With the long rains finally here, the Mara is already flooded in several places. This has begun to change the animals' behaviour, with the wildebeest returning back to their usual calving grounds in Tanzania. Many wildebeest had their young in the Mara earlier this year, in an unusual occurrence associated with the prolonged drought. Over the past two weeks, the Mara plains have changed radically, from dusty bare earth to a carpet of bright green.
Lions
All of the lion prides in our game-viewing territory are still around and actively hunting. The Ridge Pride has settled near Mara Explorer over the past week, moving between the Double Crossing area and the Intrepids Airstrip. For some time now, they seem to have avoided confrontations with the Olkiombo Pride, which had earlier cost the l ives of one member from each pride. The main cause of these fights was the two Ridge males, which have taken to shifting between the two prides. One of the Olkiombo females now has two small cubs sired by one of these males. The Shonko Pride with the two black-maned males, meanwhile, is still at Ol Keju Rongai. Its three cubs are doing well, although from now on their survival will depend upon the agility of the pride’s females to hunt the resident topi, impala and other plains game.
Cheetahs
Cheetah sightings have been rather poor over the past week, due to the high levels of the local rivers, which have impaired the cats' access. One female cheetah has kept our guests entertained while hunting to the east of our camps. Our main star Kike has, however, not been seen for the past two weeks.
Leopards
Bella was seen two days ago at Kichaka ya Round, along the Talek River, while her son Chui has settled between Mara Intrepids and Rekero camp. Another leopard, a two-year-old female, has been spotted regularly at the seasonal stream just north of Mara Explorer. She had a kill stored up a tree, where she stayed for at least four days last week.
Please visit our website at www.heritage-eastafrica.com for more information on the wild comings and goings around our camps.
"Lately there has been no better place to film leopards in the Mara than the area around Mara Intrepids and Explorer. Since we first filmed Bella here in 2003, 90% of our filming of leopards for Big Cat Week has been done within 5km of the same location"
- Nigel Pope, Producer, Big Cat
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06 December, 2006
27 November, 2006
Big Cat Update, Masai Mara, Kenya, Friday 24th November 2006
Lions
Lion sightings have reached a record high around Mara Intrepids and Explorer over the past month. The Ridge Pride, which has settled near our camps, has been giving guests thrilling daily sightings, with its 10 cubs - eight females and two males - regularly out and about. Over the past few weeks, the pride's territory appears to have expanded from around the Maternity Area south of Rhino Ridge towards the Talek River east of our two camps. This has brought them into occasional conflict with the neighbouring Olkiombo Pride, which once roamed freely along the Talek's banks, but now appears to have moved further east. Earlier this month, the two prides had a major confrontation, in which one of the Ridge females sustained serious injuries. The two dominant Ridge males have also been attending to the females from Olkiombo, which lost its dominant males last year. The pair has also seen off a couple of nomadic males that have also been trying to inveigle their way into the Ridge territory. These inter-pride battles are likely to continue for the foreseeable future, until both prides are taken over by new males. Our guests at Siana, meanwhile, continue to be blessed with regular sightings of the Sekenani Pride just to the west of Sekenani Gate.
Leopards
Leopard sightings have also been very good this month, with the unexpected return of the wildebeest providing improved hunting for Bella, Ntito and Kijana in their home ranges along the Talek. Guests at our two camps have been regularly entertained by their distinctive roars during the night. Guests at Siana, meanwhile, have continued to enjoy sightings of an unnamed female and her cub in the Kissinger area, where, due to the absence of larger prey, she has been seen hunting dik-diks and other smaller mammals. This female has also been seen several times in the typical - and very photogenic - 'leopard pose' on a high tree branch, scanning the plains below for potential prey.
Cheetahs
A coalition of three male cheetahs has been hunting on the plains around Mara Intrepids/Explorer in recent weeks, providing fantastic 'tours de force' for our guests. The trio, when locked onto a young wildebeest or topi, shows tremendous persistence in getting their catch. Other cheetahs have also been wandering in and out of our game-viewing area, providing us with welcome sightings. The female cheetah that we spotted with six cubs last month has now headed northeast into the new Olare Orok Conservancy, from where we hear from the guides that all the cubs are still doing well.
Other Predators
Three wild dogs were seen last week on the Aitong Plains - a sign that this rare and enigmatic predator may be making a welcome return to the Mara. We join local conservationists in praying that these members of this highly social and greatly misunderstood species will be allowed to establish themselves in their former stronghold on the Mara plains.
If you have any interesting accounts of wildlife activities in the Maasai Mara, please feel free to drop a line to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. From all at Heritage Hotels, we wish you happy migration watching!
"Lately there has been no better place to film leopards in the Mara than the area around Mara Intrepids and Explorer. Since we first filmed Bella here in 2003, 90% of our filming of leopards for Big Cat Week has been done within 5km of the same location"
- Nigel Pope, Producer, Big Cat
Lion sightings have reached a record high around Mara Intrepids and Explorer over the past month. The Ridge Pride, which has settled near our camps, has been giving guests thrilling daily sightings, with its 10 cubs - eight females and two males - regularly out and about. Over the past few weeks, the pride's territory appears to have expanded from around the Maternity Area south of Rhino Ridge towards the Talek River east of our two camps. This has brought them into occasional conflict with the neighbouring Olkiombo Pride, which once roamed freely along the Talek's banks, but now appears to have moved further east. Earlier this month, the two prides had a major confrontation, in which one of the Ridge females sustained serious injuries. The two dominant Ridge males have also been attending to the females from Olkiombo, which lost its dominant males last year. The pair has also seen off a couple of nomadic males that have also been trying to inveigle their way into the Ridge territory. These inter-pride battles are likely to continue for the foreseeable future, until both prides are taken over by new males. Our guests at Siana, meanwhile, continue to be blessed with regular sightings of the Sekenani Pride just to the west of Sekenani Gate.
Leopards
Leopard sightings have also been very good this month, with the unexpected return of the wildebeest providing improved hunting for Bella, Ntito and Kijana in their home ranges along the Talek. Guests at our two camps have been regularly entertained by their distinctive roars during the night. Guests at Siana, meanwhile, have continued to enjoy sightings of an unnamed female and her cub in the Kissinger area, where, due to the absence of larger prey, she has been seen hunting dik-diks and other smaller mammals. This female has also been seen several times in the typical - and very photogenic - 'leopard pose' on a high tree branch, scanning the plains below for potential prey.
Cheetahs
A coalition of three male cheetahs has been hunting on the plains around Mara Intrepids/Explorer in recent weeks, providing fantastic 'tours de force' for our guests. The trio, when locked onto a young wildebeest or topi, shows tremendous persistence in getting their catch. Other cheetahs have also been wandering in and out of our game-viewing area, providing us with welcome sightings. The female cheetah that we spotted with six cubs last month has now headed northeast into the new Olare Orok Conservancy, from where we hear from the guides that all the cubs are still doing well.
Other Predators
Three wild dogs were seen last week on the Aitong Plains - a sign that this rare and enigmatic predator may be making a welcome return to the Mara. We join local conservationists in praying that these members of this highly social and greatly misunderstood species will be allowed to establish themselves in their former stronghold on the Mara plains.
If you have any interesting accounts of wildlife activities in the Maasai Mara, please feel free to drop a line to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. From all at Heritage Hotels, we wish you happy migration watching!
