Mara: Monday 23rd August 2004

August 23, 2004

The migration patterns in the Mara continue to change by day. After the one and a half week long rain, most herds headed to the recently burnt grounds because of the new lush grass that shot up after the rain. You understand why it is so when you look at these plains now with a striking green. Most herds are now concentrated on the western part of the Mara triangle along the foot of the Oloololo escarpment. A visit to the area two days ago showed that the herds have retreated from the long grass areas near Oloololo gate and along the Mara River. On the eastern side of the Mara River there are still quite a few herds on Paradise plains, rhino ridge, central and Burrungat plains. However, they are so scattered unlike earlier when they were concentrated. There have been crossings at the paradise crossing point every day with few animals

crossing back over to the Mara conservancy, and a few herds heading back to the northwestern Serengeti.

We have in the past seen similar situations where the wildebeest would come into the Mara then in a month disappear back into the Serengeti only to reappear a month later. We think it may be the same this year.

In the accompanying map you will notice how the

distribution has changed after the rain.



We will keep you updated from the migration frontline.