienced game rangers have commented that the migration populations are extremely good this year and may be some of the highest in a number of years, but this is hard to verify. There certainly are very good concentrations of game across the Maasai Mara and Serengeti.

The best place to be based for a safari is along the Mara or Talek Rivers. The ranches and concession areas around the Reserve are also excellent options to allow visitors to do a game drive in the reserve and then escape to the privacy and exclusivity of the private concession in the evening.

Highlight of annual migration

2008-07-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

The Mara is full of wildebeest, zebra, Thomson’s gazelle and their predators. Game has continued to stream into the Masai Mara and have been crossing the Mara River. Visitors have been treated to spectacular crocodile kills. Lion prides have also been rampant. This is truly the highlight of the annual migration.

Migration Update: Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara

2008-07-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

The southern and western Serengeti is extremely dry so the wildebeest have quickly moved

out of the western corridor and into the northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara. The grazing and water are good in the Masai Mara and around the Mara River.

Masai Mara Safari

2008-07-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

The “early arrival” herds of ungulates continue to stream into the Masai Mara Reserve from the Serengeti. The best place to be based for a safari is along the Talek or Mara Rivers or anywhere close to the Mara Triangle in the Masai Mara Reserve. We recommend that you split your time between one of these camps and a camp in one of the private concession areas or private ranches. This allows you to see the wildebeest crossing the crocodile filled Mara or Talek Rivers for a couple of days and then get away from the abundant other visitors that inevitably accompany the migration. This is still limited availability in the Mara, but we are also already getting solid enquiries about the migration in 2009!

Migration Update: Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara

2008-07-05T05:40:00.000-07:00

The migration covers the northern Serengeti and have just entered the Masai Mara around the Sand River Gate.

Masai Mara migration of 2008 has begun

2008-07-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of the annual migration, the arrival of the wildebeest into the Masai Mara, has commenced. The first arrivals from the Serengeti have started crossing the crocodile infested waters of the Mara River. This is what most people consider to be the quintessential “annual wildebeest migration” and this year looks likely to be a spectacular event. Only the first few thousand, of an estimated 2 million plains game, have arrived in the Masai Mara, but their arrival is a great source of excitement amongst safari enthusiasts.

There is plenty of water and the Mara and Talek Rivers are flowing strongly. There has been some rain in the last few days. New fresh shoots of grass are appearing where rangers burnt the long grass over the last few weeks. In other parts of the reserve the grass is still long making game viewing a bit more challenging. This will soon change as the wildebeest, zebra and gazelle churn up the soil with their hooves.

Camps in the Mara and adjacent ranches are reporting strong interest in this year’s migration, but most camps still have limited availability. This is unusual for the high season as most camps are normally fully booked 6 months to a year in advance. The current lower tourist numbers is probably due to the bad publicity associated with recent elections in Kenya, the increase in the price of international flights and the downturn in the world economy. This is good news for those visitors that do get see the crossing this year as there may be less people around. But, it is still early enough in the season for this to change.

Even though the big news is that the migration has started entering the Masai Mara, it is important to note that the entire migration is spread over a large area covering the Serengeti and Masai Mara. The tail end of the migrating herds is around Ikorongo in the western corridor of the Serengeti, large populations can be found in the northern Serengeti, while some herds are heading in easterly direction towards Lobo. For the next couple of months the wildlife will move back and forth across the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara, constantly criss-crossing the rivers and Kenya-Tanzania border.

Predators of the migration

2008-07-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

The main herds have left the Grumeti heading north. Despite this, there is still excellent game viewing with lots of predator activity around Grumeti. The below photographs were take by Singita game guides in the Grumeti Reserve in the past few days. Photos: Courtesy of Singita.

Cheetah startling a Thomson’s gazelle. The subsequent pursuit and kill were caught on camera by a game guide:

The female cheetah later carried the gazelle under the shade of a nearby tree and consumed the entire carcass. Guest at Grumeti experienced this hunt occur in front of their open 4x4 game vehicle.

Serengeti Migration News: Herds heading north

2008-07-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

The migration has been moving north out of the Grumeti through Ikorongo and Robanda. They are heading towards the Masai Mara and north east towards Lobo. There are still some wildebeest along the Grumeti River, but the main herds have moved off. June has been dry in the southern Serengeti and the new grazing and water in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara Triangle are drawing the herds north. The north has received decent rainfalls.

Rangers are predicting the arrival of the migrating herds in the Mara Triangle in the next week, earlier than usual.
The best place to be based at the moment is Sayari Camp, the mobile camps based in the northern private camps or around the Mara Triangle. The Mara Triangle already has good populations of zebra and some wildebeest. The Grumeti camps are still reporting excellent game viewing. This week, both crocodiles and lions have been seen with kills.

Some camps to consider are:
Serengeti Premier Camps: Sabora Plains Camp, Faru Faru Camp, Grumeti River Camp
Serengeti Luxury Camps: Sayari Camp
Serengeti Comfortable Camps: Robanda Private Camp
Masai Mara Luxury Camp: Mara Explorer Camp, Rekero Camp, Governor’s Camp

Migration Update: Masai Mara

2008-06-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

The main herds of wildebeest are still in the Grumeti area and moving north, but there is already talk about when the wildebeest may be in the Masai Mara. There have been reports of the first wildebeest on the border of the Serengeti and the Mara Triangle, but these are likely to be small break away groups that came directly from Ndutu through Seronera, bypassing the western corridor. It could also be resident herds that were left behind during last year’s migration. It should be remembered that the migration is not one single mass of 2 million plain’s game moving in unison. Instead, there is an overall movement of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelles (and their ensuing predators), but this is made up of smaller pockets of game that may break away, regroup and turn back on themselves numerous times.