"Lately there has been no better place to film leopards in the Mara than the area around Mara Intrepids and Explorer. Since we first filmed Bella here in 2003, 90% of our filming of leopards for Big Cat Week has been done within 5km of the same location"
- Nigel Pope, Producer, Big Cat
News from the Maasai Mara, Kenya Friday 24th November 2006
With one of the longest wildebeest migrations on record, it’s appropriate that 2006 was the year in which U.S. television giants ABC chose to name the Maasai Mara as one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Now well into the latter half of November, there are still thousands of wildebeest on the central and southern Mara plains, from where they are gradually – if belatedly – making their way back to the Serengeti Reserve.
The drawn-out nature of this year's migration has been largely due to the light rains that fell on the Mara in early November, drawing many of the straggling herds back from the Serengeti. This was most fortuitous for the film crew from ABC's Good Morning America, which chose Heritage's Mara Intrepids Camp from which to watch the migration from November 13th-18th - and from where anchor Kate Snow showed the most "moveable natural wonder of the world" to millions of enthralled viewers.
This week, the few wildebeest herds still in the Mara have settled south of the Mara Triangle and west of Musiara Gate, down to Rhino Ridge and Paradise on the eastern side of the Mara River, where there is still plenty of grass. Over the last few days, the reserve has received several sporadic showers, which should carpet the overgrazed areas with lush new shoots of grass - and perhaps keep the wildebeest here for a few weeks more.
Although river crossings have been reduced to a few small groups of wildebeest over the past week, they are still a sight to behold, particularly for first-time visitors. But what would one expect of the world's most wonderful natural spectacle?
If you have any interesting accounts of wildlife activities in the Maasai Mara, please feel free to drop a line to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. From all at Heritage Hotels, we wish you happy migration watching!
"Lately there has been no better place to film leopards in the Mara than the area around Mara Intrepids and Explorer. Since we first filmed Bella here in 2003, 90% of our filming of leopards for Big Cat Week has been done within 5km of the same location"
- Nigel Pope, Producer, Big Cat Week24-11-06%20Map%2010.jpg
The drawn-out nature of this year's migration has been largely due to the light rains that fell on the Mara in early November, drawing many of the straggling herds back from the Serengeti. This was most fortuitous for the film crew from ABC's Good Morning America, which chose Heritage's Mara Intrepids Camp from which to watch the migration from November 13th-18th - and from where anchor Kate Snow showed the most "moveable natural wonder of the world" to millions of enthralled viewers.
This week, the few wildebeest herds still in the Mara have settled south of the Mara Triangle and west of Musiara Gate, down to Rhino Ridge and Paradise on the eastern side of the Mara River, where there is still plenty of grass. Over the last few days, the reserve has received several sporadic showers, which should carpet the overgrazed areas with lush new shoots of grass - and perhaps keep the wildebeest here for a few weeks more.
Although river crossings have been reduced to a few small groups of wildebeest over the past week, they are still a sight to behold, particularly for first-time visitors. But what would one expect of the world's most wonderful natural spectacle?
If you have any interesting accounts of wildlife activities in the Maasai Mara, please feel free to drop a line to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. From all at Heritage Hotels, we wish you happy migration watching!
"Lately there has been no better place to film leopards in the Mara than the area around Mara Intrepids and Explorer. Since we first filmed Bella here in 2003, 90% of our filming of leopards for Big Cat Week has been done within 5km of the same location"
- Nigel Pope, Producer, Big Cat Week24-11-06%20Map%2010.jpg
04 November, 2006
News from the Maasai Mara, Kenya Wednesday 31st October 2006
The wildebeest have made a really dramatic come back. In a confounding marvel of nature, we are now experiencing a similar scenario like last year where we witnessed a 'second migration'! In just a week, herds in the plains south of the Mara have swelled enormously. In a repeat of the July entry, the herds have been split into two groups, one heading north into the Mara Triangle, and the other southwards to the northern Serengeti before crossing the Sand River Gate - back into the Mara. From this reentry, the westbound herds are spread out over Burrungat, the Central and Meta Plains, with some animals already crossing the Mara River near Lookout Hill.
The northwards bound herds are now around Mara Intrepids, while most of the herds have settled temporarily on the short grass from a previous burning. The unseasoned rains have played a crucial role in the sprouting of the grass, and most importantly, attracting these herds back. The crossing points in the north around Paradise Plains are awash with activities, with easy back and forth crossings since most of the rivers almost empty.
Predators
There are still a lot of predation activities in the Mara even in the brief absence of the migrating herds from some areas. The lions had started to adopting lean period hunting tactics, but with the return of the herds, so has the season of plenty. The Ridge Pride has been roaming their territory bar two males who are now serving the females from Olkiombo Pride abandoned by their males. In the gist of events, should other males come into the fold, the progeny of the Olkiombo Pride could be killed in the harsh jungle law of maintaining one's own offspring.
Leopard sightings increased over the past week, with a young waterbuck kill right in front of Mara Explorer in full view of the guests. The same leopard later killed another waterbuck in the same location and proceeded to hoist both kills up the tree. Cheetah sighing has been good as well.
As usual, if you have any interesting accounts of wildlife activities in the Maasai Mara, please feel free to drop a line to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. From all at Heritage Hotels, we wish you happy migration watching!
The northwards bound herds are now around Mara Intrepids, while most of the herds have settled temporarily on the short grass from a previous burning. The unseasoned rains have played a crucial role in the sprouting of the grass, and most importantly, attracting these herds back. The crossing points in the north around Paradise Plains are awash with activities, with easy back and forth crossings since most of the rivers almost empty.
Predators
There are still a lot of predation activities in the Mara even in the brief absence of the migrating herds from some areas. The lions had started to adopting lean period hunting tactics, but with the return of the herds, so has the season of plenty. The Ridge Pride has been roaming their territory bar two males who are now serving the females from Olkiombo Pride abandoned by their males. In the gist of events, should other males come into the fold, the progeny of the Olkiombo Pride could be killed in the harsh jungle law of maintaining one's own offspring.
Leopard sightings increased over the past week, with a young waterbuck kill right in front of Mara Explorer in full view of the guests. The same leopard later killed another waterbuck in the same location and proceeded to hoist both kills up the tree. Cheetah sighing has been good as well.
As usual, if you have any interesting accounts of wildlife activities in the Maasai Mara, please feel free to drop a line to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. From all at Heritage Hotels, we wish you happy migration watching!
News from the Maasai Mara, Kenya Wednesday 31st October 2006
The wildebeest have made a really dramatic come back. In a confounding marvel of nature, we are now experiencing a similar scenario like last year where we witnessed a 'second migration'! In just a week, herds in the plains south of the Mara have swelled enormously. In a repeat of the July entry, the herds have been split into two groups, one heading north into the Mara Triangle, and the other southwards to the northern Serengeti before crossing the Sand River Gate - back into the Mara. From this reentry, the westbound herds are spread out over Burrungat, the Central and Meta Plains, with some animals already crossing the Mara River near Lookout Hill.
The northwards bound herds are now around Mara Intrepids, while most of the herds have settled temporarily on the short grass from a previous burning. The unseasoned rains have played a crucial role in the sprouting of the grass, and most importantly, attracting these herds back. The crossing points in the north around Paradise Plains are awash with activities, with easy back and forth crossings since most of the rivers almost empty.
Predators
There are still a lot of predation activities in the Mara even in the brief absence of the migrating herds from some areas. The lions had started to adopting lean period hunting tactics, but with the return of the herds, so has the season of plenty. The Ridge Pride has been roaming their territory bar two males who are now serving the females from Olkiombo Pride abandoned by their males. In the gist of events, should other males come into the fold, the progeny of the Olkiombo Pride could be killed in the harsh jungle law of maintaining one's own offspring.
