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
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