The rains continue in the Mara, changing the landscape from brown to green. It’s confusing the migrating animals, engaging them in unpredictable movement to an extent that some herds of wildebeest and zebra have started to return to the Serengeti earlier than usual.
On reaching Olmisigiyoi or the Central Plains, the herds are stranded because beyond Olmisigiyoi to the south it is dry. Some herds cross Sand River to the burnt area.
The herds on Burrungat Plains and along Olkeju-Ronkai are grazing facing west and some north. Another herd of wildebeest and zebras are grazing around Meta Plain and Lookout Hill, all relaxed and in no hurry to cross the river.
A big herd of wildebeest is around Olkiombo Plain reaching OOC up to the Aitong Plains. The Topi Plains all the way to Musiara is also full of wildebeest.
The natural water pools are full because of the rains and the rivers have many dead wildebeest from previous crossing stampedes which means there is still a lot for the crocodiles, vultures and Marabou storks to eat.
The herds of wildebeest and zebras that ventured beyond the borders of the Reserve to the Mara Conservancy have retreated back into the reserve, heading generally down south. Musiara is still a converging zone where the herds split and take two different routes. A group of wildebeest has crossed Talek River towards Burragat and Posse Plain through Olmisigiyio down south of Mara Intrepids camp. A few herds are still grazing at Olkiombo, east of Mara Intrepids Camp and on the edge of the reserve and the Conservancy northeast of Mara Intrepids Camp.
Big cats sightings
Lions
The Ridge Pride, which is the most active pride around Olkiombo and Topi Plains, is patrolling between Double Crossing and Topi Plains. The pride has 14 members - six females, six cubs of different ages and two males.
The Olkiombo Pride is still waiting on the southern side of Talek River between Mara Intrepid Camp and Fig Tree Camp for their three males - Cheza, Sala and Junior. They are still busy with the lioness from the Maji-ya Fisi pride. Notch’s sons are patrolling the southern side hoping to expand their territory.
Leopards
Olive the female leopard is expecting and may soon deliver a litter of cubs.
Her two male cubs have separated - Kanyoni is west of the Olkiombo airstrip. Pacha is up stream of Intiakitiak River.
Cheetahs
Alama the female cheetah with her two male cubs is between Mara Intrepids Camp and Rekero Camp. The brothers are around Rhino Ridge killing young wildebeest and zebras almost every day.
(Pictures © Paul Kirui)
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