Leopard sightings increased over the past week, with a young waterbuck kill right in front of Mara Explorer in full view of the guests. The same leopard later killed another waterbuck in the same location and proceeded to hoist both kills up the tree. Cheetah sighing has been good as well.
As usual, if you have any interesting accounts of wildlife activities in the Maasai Mara, please feel free to drop a line to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. From all at Heritage Hotels, we wish you happy migration watching!
31-10-06%20Map%209.jpg
The northwards bound herds are now around Mara Intrepids, while most of the herds have settled temporarily on the short grass from a previous burning. The unseasoned rains have played a crucial role in the sprouting of the grass, and most importantly, attracting these herds back. The crossing points in the north around Paradise Plains are awash with activities, with easy back and forth crossings since most of the rivers almost empty.
Predators
There are still a lot of predation activities in the Mara even in the brief absence of the migrating herds from some areas. The lions had started to adopting lean period hunting tactics, but with the return of the herds, so has the season of plenty. The Ridge Pride has been roaming their territory bar two males who are now serving the females from Olkiombo Pride abandoned by their males. In the gist of events, should other males come into the fold, the progeny of the Olkiombo Pride could be killed in the harsh jungle law of maintaining one's own offspring.
Leopard sightings increased over the past week, with a young waterbuck kill right in front of Mara Explorer in full view of the guests. The same leopard later killed another waterbuck in the same location and proceeded to hoist both kills up the tree. Cheetah sighing has been good as well.
As usual, if you have any interesting accounts of wildlife activities in the Maasai Mara, please feel free to drop a line to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. From all at Heritage Hotels, we wish you happy migration watching!
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09 October, 2006
News from the Maasai Mara, Kenya Monday 9th October 2006
The past two weeks have seen some remarkable changes in the concentration and direction of the world's liveliest animal migration. While there is still plenty of grass on the main Paradise Plains, Rhino Ridge and Olorukoti Plains, dry conditions had forced most of the animals in these areas to start heading north in search of greener pastures. However, in the past week, sprinklings of rain in the southern Mara have encouraged the wildebeest to make a dramatic about-turn and start heading south again.
Herds of wildebeest can now be seen moving south on either side of the Mara River. At present, there is a higher concentration of animals around Musiara Marsh and into the high country to the northeast, from where they are trickling down to cross into the Conservancy at the main Paradise crossing-point. In the past few days, there have been some very busy and intensive crossings, starting as early as 8am. Hundreds of Thomson's gazelles and topi have also been crossing with the wildebeest - providing a memorable spectacle for our guests.
Predators
The flurry of activity on the plains has created a fresh field day for the big cats, with lions, leopards and cheetahs all seizing the opportunity to hunt and feed their young. A couple of cheetahs in our territory have small cubs to feed, and have been particularly active in hunting. The Ridge Pride of lions has also made several successful hunts over the past week. The Olkiombo Pride, meanwhile, is still along the Talek River east of Mara Explorer/Intrepids, which has probably been the liveliest location for game-viewing in the Mara over the past two weeks.
This is the same location where Bella our star leopard has spent much of the past month entertaining members of the BBC's Big Cat Week team. Cheetah sightings have also been superb, with one female rearing six one-month-old cubs in an area just north of Bella's territory, which our guides and others helped to seal off to protect her from too much harassment. She is now walking her cubs every morning up to 100 metres from the little bush that has become their home. Hopefully no lions will find them, and we will soon be enjoying regular sightings of them hunting with their mother.
As usual, if you have any interesting accounts of wildlife activities in the Maasai Mara, please feel free to drop a line to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. From all at Heritage Hotels, we wish you happy migration watching!
"Lately there has been no better place to film leopards in the Mara than the area around Mara Intrepids and Explorer. Since we first filmed Bella here in 2003, 90% of our filming of leopards for Big Cat Week has been done within 5km of the same location"
- Nigel Pope, Producer, Big Cat Week
9-10-06%20Map%208.jpg
Herds of wildebeest can now be seen moving south on either side of the Mara River. At present, there is a higher concentration of animals around Musiara Marsh and into the high country to the northeast, from where they are trickling down to cross into the Conservancy at the main Paradise crossing-point. In the past few days, there have been some very busy and intensive crossings, starting as early as 8am. Hundreds of Thomson's gazelles and topi have also been crossing with the wildebeest - providing a memorable spectacle for our guests.
Predators
The flurry of activity on the plains has created a fresh field day for the big cats, with lions, leopards and cheetahs all seizing the opportunity to hunt and feed their young. A couple of cheetahs in our territory have small cubs to feed, and have been particularly active in hunting. The Ridge Pride of lions has also made several successful hunts over the past week. The Olkiombo Pride, meanwhile, is still along the Talek River east of Mara Explorer/Intrepids, which has probably been the liveliest location for game-viewing in the Mara over the past two weeks.
This is the same location where Bella our star leopard has spent much of the past month entertaining members of the BBC's Big Cat Week team. Cheetah sightings have also been superb, with one female rearing six one-month-old cubs in an area just north of Bella's territory, which our guides and others helped to seal off to protect her from too much harassment. She is now walking her cubs every morning up to 100 metres from the little bush that has become their home. Hopefully no lions will find them, and we will soon be enjoying regular sightings of them hunting with their mother.
As usual, if you have any interesting accounts of wildlife activities in the Maasai Mara, please feel free to drop a line to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. From all at Heritage Hotels, we wish you happy migration watching!
"Lately there has been no better place to film leopards in the Mara than the area around Mara Intrepids and Explorer. Since we first filmed Bella here in 2003, 90% of our filming of leopards for Big Cat Week has been done within 5km of the same location"
- Nigel Pope, Producer, Big Cat Week
9-10-06%20Map%208.jpg
27 September, 2006
News from the Maasai Mara, Kenya Wednesday 27th September 2006
The wildebeest migration is still on in the Mara, and over the past fortnight the movement patterns have changed dramatically. Earlier in the month, the animals had begun heading back to the Tanzanian border and into the northern Serengeti, but over the past two weeks light rains across the Mara have persuaded many of the wildebeest to alter their southerly course.
During the past week, the Mara River has been the scene of great activity, with thousands of wildebeest crossing the river at different points. The herds have now spread out again over the Paradise, Rhino Ridge and Burrungat plains, where the lack of recent burning has spared a lot of grass for the hungry herbivores. The recent light rains have also caused a fresh sprouting of the highly-nutritious red oat grass, which is likely to keep the wildebeest here for the near future. Being a fast-regenerating species, the mass grazing is beneficial to both the grass and the grazers.
In the southern part of the Mara River, only a handful of animals have been crossing around Lookout Hill - although a rise in water-levels here has caused several drownings, providing an easy meal for the local crocodiles. The cats, meanwhile, have been enjoying a continuing season of plenty, with an increase in antelope numbers providing particularly easy prey. In their typical style, several cheetahs have been seen bringing live gazelle fawns to their cubs to train them in various hunting techniques.
The Predators
All of the lion prides in our game-viewing territory are still present in their home ranges. There were spirited sightings of these cats in the past week, hunting wildebeest, zebra and warthogs - much to the excitement of Heritage's guests. A lioness from the Olkiombo Pride gave us the sighting of the week, just 1km from Mara Explorer, with her three young cubs cavorting endlessly for our guests' cameras. You simply can't see time passing here.....
