Migration Update: Migration still in the Masai Mara

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.

Mara River crossing continues unabated

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.

Grumeti River Crossing

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.