Another indication of the arrival of the main herds into the Mara is arrival of the zebra. The zebra herds generally precede the wildebeest herds and these herds have been seen in large numbers crossing the Mara River. Human pressures may also be partially accountable for this as the zebra herds have been grazing in Maasai pastoral land and have been competing for grazing with cattle.

No-one can be completely sure about how all these factors affect the migration paths and rate of movement, but most of the experts and guides seem to believe the migration could arrive early in July. The long grass has also been recently burnt clearing the way for fresh sweet shoots that will be a draw card for the plains game.

Serengeti Migration Update: Grumeti River

2008-06-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

The migration is spread from north of Maswa Game Reserve through the Grumeti River and into the Grumeti Reserve. There has been good rainfall over the past week in the western Serengeti.

The Grumeti Reserve has approximately 1.3 million wildebeest spread throughout the reserve. They have been moving back and forth following the rains. Initially, they looked like they were heading west towards Nyasarori, but a lot of rain fell around Ikorongo pulling the main herds back east. All the Grumeti Camps are reporting spectacular game viewing. On the open plains between Sasakwa and Sabora Plain Camp, guides have reported seeing some of the biggest populations of wildebeest in many years. Sabora Plains Camp has reported wildebeest drinking out of their pool. A wildebeest bull even fell in! Lions, cheetah and hyena have been very active in the area.

Wildebeest surround Sabora Plain Camp. Photo: Courtesy of Singita.

Masai Mara Update: Mara River crossing

2008-06-16T03:40:00.000-07:00

The big news to report during May is the unexpected arrival of the zebras in huge numbers. Thousands of them are in our area of the Mara covering the Musiara Marsh, Paradise and Topi Plains. These zebra are the residents of an area east of the Masai Mara Game Reserve and they normally migrate into the Reserve every year but this year the migration has happened earlier than we would expect. This may be due to competition for grazing with Masai Cattle in the concession areas bordering the Game Reserve. The zebra have been filing down towards the Mara River in large herds and towards the end of the month we were seeing them crossing the Mara River on an almost daily basis. The resident crocodiles seem delighted as their annual feeding frenzy arrived a few months early and we have seen very large crocodiles manoeuvring into strategic crossing points along the river. On the 23rd five hundred zebras crossed the Mara River; on the 28th a further two hundred crossed with the crocodiles snatching a couple of zebra on each occasion, and on the 30th a very large herd crossed the Mara River and six were taken by crocodiles. On another occasion twelve Thomson gazelles bravely took the plunge and crossed the river ahead of the zebra herd. Sadly all twelve Thomson gazelles were taken by crocodiles and the following herd of zebra all managed to cross without incident! The following day many zebra were seen crossing again and our driver-guides remarked that these are the best sightings of zebra crossings we have had in many years.

Source: Governor's Camp, Mara River, Masai Mara 16 June 2008

Zebras filing up to cross the Mara River

Migration Video

2008-06-15T04:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a great video (with commentary) of how the migration works.

Wildebeest Migration News: Herds heading north

2008-06-10T15:09:00.000-07:00

The migration is heading north towards the Masai Mara. They have entered the Grumeti Reserve and are still crossing the Grumeti River.

Masai Mara Update: Zebra entering the Mara Triangle

2008-06-06T23:37:00.000-07:00

The Masai Mara has seen a lot of rain in May. There is good grazing with long grass. Movement of the migration into the Masai Mara is notoriously hard to predict and 2008 is no exception. However, the first indications are that migrating wildebeest may arrive earlier than usual. It has been reported that a large herd of resident zebra has migrated from the Loita Plains into the Masai Mara Reserve. Their entry into the park is usually a precursor to the arrival of the wildebeest from the Serengeti. These herds of zebra were seen moving across Olorukoti and Paradise Plains, crossing the Mara River at the main crossing point onto the Mara triangle.

Grumeti River Crossing

2008-06-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

Increasing numbers of wildebeest have been arriving and crossing the Grumeti River. The herds are moving north into the Grumeti Reserve on their way to the Masai Mara where there is more water.

There are dramatic scenes of herds across the river. Predators have been active and making the most of the easy hunt. Crocodiles have been feasting on unfortunate wildebeest, lions have been ambushing them and the hyenas and vultures have been scavenging at every opportunity.

Game drives have been outstanding with guest experiencing the migration at its best. The Grumeti area remains the best place to be based for a safari. The weather is also excellent for game drives. Roads have opened after the heavy rains closed them during the earlier part of the year. Rangers have been back-burning on the short grass plains.

Grumeti River Camp is in the heart of the action at the moment. The Singita camps; namely Sasakwa, Sabora Plains and Faru Faru; in the Grumeti Reserve are also good options for the next month. Robanda private camp is an excellent location for a mobile camp over the next month. It is outside the Serengeti National Park so guest can enjoy game walks and game drives amongst the migrating herds.

Migration approaching the Grumeti River

2008-05-31T14:21:00.000-07:00

Map of the Grumeti River, western Serengeti and Grumeti Reserve:

Migration Status 2008: Grumeti River crossing has started

2008-05-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of the annual migration, the Grumeti River crossing, has started! The advanced party of wildebeest and zebra have already crossed the river and are moving into the Grumeti Reserve. The main herds have not reached the river yet, but their arrival and crossing is imminent. The crocodiles lie in wait and have already had successful kills. Other predators have been able to pick off prey as they approach or exit the Grumeti River. This is the start of the high season in the western corridor of the Serengeti.

All the permanent camps are busy and most of the mobile camp operators have set up camp in the area. All lodges between Seronera and the Singita camps in the Grumeti Reserve are popular at this time of year, but for the safari purist there is no beating being camped along the Grumeti River. Camp guests await the main herds and the spectacle of the greatest safari experience in Africa.