Leopard sightings have also been excellent over the past week, with our favourite star Bella killing two young wildebeest only to lose them to hyenas. Bella has been particularly easy to locate since the BBC's Big Cat Week team moved back into our area at the beginning of the month. Cheetah sightings have also been frequent, with several successful hunts witnessed by our guests.
It's no wonder so many wildlife aficionados continue to rate the central Mara as the best place for Big Cat watching on Earth. But don't take our word for it - come and see for yourself!
As usual, if you have any interesting accounts of wildlife activities in the Maasai Mara, please feel free to drop a line to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. From all at Heritage Hotels, we wish you happy migration watching!
27-09-06%20map%207.jpg
During the past week, the Mara River has been the scene of great activity, with thousands of wildebeest crossing the river at different points. The herds have now spread out again over the Paradise, Rhino Ridge and Burrungat plains, where the lack of recent burning has spared a lot of grass for the hungry herbivores. The recent light rains have also caused a fresh sprouting of the highly-nutritious red oat grass, which is likely to keep the wildebeest here for the near future. Being a fast-regenerating species, the mass grazing is beneficial to both the grass and the grazers.
In the southern part of the Mara River, only a handful of animals have been crossing around Lookout Hill - although a rise in water-levels here has caused several drownings, providing an easy meal for the local crocodiles. The cats, meanwhile, have been enjoying a continuing season of plenty, with an increase in antelope numbers providing particularly easy prey. In their typical style, several cheetahs have been seen bringing live gazelle fawns to their cubs to train them in various hunting techniques.
The Predators
All of the lion prides in our game-viewing territory are still present in their home ranges. There were spirited sightings of these cats in the past week, hunting wildebeest, zebra and warthogs - much to the excitement of Heritage's guests. A lioness from the Olkiombo Pride gave us the sighting of the week, just 1km from Mara Explorer, with her three young cubs cavorting endlessly for our guests' cameras. You simply can't see time passing here.....
Leopard sightings have also been excellent over the past week, with our favourite star Bella killing two young wildebeest only to lose them to hyenas. Bella has been particularly easy to locate since the BBC's Big Cat Week team moved back into our area at the beginning of the month. Cheetah sightings have also been frequent, with several successful hunts witnessed by our guests.
It's no wonder so many wildlife aficionados continue to rate the central Mara as the best place for Big Cat watching on Earth. But don't take our word for it - come and see for yourself!
As usual, if you have any interesting accounts of wildlife activities in the Maasai Mara, please feel free to drop a line to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. From all at Heritage Hotels, we wish you happy migration watching!
27-09-06%20map%207.jpg
06 September, 2006
News from the Maasai Mara, Kenya Wednesday 6th September 2006
After a premature departure to the Serengeti, the return of the great wildebeest migration to the Maasai Mara is heralding a season of plenty on the plains of the world's most famous wilderness. Over the past two weeks, the usually empty plains to the east of Lookout Hill have been teeming with thousands of wildebeest, with many more crossing the Mara River westwards into the Mara Triangle. For the past few days, early birds have been treated to some spectacular river crossings, sometimes as early as 8am.
The return of the wildebeest has brought a "second course" of hunting for the legendary lion prides of the southern Mara. The Olkiombo Pride has been particularly evident in the Olkinyei area of the central plains. The Intrepids guides christened the pride after its dominant male - instantly recognisable from his completely black right foreleg - which was born in the area known locally as Olkiombo, near Mara Explorer.
While the southern plains have become a hive of activity, the north of the park has slipped into a period of relative calm. The area around Musiara Marsh, teeming with wildebeest last month, has again fallen quiet. The northern section of the Triangle is also quite empty, with most of the herds congregating around Olpunyata Swamp and south of Kurao Plains. Now that the wildebeest are again expressing their satisfaction with Kenyan grass, we expect most of the herds to remain this side of the border at least until November!
The Cats
Intrepids and Explorer guests have been blessed with daily sightings of cheetahs - including our beloved Kike - since our last update. With plenty of gazelles in the area, the cheetahs - especially the mothers with cubs – have been enjoying a bountiful hunting season. Leopard sightings have also improved dramatically, with the BBC's Big Cat diarists making it easy to track our friends Bella and Chui. The two cats have been giving us the best leopard sightings one can probably find anywhere in the world right now (it's small wonder they've picked our backyard for a special documentary on the species).
Apart from the Olkiombo pride, the Ridge Pride has been dominating lion news in the area, with regular kills in the vicinity of our two camps. Last Sunday, they killed two wildebeest along the Talek River, and by Monday had moved their hunts into topi territory.
It's no wonder so many aficionados consider this the best place for big cat viewing on Earth. But don't take our word for it - come see for yourself! And as usual, if you have any interesting accounts of wildlife activities in the Mara, please feel free to drop a line to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. From all at Heritage Hotels, we wish you happy migration watching!
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The return of the wildebeest has brought a "second course" of hunting for the legendary lion prides of the southern Mara. The Olkiombo Pride has been particularly evident in the Olkinyei area of the central plains. The Intrepids guides christened the pride after its dominant male - instantly recognisable from his completely black right foreleg - which was born in the area known locally as Olkiombo, near Mara Explorer.
While the southern plains have become a hive of activity, the north of the park has slipped into a period of relative calm. The area around Musiara Marsh, teeming with wildebeest last month, has again fallen quiet. The northern section of the Triangle is also quite empty, with most of the herds congregating around Olpunyata Swamp and south of Kurao Plains. Now that the wildebeest are again expressing their satisfaction with Kenyan grass, we expect most of the herds to remain this side of the border at least until November!
The Cats
Intrepids and Explorer guests have been blessed with daily sightings of cheetahs - including our beloved Kike - since our last update. With plenty of gazelles in the area, the cheetahs - especially the mothers with cubs – have been enjoying a bountiful hunting season. Leopard sightings have also improved dramatically, with the BBC's Big Cat diarists making it easy to track our friends Bella and Chui. The two cats have been giving us the best leopard sightings one can probably find anywhere in the world right now (it's small wonder they've picked our backyard for a special documentary on the species).
Apart from the Olkiombo pride, the Ridge Pride has been dominating lion news in the area, with regular kills in the vicinity of our two camps. Last Sunday, they killed two wildebeest along the Talek River, and by Monday had moved their hunts into topi territory.
It's no wonder so many aficionados consider this the best place for big cat viewing on Earth. But don't take our word for it - come see for yourself! And as usual, if you have any interesting accounts of wildlife activities in the Mara, please feel free to drop a line to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. From all at Heritage Hotels, we wish you happy migration watching!
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23 August, 2006
News from the Maasai Mara, Kenya Monday 21st August 2006
The annual Mara migration has taken a dramatic new turn over the past fortnight, with a large proportion of the wildebeest herds crossing to the western side of the reserve and back over the Tanzanian border. Although scientists and guides are divided as to the reasons behind their early departure, it is believed that changes in local rainfall patterns and the recent burning of grass in the northern Serengeti must have played a role. Just how the herds in the Mara knew about this remains one of life’s great mysteries…
The Serengeti usually sees large-scale burning of grass in late July in preparation for the short rains expected in August. When these rains arrive, the plains in the northern parts of the Serengeti flourish, with nutritious new shoots attracting a large number of herbivores. However, this time around, the burning has been less widespread and sporadically carried out – leading, it seems, to considerable confusion among the normally habitual herds.
Over the past few days, several of the departing wildebeest have started to head east and back into the Mara around Sand River Gate, with several hundred currently congregating around Roan Hill and Lookout Hill. At the time of writing, Sand River looks like a regular day in mid-July, when most wildebeest and zebra are entering the Mara for the first time. So, it seems that a "second migration" is in the offing – just a month after the first one began!
