News from Maasai Mara, Kenya July 3rd 2008

Our guides can now confirm - the migration has officially started! The stage in the Mara is now set for the world's most fascinating wildlife spectacle. A herd of almost 2,000 wildebeest have crossed the border from the Serengeti near Sand River gate, with a similar number seen crossing today at a place known to the Mara guides as Roots Crossing. This head of the southern migration was this afternoon taking their traditional route towards Roan Hill, while others entered the central Mara plains via the western side of the hill.

The weather has played havoc with the traditional migration this year. Intermittent rain in April grassed the plains in green, which soon dried due to the dry spells in May and June. This dry and overgrown grass is now expected to slow the migration's movement northwards.

Looking into the Serengeti from the Sand River, herds of zebra and wildebeest on eastern and western sides of Naima-Lumbwa Hill can be seen heading northwards. The higher concentration is south of the Mara River and Sand River confluence, with the recently burnt area being the main attraction. As this report was being compiled, the Mara had just received some rain, which will replenish the burnt shoots and is expected to hasten the northbound movement of the herbivores. Meanwhile, the Loita herds of wildebeest are settling around the recently burnt area on the Mara triangle, just across the river opposite Look-Out Hill.

While their numbers are still low, our guests have enjoyed being the first to witness the start of the 2008 migration, and we are proud to take them to the best viewing spots.

Other sightings:

The past week was a highlight of big cats sightings. All the lion prides in our game viewing areas were seen, and they seem to be responding to the distant pounding of hooves, which announces the oncoming herds - and season of plenty!

Leopard sightings could not have been better, with several individuals spotted. Our guests at Mara Intrepids even saw one making a kill, and we expect more adventures as the herds settle around.

Please log onto our website for weekly updates on the progress of the migration (and local Big Cat action) over the next three months.
Paul Kirui, Lead Safari Guide, Heritage Hotels
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