Friday, July 14, 2023

The migration now enters Masai Mara

The migration has finally entered the Mara. Big herd came into the sand river area between Koga and Naima Lumbwa hills over the last 3 days where they advance has been slowed down by the amount of grass in the way. We have been watching them on the plains across the Sand River, but the first herds crossed into Masai Mara yesterday. This morning there is also huge gathering of wildebeest that appears ready to cross the sand river again.  Looking onto the Serengeti from the sand river, one can see big herds of zebra and wildebeests heading north though reluctantly. This is due to the amount of grass in their way. The will for sure slow the migration movement north. Though this is still in its’ initial stages, every indication shows that the stage is now set in Masai Mara for the world’s most fascinating wildlife spectacle. We anticipate that as the concentration builds up they will push up north to cross into the Mara.

 

From my observation during my Serengeti visit two weeks ago, the migrating herds have taken two wings one wing heading north from Grumeti area. This is herds is now at Kogatende area and started crossing into Lamai few days ago. Although this are small herds. The main herds are still behind. The eastern wing is the one now moving into the Mara across sand river.

 

The Masai Mara resident population of wildebeest and zebras have also moved west to cross the Mara onto the Mara triangle. They came in about a week ago. Big herd of zebras and a handful wildebeest are now close to Musiara area in the north and many more have gone past rhino ridge heading to the Mara River. Many zebras crossed yesterday towards Serena lodge. The Masai Mara visitors can enjoy the sight of the herds again. 

 

The current updated location of the migration


The herds charging to cross the shallow river

Herds of mainly zebras inside Masai Mara heading west







Monday, July 3, 2023

Delay in the annual wildebeest migration into Masai Mara

 The annual wildebeests migration from Serengeti into Masai Mara National reserve has delayed this year. This is due to the heavy rains we had earlier in the year, that ensured availability of water and pasture in Serengeti. Last year, the migration started almost a month earlier. There is plenty of grass this time round as compared to the same period last year. 

On my safari in Serengeti few days ago, i observed both from the air and on ground that most of the herds are still in the Western corridor. But from eh air, i could see long lines heading east from the current location. I encountered thousands towards Kirawira and on Musabi plains and around Nyasirori, and Grumeti game reserve. So many were crossing the Grumeti river from South to North.

The movement out of these places is taking a two-front heading. Right now most of the north bound herds are near Ikoma gate while the east bound herds are by Four Seasons, with some, mostly Zebras now getting into Lobo area. I think this will be the first herds to cross into Masai as usual between Koga and Naima Lumbwa Hills. However, this might not be fast movement since there is still plenty of pasture along the way. Even if we get some of the first scouts into Masai Mara, it will not be the usual numbers. What has happened is not unusual since the same thing happened 5 years.


Map of Serengeti showing the current location and direction of movement

Hundreds heading North near Soroi Camp

Big herds heading to Grumeti river crossing

Charging to the river

Crossing Grumeti River. The river at this point is quite low.


The herds were moving fast heading North from Kirawira



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