That being said, the change in local rainfall patterns and the confusion brought about by the sporadic burning of grass in the Serengeti are expected to cause further changes in the concentration and duration of the wildebeests' stay in the Mara. It has been dry for a number of weeks now, so any rain coming soon could cause major changes in the overall pattern of the migration.
Predators
The Mara's big cats are beginning to adjust to the changes wrought by the sudden departure of the large herbivore herds from much of the reserve. Despite this, we have enjoyed regular sightings of all the cats over the past week. Bella our beautiful leopard can now be seen frequently along the Talek River, with her three-year-old male cub often following obediently behind. Heritage guests have also been blessed by several sightings of Kike, our world-famous Big Cat Diary cheetah, over the past week.
The Ridge and Bila Shaka lion prides remain settled in their respective territories, although we have witnessed some changes among the dominant male hierarchies of the Olkeju Ronkai pride within the past two weeks.
As usual, we would be grateful for any observations from individual visitors, who can write directly to our head guide Paul Kirui at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. We wish you all happy migration watching!
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The Serengeti usually sees large-scale burning of grass in late July in preparation for the short rains expected in August. When these rains arrive, the plains in the northern parts of the Serengeti flourish, with nutritious new shoots attracting a large number of herbivores. However, this time around, the burning has been less widespread and sporadically carried out – leading, it seems, to considerable confusion among the normally habitual herds.
Over the past few days, several of the departing wildebeest have started to head east and back into the Mara around Sand River Gate, with several hundred currently congregating around Roan Hill and Lookout Hill. At the time of writing, Sand River looks like a regular day in mid-July, when most wildebeest and zebra are entering the Mara for the first time. So, it seems that a "second migration" is in the offing – just a month after the first one began!
That being said, the change in local rainfall patterns and the confusion brought about by the sporadic burning of grass in the Serengeti are expected to cause further changes in the concentration and duration of the wildebeests' stay in the Mara. It has been dry for a number of weeks now, so any rain coming soon could cause major changes in the overall pattern of the migration.
Predators
The Mara's big cats are beginning to adjust to the changes wrought by the sudden departure of the large herbivore herds from much of the reserve. Despite this, we have enjoyed regular sightings of all the cats over the past week. Bella our beautiful leopard can now be seen frequently along the Talek River, with her three-year-old male cub often following obediently behind. Heritage guests have also been blessed by several sightings of Kike, our world-famous Big Cat Diary cheetah, over the past week.
The Ridge and Bila Shaka lion prides remain settled in their respective territories, although we have witnessed some changes among the dominant male hierarchies of the Olkeju Ronkai pride within the past two weeks.
As usual, we would be grateful for any observations from individual visitors, who can write directly to our head guide Paul Kirui at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke. We wish you all happy migration watching!
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31 July, 2006
News from the Maasai Mara, Kenya Monday 31st July 2006
The concentration of wildebeest and zebra herds in the Maasai Mara has been building faster than expected over the past week. The light showers that swept across the southern and eastern Mara have accelerated the arrival of new herds from the northern Serengeti, where they had briefly settled on areas of recently burned grassland. The herds are now spread all over the Keekorok Plains and around Roan Hill, with several larger herds grazing on the Burrungat Plains south of the Talek River. There have been a few crossings near Lookout Hill over the past few days – although they have not been as dramatic as usual, owing to the low water levels.
The northern migration of herds from the Loita Hills, meanwhile, is now spread from Musiara Gate down to the Ntiakitiak River and south to the Talek Gate. Over the past week, these herds have been streaming in small numbers towards the Paradise Plains, with some crossing westwards into the Mara Conservancy. These herds still have a higher concentration of zebras than wildebeest.
Predators
Along the Sand River's northern bank, a pride of 30 lions have been very active hunters since the herds came into their territory two weeks ago. This pride, which once numbered 48, is believed to be the largest in the Mara ecosystem, although the last lean season saw them separating into several smaller prides. To the north, the Ridge Pride is still very active, with many attempted hunts witnessed by our guests over the past week, while the old Bila Shaka Pride has regrouped to the north of Rhino Ridge. We have also been enjoying some wonderful sightings of cheetahs and leopards, including our beloved Bella of Big Cat Diary fame.
Keep your eyes peeled for all the action, with our ever-vigilant guides from Heritage Hotels!
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The northern migration of herds from the Loita Hills, meanwhile, is now spread from Musiara Gate down to the Ntiakitiak River and south to the Talek Gate. Over the past week, these herds have been streaming in small numbers towards the Paradise Plains, with some crossing westwards into the Mara Conservancy. These herds still have a higher concentration of zebras than wildebeest.
Predators
Along the Sand River's northern bank, a pride of 30 lions have been very active hunters since the herds came into their territory two weeks ago. This pride, which once numbered 48, is believed to be the largest in the Mara ecosystem, although the last lean season saw them separating into several smaller prides. To the north, the Ridge Pride is still very active, with many attempted hunts witnessed by our guests over the past week, while the old Bila Shaka Pride has regrouped to the north of Rhino Ridge. We have also been enjoying some wonderful sightings of cheetahs and leopards, including our beloved Bella of Big Cat Diary fame.
Keep your eyes peeled for all the action, with our ever-vigilant guides from Heritage Hotels!
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17 July, 2006
News from the Maasai Mara, Kenya Monday 17th July 2006
The concentration of wildebeest in the areas mentioned last week has increased quite dramatically over the past few days. Thousands of zebra and wildebeest have been massing around and to the north of the Sand River Gate this weekend. The first herds have pushed further west to Roan Hill and have been joined by another herd of about 2,000 wildebeest that crossed the Tanzanian border through the Naima Lumbwa Hills. This rapid build-up in numbers confirms our assertion that the world's greatest wildlife spectacle is now officially underway.
The burning of grass in the northern Serengeti has obviously hastened the pace of the wildebeest from the south, as they associate burning with new and lush shoots of grass. However, the burning may not be extensive this time as the grass is still lush from the late rains experienced across the Mara and northern Serengeti last month.
There about two large prides of lions now strategically positioned between Sand River and Keekorok Lodge, where they are eagerly awaiting a new season of plenty. The leopards are up and about for the same reason. Yesterday, one of our guides from Siana Springs saw a leopard and cub with a zebra foal up a tree near Sand River.
The resident wildebeest and zebra herds from the Loita Hills are also increasing in number in all of the areas mentioned last week – close to the Musiara Gate, near the 'Double Crossing' on the Mara River, and on the Topi Plains east of Rhino Ridge.
The Ridge Pride of lions has established itself around the Double Crossing area and southeast of Rhino Ridge. The cubs that have survived the lean period are now bouncing back to good health. Our guests have witnessed several kills in the past week, together with several vain attempts which livened up our game-viewing! This is just the beginning of the action – which is guaranteed to get hotter in the coming weeks…
Watch this space for more up-to-the-minute news from the Migration Frontline!
If you have any interesting migration tidbits that you would like to share, please let our head guide Paul Kirui know, by emailing him direct at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke.
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The burning of grass in the northern Serengeti has obviously hastened the pace of the wildebeest from the south, as they associate burning with new and lush shoots of grass. However, the burning may not be extensive this time as the grass is still lush from the late rains experienced across the Mara and northern Serengeti last month.
There about two large prides of lions now strategically positioned between Sand River and Keekorok Lodge, where they are eagerly awaiting a new season of plenty. The leopards are up and about for the same reason. Yesterday, one of our guides from Siana Springs saw a leopard and cub with a zebra foal up a tree near Sand River.
