Wildebeests migration 2020 update

The wildebeests migration is now on full throttle in Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti. The concentration built faster and the herds have pushed more into the Mara. The herds have taken a traditional trend and have split into two headings. One herd heading west and crossing over the Mara river and the other, north into Meta and towards Burrungat plains. All these are sure indication of guaranteed good sightings for the next few months.

There were heavy crossings at the Mara river about 3 places north of the south Mara bridge below Look Out Hill. Here, has been the arena of the crossing activities over the past few days. Hundreds of the Serengeti herds crossed west on the Mara Triangle. The river is not as high, making the crossing a bit easy for the animals.

Great Migration 2020 -The wildebeests now enters Masai Mara

The migration of wildebeests has started in the Masai Mara game reserve, and now, the stage is set for one of the world’s most fascinating wildlife spectacle. The first herds crossed the common border of Kenya/Tanzania from Northern Serengeti into Masai Mara, about 5 days ago. The wildebeests came through their traditional route west of Kuka hills t They crossed the sand river which runs almost along the border, onto the Mara around Roan hill. Here, the first small group  crossed the sand river on the  first day. There heading of the herds into Masai Mara is two-pronged. The first wildebeests that crossed last week came directly from central Serengeti, while the mega herds is arrived from the west, four days after the first herds crossed the Sand River. 

Over the past couple of days the migration progression has been quite fast, with wildebeest covering quite some distance per day. They are expected to cross the river from the east to the west (Mara Triangle) of Masai Mara, going by the pace by which they have been moving across the plains over the past few days since they arrived in the Mara. Looking across into northern Serengeti, one can see big herds concentrated on plains south of the South Mara Bridge. These have started crossing the main Mara River from kogatende into Lamai Wedge and onward into  South Mara Triangle 

The Mara predators, which have been starving over the lean period that was the past few months, are now waking upto a season of plenty. The prides of lion in the areas where the wildebeest have been through, especially the Black Rock pride, have already gorged themselves. The stage is now set for hunting activities in the Mara, as the predators seize the opportunity. More updates to follow on the progress of this natural phenomenon.

Now with international flights in and out of Kenya are set to resume from 1st August, the Mara and is waiting for the early birds who are ready to "catch the worm". The Kenya government recently launched a health and safety protocol for all the players in the tourism industry who are handling visitors. All the lodges and camps are only opening once they have met the set protocols. The ministry of health has also setup a COVID-19 testing centre in Masai Mara where all the staff going to work in tourists establishment  have been undergoing tests. If you are a regular Mara visitor, you will find a totally new place, just like everywhere else. And this is all for your safety, and ours too. Come and enjoy the Mara while we keep you safe.

Post Covid Safari: Tanzania and Rwanda Re-opens for tourism

As we all look forward to going back to our earlier normal lives and going on safari again, Our hopes have been raised after two countries, Tanzania and Rwanda re-opens for  tourism. For the safari die hards, we can now go on safari in any of the 2 countries as we await reopening by other countries around. Please see visiting conditions and safety protocols in each of the two country below:

TANZANIA

The Government of Tanzania lifted the suspension on international flights to Tanzania and several airlines have scheduled international flights beginning June 2020.  Therefore, Tanzania is now accepting tourists under normal and regular ‘pre-covid’ border rules. No mandatory quarantine period is currently in place, however temperature checks, mask wearing, and social distancing is in effect.

The government of Tanzania has stated it has an enhanced screening policy for all incoming tourists, which includes a health questionnaire and temperature checks. There is no mandatory testing upon arrival unless, but you may be subject to a rapid test if you are showing symptoms.

After you arrive into Tanzania they are asking tourists to wash their hands frequently, stay at least 1-metre away from others, and wear face masks. Tourists are also asked to give information about their accommodation during their stay.

There is no mandatory 14-day isolation or quarantine period for travellers into Tanzania.

You can read this detailed government document about health and safety for tourists and tourism service providers. Do not miss the migration season this year, Serengeti is now open, go and enjoy watching nature's wonder in Northern Serengeti.

Please see the

RWANDA 

Rwanda has also announced the reopening of tourism activities as well as the resumption of international travel for charter flights, effective 17 June 2020, With the well-being of all travellers put as top priority and therefore a robust health and safety guidelines have been put in place.

Together with the private sector, RDB is offering attractive all-inclusive tourism packages for Rwandans and foreign residents. These packages have been designed to showcase Rwanda’s remarkable leisure and recreational experiences, from adventures in the mountains, to memorable excursions in serene landscapes, and a taste of our lively cities. Commenting on the reopening, Belise Kariza, the Chief Tourism Officer at RDB said:

“Rwanda’s tourism industry is adapting to create a safe environment for travelers and operators, in order to thrive in these unprecedented times. We encourage all travel enthusiasts and nature explorers to take advantage of this unique opportunity to venture out and experience the beauty and adventure that our country has to offer.”

