Migration update 4

The wildebeests migration has peaked in the Mara over the past one week. hundreds of animals have been crossing the Mara river at Cul de sac and paradise crossing points. The stampede and trampling at cul de sac has got so many of them dying and drowning as they struggle to go a step bank. The crocodiles here too have been very active, though lately seems to be overwhelmed by the prey.

Many animals are now on the Mara triangle’s Olpunyata plains. The lower side of the triangle was burnt recently to create new growth of grass, so most of the crossing animals are still on central Mara triangle and likely to head north. There are still a lot of animals on the eastern side of the river as far as in the neighbouring conservancies, OOC, Naboisho, Mara north etc. The crossing are expected to continue into September.

The Mara predators are now in their season of plenty, with many hunts witnessed even in mid day.

 The wildebeest crosses the river at Cul de sac

 Zebras rushes down to the river to join the wildebeests in crossing the river

 Survival for the fittest

 Map of the Masai Mara showing concentration and crossing points

Migration update 2012- 3

The migration of wildebeests in the Mara has progressed much more faster than we thought. Most of the migrating herds are now on the Talek river. There were heavy crossings in many place on the river today. There is not much water in the river, so these crossing were just a walk across, lacking the usual drama witnessed on the main Mara river. Over the next couple of days we expect the crossing to continue on the Talek until the herds currently on Burrungat plains crosses north.

Generally the wildebeests this year are taking an anti clockwise pattern. They ar enow crossing the Talek North, then crossing the Mara river west from where they are expected to head south inot northern Serengeti. However, as witnessed sometimes back, when they follow this pattern, they will come back into the Mara again towards the end of September. 

 The migrating wildebeests rushes down the Talek to cross

 

Wildebeests drinking on the Talek river before crossing

 

 A map of the Mara showing location of the migration