The resident wildebeest and zebra herds from the Loita Hills are also increasing in number in all of the areas mentioned last week – close to the Musiara Gate, near the 'Double Crossing' on the Mara River, and on the Topi Plains east of Rhino Ridge.
The Ridge Pride of lions has established itself around the Double Crossing area and southeast of Rhino Ridge. The cubs that have survived the lean period are now bouncing back to good health. Our guests have witnessed several kills in the past week, together with several vain attempts which livened up our game-viewing! This is just the beginning of the action – which is guaranteed to get hotter in the coming weeks…
Watch this space for more up-to-the-minute news from the Migration Frontline!
If you have any interesting migration tidbits that you would like to share, please let our head guide Paul Kirui know, by emailing him direct at: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke.
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14 July, 2006
News from the Maasai Mara, Kenya Wednesday 12th July 2006
Heritage Hotels’ guides can today officially confirm the beginning of the world’s greatest annual wildlife spectacle, with thousands of wildebeest massing around the traditional entry points near Sand River Gate. A herd of almost 5,000 animals has already crossed the border, and could be seen this morning moving in the direction of Roan Hill. Despite this early progress, however, the wildebeests’ movement is likely to be slower than usual this year because of the long grass that has sprouted on their route following longer-than-usual rains since April.
Looking south into the Serengeti from Sand River, we can see isolated herds of zebra and wildebeest reluctantly meandering north. Because it has been dry in the Mara for the past month, any sign of rain in any direction is likely to distract the animals from their instinctive march north.
The resident wildebeest population from the Loita Hills is, however, already in the Mara, with a herd of about 2,000 zebras and wildebeest building steadily around Musiara Gate and along the reserve’s northeastern boundary. This has meant that guests from Mara Intrepids and Explorer, as well as our camp outside the reserve at Siana Springs, are already enjoying daily sightings of large migratory herds – and the large predators they inevitably attract.
In the past few days, there have been several wildebeest crossings on the Mara River by Lookout Hill, as well as a few early arrivals crossing over to the Mara Triangle. At the traditionally busy Paradise Crossing, we have seen many zebras crossing back and forth – with the large resident crocodiles seizing the opportunities this presents.
Predators
The lion prides to the south and east are now reshaping their territories to benefit from the arrival of the migration. The Ridge Pride have been roaming widely to the east of Rhino Ridge, along the Ntiakitiak and Ngorbob Rivers, where they have been making almost daily kills. Bella the leopard and her son have both been seen several times in the past week, as has the world’s most spotted star, Kike.
Watch this space for more news and views on the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle
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Looking south into the Serengeti from Sand River, we can see isolated herds of zebra and wildebeest reluctantly meandering north. Because it has been dry in the Mara for the past month, any sign of rain in any direction is likely to distract the animals from their instinctive march north.
The resident wildebeest population from the Loita Hills is, however, already in the Mara, with a herd of about 2,000 zebras and wildebeest building steadily around Musiara Gate and along the reserve’s northeastern boundary. This has meant that guests from Mara Intrepids and Explorer, as well as our camp outside the reserve at Siana Springs, are already enjoying daily sightings of large migratory herds – and the large predators they inevitably attract.
In the past few days, there have been several wildebeest crossings on the Mara River by Lookout Hill, as well as a few early arrivals crossing over to the Mara Triangle. At the traditionally busy Paradise Crossing, we have seen many zebras crossing back and forth – with the large resident crocodiles seizing the opportunities this presents.
Predators
The lion prides to the south and east are now reshaping their territories to benefit from the arrival of the migration. The Ridge Pride have been roaming widely to the east of Rhino Ridge, along the Ntiakitiak and Ngorbob Rivers, where they have been making almost daily kills. Bella the leopard and her son have both been seen several times in the past week, as has the world’s most spotted star, Kike.
Watch this space for more news and views on the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle
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28 June, 2006
News from the Maasai Mara, Kenya Wednesday 28th June 2006
The news from the frontline is positive: the world’s greatest game show is now officially underway. Over the past two weeks, herds of zebra have been amassing in the northern Mara, particularly around Musiara Marsh and south to Ntiakitiak River, where almost 10,000 zebras and wildebeest are now grazing. Although observations suggest these are mostly local migrants from the Loita Plains, their presence in such numbers undoubtedly portends the imminent arrival of the main migration from the Serengeti.
In the past few days, we have been witnessing mini-crossings at the main crossing site on the Mara River. For first timers in the Mara, this has been thrilling enough – but just wait and watch this space, as the action really hots up over the coming two or three weeks!
It has been an unusual year for the world’s largest wildebeest herds, some of which did not depart from the Mara until March – at least 4-5 months later than normal. The delay was at least partly attributable to last year’s prolonged drought. However, this year we are back on track, following the generous rains of April-May, which have brought the Mara’s nutritious oat-grass back to its full glory. After a long lean season, the reserve’s Big Cats and other predators are also finally waking up to a season of plenty.
Already, the giant crocodiles in the Mara River have been treated to a few early-season feasts – treating Intrepids and Explorer guests to a few of Nature’s rawest spectacles. Likewise, our three lion prides have all been involved in successful hunts over recent days – shifting from their regular low-season fare of warthogs and small antelopes to some more substantial meals. Hyenas are also changing their feeding patterns, moving from their regular low-season scavenging to some particularly cunning wildebeest and zebra hunts.
We are confident that the world’s greatest wilderness is once again poised on the verge of another incredible migration season. And we would like to welcome you to witness it with the world’s greatest safari hosts!
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In the past few days, we have been witnessing mini-crossings at the main crossing site on the Mara River. For first timers in the Mara, this has been thrilling enough – but just wait and watch this space, as the action really hots up over the coming two or three weeks!
It has been an unusual year for the world’s largest wildebeest herds, some of which did not depart from the Mara until March – at least 4-5 months later than normal. The delay was at least partly attributable to last year’s prolonged drought. However, this year we are back on track, following the generous rains of April-May, which have brought the Mara’s nutritious oat-grass back to its full glory. After a long lean season, the reserve’s Big Cats and other predators are also finally waking up to a season of plenty.
Already, the giant crocodiles in the Mara River have been treated to a few early-season feasts – treating Intrepids and Explorer guests to a few of Nature’s rawest spectacles. Likewise, our three lion prides have all been involved in successful hunts over recent days – shifting from their regular low-season fare of warthogs and small antelopes to some more substantial meals. Hyenas are also changing their feeding patterns, moving from their regular low-season scavenging to some particularly cunning wildebeest and zebra hunts.
We are confident that the world’s greatest wilderness is once again poised on the verge of another incredible migration season. And we would like to welcome you to witness it with the world’s greatest safari hosts!
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20 June, 2006
Big Cat Update; Masai Mara, Kenya Monday June, 12th 2006
Lions
The month of May was generally a quiet one in terms of game-viewing. Following the bountiful rains in April, the grass grew tall, forcing most animals to move to other areas to look for nutritious shoots and to avoid the predators. Lion sightings would have been very poor were it not for the Ridge Pride, the Mara’s largest, which decided to stay in the area and treat us to regular sightings. Although a couple of nomadic males tried to inch their way into the pride’s territory, they had no chance, being seen off quickly and forcefully by the two dominant males. The Shonko Pride, meanwhile, has moved from Olkeju Ronkai to Maji ya Eland in search of easier prey, while the Sekenani Pride are still being seen by our guests at Siana Springs, just to the west of Sekenani Gate.