Promotional offers are available until 31st December 2020 in all  National Parks:

• Gorilla permits are now available at USD 200 for Rwandans & EAC nationals residing in Rwanda, USD 500 for foreign residents and USD 1,500 for international tourists coming with charter flights.
• Special packages are available for groups, families and corporates on other products in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks.

Specific precautionary measures are as follows:

• Domestic tourists visiting Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks are required to test negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours prior to visiting these attractions. A private test center has been set up at Petit Stade, Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, by appointment only. Other test centers outside Kigali will be communicated as demand grows.
• All visitors travelling by charter flights are expected to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to arrival. Tourists will take a second COVID-19 test prior to visiting any tourist attraction.

The wildebeests migration is now happening in Masai Mara!

The wildebeests have now entered the Mara. I can now confirm after a fact finding mission round the entry points along the Mara and Serengeti border. This may be the earliest arrival recorded in recent past!. I don’t remember when we last witnessed the wildebeests migrating into the Mara from Serengeti in late May. The change in the climate, which has caused lack of rain in the region is the most likely reason.Though this is still in its’ initial stages, every indication shows that the stage is set for the world’s most fascinating wildlife spectacle. A herd of almost 4,000 wildebeest have crossed the border near sand river gate. They have been seen this over the past one week taking their traditional route towards Roan hill. Their movement however is much faster than usual due to little or very dry grass  in their way. Since April this year we have continued having intermittent rains which would normally have made the grass on the plains long and lush. However, there was extensive controlled burning of the grass this year. Therefore the grass is not as long as usual around this time of the year, but most of the plains are covered in short green grass. The will for sure slow the migration movement north. Looking onto the Serengeti from the sand river, one can see herds of zebra and wildebeest heading north then crossing the Sand River into the Mara. We anticipate that as the concentration builds up they will bush up north into central Mara. Since 27^th May, we have been having light rains in parts of the Mara and this might fasten the process a bit.

Please get in touch to book your migration safari to the Mara now

These are the early arrivals crossing the Sand River. This photo was taken 2 days ago

You can see the extend of the herds on the plains across on Serengeti side

Migration update: The wildebeests returns to Masai Mara

The wildebeest have made another dramatic come back. In just a week, the concentration in the south of the reserve swelled to an enormous number. Most of the herds as per my previous update have made a complete cycle 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 where they went further south then returning and re-entering the Mara around the Turners hill, southern Mara triangle . In fact everything now is just like at the beginning. There is a higher concentration on Mara Triangle. Some of the herds  have spread out on the central plains again and some herds have started crossing the Mara River near Kichwa Tembo and Below Mara Serena. 

For the past week, many Mara visitors have witnessed many crossings around here. The animals are crossing over into the Paradise plains just as before and others heading north with the first ones now around Musiara Marsh. Higher concentration is around Serena lodge and south to the border of Serengeti. 

Most of the herds here have settled temporarily on the short grass from a previous burning. The unseasoned rains have played a crucial role in the sprouting of the grass. The crossing points in the north around paradise plains have been teeming with activities, with most animals crossing back and forth. The water in the river is quite shallow now, hence easy crossing by the animals. We are glad it is happening all over again.

If you want to witness this natural wonder, then you this is the time to visit.

Migration 2018 update- The wildebeests now enters Masai Mara

The wildebeests have now entered the Mara! I can now confirm this today after a fact finding mission round the entry points along the Mara and Serengeti border. Though this is still in its’ initial stages, every indication shows that the stage is set for the world’s most fascinating wildlife spectacle. 

A herd of almost 50,000 wildebeest have crossed the border near sand river gate. They could be seen this morning taking their traditional route towards Roan hill. Some have already moved all the way up towards central. The plains now between Mara Sarova, Roan Hill and Talek gate is teeming with the first herds that have moved into the area. The first animals arrived about 6 days ago.

 Their movement however is slower because of the amount of grass in their way. Earlier in the year, we had a lot of rains which has made the plains covered in long green grass. This is expected to slow the migration movement north. Looking onto the Serengeti from the sand river, one can see big herds of zebra and wildebeest heading north though reluctantly. We anticipate this concentration to build as the herds push up north into the Mara.

The Loita population has also moved into the Mara. They came in about two weeks ago. A herd of about 5,000 zebras and wildebeest can be seen around Musiara gate in the north and Topi plains, and this consist mainly of Zebras. Their concentration however is still low but we expect a build up in the coming weeks. 

The Mara predators in the areas where the herds are concentrated have suddenly woken up to the season of plenty again. The Topi pride lions have now established themselves on Topi plains an dRhino Ridge, where the wildebeest are are now moving into. Since the entry of the migrating herds into the area, these lions have always had something to eat. Other predators, mainly cats, Leopard and cheetah are also taking advantage of the season of plenty.

If anyone wanted to witness the migration, then this is the time

Migration update December 2017

Over the last one week, i have been following the wildebeests in Serengeti on my safari.

At the moment there are still some herds coming from the north, streaming across Namiri plains, (Serengeti East) and some are still in small pockets around Seronera in the central part. However, the majority are around Naabi gate west to Hidden valley, some were at Olpaaye north for river Simiyu about 3 days ago.

