Mara: Monday 6th September 2004

September 4th 2004



The concentration of wildebeest in the Maasai Mara has intensified considerably over the past week, with continuing showers on the Central and Burrungat plains leading to an unexpected ‘second migration’. Despite predictions of an early exodus of the Serengeti herds, the wildebeest have once again confounded scientific wisdom by moving north to stay with the greener pastures on the Kenyan side of the border.



During the past few days, our surveys have shown that most of the herds that had settled on the burnt plains in the northern Serengeti are now moving back into the Mara en masse, making their situation look like a ‘new beginning’ to the migration. There are a few active crossing points by Lookout Hill, with lots of animals crossing into the Mara Triangle, while a second, larger herd is currently crossing the Talek River near Mara Intrepids and Explorer. Some of these animals are even beginning to retrace their earlier eastward steps towards Sekenani Gate.



The big cats – lions, leopards and cheetahs – continue to have a field day, lining up in the choicest ambush locations along the Talek River. The local resident leopard, Bella, has been particularly active, notching up kills of a wildebeest and a Grant’s gazelle over the past couple of days.



While large wildebeest herds remain in the Mara Conservancy, particularly along the base of the escarpment, we have also been witnessing daily crossings to the Paradise Plains at the Paradise crossing points. Even more movement is predicted in the coming week, with continuing light showers across much of the Mara.



Watch this space for more breaking news from the migration frontline!