Leopards
Leopard sightings have been very scanty over the past month. The long grass along the Talek River and on the plains has made it quite difficult to spot our favourite cats, although we still hear the trademark roars of Bella at night. Her young male cub was seen quite a few times to the west of Intrepids/Explorer, where he seems to have established himself along the river. Meanwhile, our Siana guests continue to enjoy the sighting of a female leopard with a cub in the Kissinger area, where the long grass often forces her to seek refuge – and a clearer vantage point – in the higher trees.
Cheetahs
By contrast, cheetah sightings were relatively good during May, with several individuals spotted regularly. One female with a single cub was seen many times near the Hippo Pool along the Mara River, although she seems to have moved to a new location in the past few days.
Migration Update
The first signs of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle are now upon us, with a steady trickle of zebras into the north and east of the main reserve. Large zebra herds, mainly residents from the Loita Plains, have started to gather around Musiara, Milima Tatu and the Lookout area – a sure sign that the southern migration will soon be with us. Over the past few days, zebras that have crossed the Olorukoti and Paradise plains have begun to ford the Mara River into the Mara Triangle. This “trial run” has provided an early treat for Intrepids and Explorer guests, who normally do not expect river crossings until the migration season begins in earnest in early July.
Please watch this space for the Maasai Mara’s most comprehensive and informed Migration Update, which will be sending you weekly reports from the end of June
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The month of May was generally a quiet one in terms of game-viewing. Following the bountiful rains in April, the grass grew tall, forcing most animals to move to other areas to look for nutritious shoots and to avoid the predators. Lion sightings would have been very poor were it not for the Ridge Pride, the Mara’s largest, which decided to stay in the area and treat us to regular sightings. Although a couple of nomadic males tried to inch their way into the pride’s territory, they had no chance, being seen off quickly and forcefully by the two dominant males. The Shonko Pride, meanwhile, has moved from Olkeju Ronkai to Maji ya Eland in search of easier prey, while the Sekenani Pride are still being seen by our guests at Siana Springs, just to the west of Sekenani Gate.
Leopards
Leopard sightings have been very scanty over the past month. The long grass along the Talek River and on the plains has made it quite difficult to spot our favourite cats, although we still hear the trademark roars of Bella at night. Her young male cub was seen quite a few times to the west of Intrepids/Explorer, where he seems to have established himself along the river. Meanwhile, our Siana guests continue to enjoy the sighting of a female leopard with a cub in the Kissinger area, where the long grass often forces her to seek refuge – and a clearer vantage point – in the higher trees.
Cheetahs
By contrast, cheetah sightings were relatively good during May, with several individuals spotted regularly. One female with a single cub was seen many times near the Hippo Pool along the Mara River, although she seems to have moved to a new location in the past few days.
Migration Update
The first signs of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle are now upon us, with a steady trickle of zebras into the north and east of the main reserve. Large zebra herds, mainly residents from the Loita Plains, have started to gather around Musiara, Milima Tatu and the Lookout area – a sure sign that the southern migration will soon be with us. Over the past few days, zebras that have crossed the Olorukoti and Paradise plains have begun to ford the Mara River into the Mara Triangle. This “trial run” has provided an early treat for Intrepids and Explorer guests, who normally do not expect river crossings until the migration season begins in earnest in early July.
Please watch this space for the Maasai Mara’s most comprehensive and informed Migration Update, which will be sending you weekly reports from the end of June
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08 May, 2006
Big Cat Update; Masai Mara, Kenya Monday 8th May 2006
The arrival of the long rains early last month brought considerable relief – not only to the Mara’s game but also to its human residents, who had been deeply saddened by the growing number of starving and emaciated animals around the reserve. In a few short weeks, the grass has grown tall and, as is usually the case at this time of year, most animals have moved to areas where the grass is shorter. This is mainly to avoid predation, but also to look for more nutritious shoots. However, this year the number of animals around the Mara reserve is surprisingly high.
Lions
Lion sightings have been very good this past month, with the Ridge Pride seen by our guests nearly every day. All the 10 sub-adults – eight females and two males – are still roaming in their ‘empire’, usually around the Maternity area south of Rhino Ridge. Over the past month, they have also expanded their territory east of Rhino Ridge and north and south of Mara Intrepids/Explorer. The Olkiombo Pride can still be seen along the Talek River, with the two males from the Ridge Pride now firmly ensconced in their pride. Although there are a couple of nomadic males also trying to inch their way into this territory, they have no chance as the two dominant males are at their prime and can see off the intruders with ease. The Shonko Pride, meanwhile, has settled around Maji ya Eland, just southwest of Mara Intrepids, where they are being spotted daily. The Paradise Pride has also become more settled around the main wildebeest crossing along the Mara River, which is currently enjoying a high concentration of game. The Sekenani Pride, better known to guests at Siana Springs, can still be seen just to the west of Sekenani Gate.
Leopards
Leopard sightings improved towards the end of last month, with regular sightings of Bella along the Mtamaiyu Stream, where she had a kill last week. The young male was only seen a few times last month. There is also another female with two cubs at the Maji ya Fisi drainage, which also tolerate vehicles in much the same relaxed manner as Bella. Hopefully she will raise these cubs successfully so that we will have more photogenic cats in the Mara. Our Siana guests, meanwhile, continue to enjoy the sighting of a female leopard with a cub in the Kissinger area, where the long grass often drives her to adopt the classic leopard pose in higher tree branches.
Cheetahs
Kike, our greater spotted star, gave us several fantastic ‘shows’ last month. While most other cheetahs were wandering unpredictably, Kike has made Rhino Ridge her permanent home, however much game there might be in the area. For the past two weeks, she has been spotted many times in the vicinity of the Mara Intrepids airstrip. The three male cheetahs were also seen around Intrepids early last month, but have now moved south to the Hammerkop area, where they are being regularly spotted by Siana’s guests.
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Lions
Lion sightings have been very good this past month, with the Ridge Pride seen by our guests nearly every day. All the 10 sub-adults – eight females and two males – are still roaming in their ‘empire’, usually around the Maternity area south of Rhino Ridge. Over the past month, they have also expanded their territory east of Rhino Ridge and north and south of Mara Intrepids/Explorer. The Olkiombo Pride can still be seen along the Talek River, with the two males from the Ridge Pride now firmly ensconced in their pride. Although there are a couple of nomadic males also trying to inch their way into this territory, they have no chance as the two dominant males are at their prime and can see off the intruders with ease. The Shonko Pride, meanwhile, has settled around Maji ya Eland, just southwest of Mara Intrepids, where they are being spotted daily. The Paradise Pride has also become more settled around the main wildebeest crossing along the Mara River, which is currently enjoying a high concentration of game. The Sekenani Pride, better known to guests at Siana Springs, can still be seen just to the west of Sekenani Gate.
Leopards
Leopard sightings improved towards the end of last month, with regular sightings of Bella along the Mtamaiyu Stream, where she had a kill last week. The young male was only seen a few times last month. There is also another female with two cubs at the Maji ya Fisi drainage, which also tolerate vehicles in much the same relaxed manner as Bella. Hopefully she will raise these cubs successfully so that we will have more photogenic cats in the Mara. Our Siana guests, meanwhile, continue to enjoy the sighting of a female leopard with a cub in the Kissinger area, where the long grass often drives her to adopt the classic leopard pose in higher tree branches.
