Migration News: Mara River crossings continue

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

Interesting video of the migration crossing the Mara River.

Migration constantly crossing the Mara and Talek rivers

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!

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

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).