Mara:Friday 23rd July 2004

MIGRATION 2004 UPDATE



July 23rd 2004



The wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara seems to be taking on a dramatically different shape every few days. Since last week’s update, light rains drifting across the Possee and Burrungat plains and into the Mara Conservancy have caused the herds to move in three different directions. River crossings are continuing at four different places as herds continue to pour into the Conservancy. Another herd heading due north towards Mara Intrepids and Explorer has been busy crossing the Talek River on both sides of the camps. A third herd has reached the Burrungat Plains and is now heading east towards Sekenani Gate.



Along the Talek River, two prides of lions have taken up position to pick up stragglers at the main river crossings – and Intrepids guests have witnessed several lion kills over the past week. Bella, the female leopard and star of BBC’s Big Cat Diary, and her cub have also taken advantage of the crossings from a hideout at Mutamaiyo Lugga, one of the main streams feeding into the Talek.



Although progress from the south has slowed in recent days, herds continue to amass over the Serengeti border, with some small groups heading west and entering the Mara Conservancy near the Olare Saltlick. Although there will be more herds coming across the border in the coming days, there is more than enough to see in the reserve for the time being!



Watch this space for more information from the migration front line!