However, major herds are now coming out of the woodlands of Maswa game reserve into Kusini plains and somehow taking south easterly direction. I am headed back again in few days and will update.

Zebras on the dry plains of Namiri

Zebras come to drink at waterhole on Namiri plains

Many lions in South Serengeti now having cubs in time for the season of plenty

Herds head south from Namiri plains

Beasts on the move

Zebra take time to rest and watch each others back while resting from the migration

Herds seen 2 days ago south of Moru

Early August Migration Update

The wildebeest migration continues to thrill Mara visitors. There are a lot of activities accompanying this annual event. For the past week the herds of wildebeest and zebra continued in their traditional migratory routes in the Mara. The herds which have been crossing the Mara river near the lower Mara bridge are now massed up on the Mara triangle. More herds have kept crossing over from Serengeti into the Mara triangle, and most of these are on Lerai wedge and along the Sand River on the eastern side. Some have spread out on the central and Burrungat plains though in small isolated herds.

The animals continued crossing near the lower Mara bridge onto the Mara triangle in the past week, though in reduced numbers. At the moment, there were many wildebeest and zebra crossing at the paradise point. There has been a lot of action at this point for the past few days. The water level is still low though a bit higher than the past month.

The crocodiles at the Mara river have never ceased taking the opportunity. There were many animals taken by crocodiles during the crossings, you often see crocodiles in a feeding frenzy on dead wildebeest carcass. With many animals on the Mara triangle now moving north, we expect heavy easterly crossing at different points on the Mara river over the coming weeks. 

If you were timing your visit to see this, now this is the time.

Early July Wildebeests Migration Update

The concentration of wildebeests in the Mara has gone up even more since my first report last month. The Serengeti herds that came into the Mara have now started crossing the Mara river west into the Mara triangle. Many crossing have been witnessed over the past week.

The Loita herds have increased in number, and the Serengeti herds have doubled and are now beyond the main Keekorok/Mara bridge road and some are already on central plains. We thought the long grass in their way will keep them from moving fast across the plains, but that was wrong. the animals moved across the plains much faster and the concentration build up was also fast as the southern herds keep pushing north. The western front of the migration is north bound around Kogatende, and have been crossing the Mara river over the past week into Lemai Wedge. Should they keep the same pace as the eastern front, then they will be in the central Mara Triangle in a couple of weeks. However the concentration in southern Mara is already breath taking.

The Loita herds, besides increasing in number, has also pushed westwards across and are now at Topi plains and Olorukoti heading to paradise plains. A few crossings have been witnessed in the past few days. This has mainly consisted of zebras who were also the first to get this area as they lead the rest of the migratory herds. 

The migration starts in Masai Mara

The migration of wildebeests and zebras have now entered the Mara. This has been confirmed today after a fact finding mission round the entry points along the Mara and Serengeti border. Though this is still in its’ initial stages, every indication shows that the stage is set for the world’s most fascinating wildlife spectacle. A few herds of mainly zebras and wildebeest have crossed the border near sand river gate. They could be seen this morning taking their traditional route towards Roan hill, and some have already crossed the main road to the Mara river from Sekenani gate. Their movement however is slower because of the amount of grass in their way. Since April this year we have continued having intermittent rains which has made the plains covered in long green grass. we are still experiencing sporadic rain showers. The will for sure slow the migration movement north. Looking onto the Serengeti from the sand river, one can see isolated herds of zebra and wildebeest heading north though reluctantly. We anticipate that as the concentration builds up more will bush up north into the Mara.

Speaking to the northern Serengeti national park patrol unit and some of the guides,  they said the migrating herds have taken two wings one wing heading north from Ikoma area to the west and the eastern wing is the one now moving into the Mara. I will keep you updated no the progress of the migration.

Migration update- Late July 2016

The concentration of the migrating herds is at two major areas, The Mara triangle (where most of the herds are at the moment and east towards Keekorok lodge. Th eother areas of eh reserve and conservancies have patchy herds. The Serengeti herds in the past week kept streaming into the Mara triangle, with heavy crossings by lookout hill. These kept crossing the River by look out hill over the week. Most of the Mara plains are still teeming with a sea of over grown red oat grass. To most herbivores this is quite tough and rough for them and this explains why the herds have just been rushing through the reserve when there is plenty of grass.

The have a heavy crossing activity at the paradise crossing point over the week as herds cross over to the west of the Mara River. These have been moving across Paradise plain to the River and crossing over west. Many have been dying from predation by crocodiles and others from trampling in the stampede in the river. It is a week full of excitement for the Mara visitors some of whom had to stay the whole day to witness this natural phenomenon. Northern Serengeti is now quiet with few wildebeests, but still active with its cats.

Crossing point

Crossing point 

Exit stampede

The herds on the move

Great photo opportunity with nice sunsets/rise

The clean-up squad are always there to do their job

Lions get an easy meal during the migration

Many of the wildebeests fall prey to predators

For Many Mara lions, the migration is a time for procreation

Common sight in the Mara now, Wildebeests and other herbivores all over