21 November, 2013

The Migration Returns!

Weather
We have clear skies in the morning and evenings giving us a spectacular sunrise and sunset every day.

Temperature
170c morning
280c at midday
230c after sunset.

The Great Migration

In a dramatic shift, the wildebeest and zebra herds are back from northern Serengeti where they had moved to following some mid-season rains in October. The herds had presumed the time to relocate to the Serengeti had come, but local rains in the Mara ecosystem has changed that. The plains are now greened with fresh grass and luscious shots. If the weather continues like this, there is a likelihood of wildebeest giving birth in the Mara like in 1998.











The wildebeest are moving north of Mara Intrepids Camp through the Olare Orok Conservancy and across Posse Plain down to Sand River. The wildebeest and zebras are everywhere, with crocodiles and other predators enjoying to their full.

Predators

The Olkeju Ronkai pride with its cubs and the Olkiombo pride are along the same (Olkeju Ronkai) river. 




The river supports three prides, all brought together by the mighty Notch and his sons. The coalition's prowess led to many conquests of rival pride territories and pride females. Today, many cubs from the Olkeju, Ridge and Olkiombo prides were sired by Notch and his sons, and the prides used to criss cross each other's territorial lines within this common river. Notch is believed to have died between the Talek and Keekorok area along this river.      






Cheetah

Amani, the mother cheetah has cubs aged three months. They are seen at Shamarta, west of Mara Intrepids Camp.

Leopard

Of late, it’s only Bahati (Olive’s daughter) regularly seen near Mara Intrepids Camp. We have spotted her a few times patrolling in front of the Camp’s main bar by Talek River.




Others




Heritage Hotels (Kenya) manages two luxury camps in the Masai Mara - Mara Explorer and Mara Intrepids - in the confluence of the four game viewing areas of the Masai Mara. The camps are on the banks of the Talek River, with most tents spread along the banks.  Report and pictures by John Parmasau. ©Heritage Hotels Ltd, Kenya. http://www.heritage-eastafrica.com/

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