The wildebeests makes a dramatic come-back

After being away in the north, guiding, i have just come back to the Mara to a big surprise!

The wildebeest have made another dramatic come back. In the past one and a half weeks, the concentration in the central part of the reserve swelled to an enormous number. Most of the herds as per our previous update had moved back into Serengeti but are now made a complete change of direction in the past two weeks. They moved from the eastern part of the river, crossed west onto the Mara Triangle, then south into northern Serengeti and turned around to re-enter the Mara around Enkoikwateet salt lick area where some come through in early August. In fact everything now is just like at the beginning. There is a higher concentration on Olorukoti, and paradise plains. The westward bound herds have spread out on the Topi plains again and the herds from the Mara triangle have been crossing the Mara River at the main paradise crossing point for the last few days. For the past few days, we have witnessed many animals crossing below lookout hill, with some crossing activity lasting upto a couple of hours. The animals are crossing over from the Mara triangle just as before and others heading north. The western concentration is around Serena lodge and south to the border of Serengeti. Most of the other areas south of the Talek river upto Keekorok lodge have very few animals as much of the concentration is in the west and the northern areas of the reserve. This turn-around of events is exactly as happened around the same time in 2008 as per my reports of 11.10.2008.

There was burning of the grass on the plains near Lookout hill which is now teeming with short fresh grass after the short rains recently. This is where most of the herds have settled temporarily. The light showers we had two weeks ago have played a crucial role in the sprouting of the grass. The crossing points around paradise plains have been alive with activities, with most animals crossing back and forth. The water in the river is quite high currently making these crossing quite dramatic.

We are glad it is happening all over again.

Wildebeests on outbound trek

After a few months of great sighting of the great migration of wildebeest, recent activities indicate that the wildebeests are now on their outbound trek. There have been active crossing at the Mara river by paradise crossing with many animals crossing over to the Mara triangle then onward into Northern Serengeti. Their departure this time is normal, though we have previously had some years when they have overstayed until December.

There are still some herds within the Mara, but all in a general southbound movement. It is a bit dry in the park now and this may be what has triggered the exodus. There has however been weather forecast reports indicating that there is likely to be heavy rains starting anytime now. Otherwise there is still plenty to see in the Mara. The big cats are seen regularly in their territories, most with cubs at the moment. There are also many other animals with young, Topi, Warthog, Thomson gazelle etc.

 Map of the Mara showing the migration status

 Zebras rushing down to the river to cross at cul de sac

 Cheetah mum and cub on the look out

 One of my favourite male lions this season

 We had great sunsrise/sunset the past 2 months

 A female cheetah near Look out hill gets a hug from cub

 There were great photographic conditions

 A young male lion at Lewa downs

 A leopard at night near our camp in Lewa