Cheetahs
Kike, our greater spotted star, gave us several fantastic ‘shows’ last month. While most other cheetahs were wandering unpredictably, Kike has made Rhino Ridge her permanent home, however much game there might be in the area. For the past two weeks, she has been spotted many times in the vicinity of the Mara Intrepids airstrip. The three male cheetahs were also seen around Intrepids early last month, but have now moved south to the Hammerkop area, where they are being regularly spotted by Siana’s guests.
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27 March, 2006
Big Cat Update:Masai Mara, Kenya Monday, 27th March 2006
After the recent short rains across the Mara, the plains have been transformed into a carpet of lush grass – providing a time of plenty for the reserve’s great wildlife herds. At the onset of the rains, most of the remaining wildebeest began migrating back to their usual calving grounds in the southern Serengeti – although most had already had their young in the Mara. The Mara predators naturally seized the chance to feed their own young, who would have been starving had all the migratory herds left as usual late last year.
Lions
All of the lion pride prides in our territory are still around and actively hunting the resident herbivores. The Ridge Pride has settled along Olare Orok River, moving northeast to the Double Crossing area and back to the Mara Intrepids airstrip. In recent weeks they have been avoiding confrontations with the Olkiombo Pride, following their earlier encounters, which cost the lives of one member from each pride. The Shonko Pride with the two black-maned lions are still in the Ol Keju Rongai area, where their five cubs have been doing well. However, from now on, the cubs’ survival will depend upon the success of the pride females in hunting the larger ungulates and buffalo. Up north in Samburu, meanwhile, lion sightings have also been excellent, with the resident pride stationed along the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River not far from Samburu Intrepids, where plains animals always come for a drink in the heat of the day.
Cheetahs
Cheetah sightings have also been superb in the Mara. Our prime star Kike has been hanging around the Double Crossing area and on the plains east of Mara Intrepids and Explorer for the past week, where she keeps us entertained with her famous habit of hunting from vehicle bonnets. The three brothers have also been around hunting. Two weeks ago, we found them playing with a newborn gazelle, which they then surprisingly abandoned – leaving it, sadly, to drown in a drainage depression that afternoon. In Samburu, cheetah sightings have also been good, especially a female and two cubs spotted regularly on the Oryx Plains.
Leopards
Bella was seen two days ago at Kichaka ya Round along the Talek River, while her son Chui has settled between Mara Intrepids and Rekero camps – guaranteeing us regular sightings of these two most famous of cats. In Samburu, there have also been leopard sightings on an almost daily basis, with the leopards here guaranteed to come to the Uaso Nyiro River, where other game is plentiful.
Please also visit our website at www.heritage-eastafrica.com for more news on the world’s most famous felines…
Lions
All of the lion pride prides in our territory are still around and actively hunting the resident herbivores. The Ridge Pride has settled along Olare Orok River, moving northeast to the Double Crossing area and back to the Mara Intrepids airstrip. In recent weeks they have been avoiding confrontations with the Olkiombo Pride, following their earlier encounters, which cost the lives of one member from each pride. The Shonko Pride with the two black-maned lions are still in the Ol Keju Rongai area, where their five cubs have been doing well. However, from now on, the cubs’ survival will depend upon the success of the pride females in hunting the larger ungulates and buffalo. Up north in Samburu, meanwhile, lion sightings have also been excellent, with the resident pride stationed along the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River not far from Samburu Intrepids, where plains animals always come for a drink in the heat of the day.
Cheetahs
Cheetah sightings have also been superb in the Mara. Our prime star Kike has been hanging around the Double Crossing area and on the plains east of Mara Intrepids and Explorer for the past week, where she keeps us entertained with her famous habit of hunting from vehicle bonnets. The three brothers have also been around hunting. Two weeks ago, we found them playing with a newborn gazelle, which they then surprisingly abandoned – leaving it, sadly, to drown in a drainage depression that afternoon. In Samburu, cheetah sightings have also been good, especially a female and two cubs spotted regularly on the Oryx Plains.
Leopards
Bella was seen two days ago at Kichaka ya Round along the Talek River, while her son Chui has settled between Mara Intrepids and Rekero camps – guaranteeing us regular sightings of these two most famous of cats. In Samburu, there have also been leopard sightings on an almost daily basis, with the leopards here guaranteed to come to the Uaso Nyiro River, where other game is plentiful.
Please also visit our website at www.heritage-eastafrica.com for more news on the world’s most famous felines…
23 February, 2006
Big Cat Update:Masai Mara, Kenya Thursday, 23rd February 2006
Since our last update, not much has changed in terms of the amount of game present in the Maasai Mara Reserve. The wildebeest are still here, which is very unusual for this time of year, and several have given birth over the past fortnight, which is something that normally only happens in southern Serengeti or on the Loita Plains. There is still a large concentration in the southern Mara triangle, where we have witnessed hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and lions go after the helpless calves. The terrain in the Mara makes them much more vulnerable, especially when they go to the river to drink. The southern short grass plains are naturally ideal to bring up the young as the predators have little chance of approaching the herds without being seen. However, the toll on the calves has not been too heavy here, because the predators have had continuously easy meals for several months due to animals getting weak because of the biting drought.
Lions
All of the prides in our game viewing territory are still around and have been relatively active. It is unusual to see lions so healthy at this time of year, as they would normally have started getting thin with the departure of the migratory herds. The Ridge pride has established itself around Mara Intrepids and Explorer to take advantage of the local light showers (and attendant herbivores) – but has in the process also been giving some guests sleepless nights with all their roaring! The two brother lions crossing between the Ridge and Olkiombo prides have continued to cause hostility between the resident females, which has so far resulted in the death of one female from each pride. We expect this animosity to continue for as long as the brothers continue playing their ‘game’. What we need is some other males to take over the other pride to bring some order here. The Shonko pride at Ol Keju Rongai River have also been having a good time feasting on animals coming to quench thirst in the remaining pools of water. It has been almost predictable to find them either hunting or feeding on a recent kill.
Cheetahs
The three male cheetah coalition has been quite an attraction of late, hunting everything from year-old wildebeest to fully-grown topi, impala and gazelles. Their determination is a wonder to behold; once they set their sights on a prey animal, it seems that nothing will stop them until they get their target! Kike has also been around for the past two weeks, continuing her favourite habit of using guests’ vehicles to scout for prey. Although it is delightful to see her, we remain saddened by the fact that she had to lose her entire last litter. There has also been one male around Rhino Ridge and another young female towards Paradise Plains, which have both been making regular appearances.
Leopards
Bella has not been seen too often of late, but otherwise leopard sightings have been very good. Chui, Bella’s male cub, has now moved downstream along the Talek River and settled between Mara Intrepids and Rekero camp, where he has been cautious not to venture into other males’ territory. On one occasion, he killed a dik-dik and two days ago he killed a serval cat, which was in the process of hunting a dik-dik fawn! Taking after his mother, he is not as shy as most male leopards and we have been able to enjoy long sightings as long as we keep a respectable distance. Ntito, the young female from Bella’s previous litter, was also seen recently between our two camps. One morning, she killed a bushbuck just below the restaurant at Mara Explorer. Our guides have also reported seeing another leopard on several occasions at Ol Keju Rongai, and I think we can safely say we are now enjoying better leopard sightings than virtually any other place in the Mara!
For more details, please log onto our website at www.heritage-eastafrica.com. Happy cat spotting!
Cat%27s%20Cradle%20Map%204-06.jpg
Lions
All of the prides in our game viewing territory are still around and have been relatively active. It is unusual to see lions so healthy at this time of year, as they would normally have started getting thin with the departure of the migratory herds. The Ridge pride has established itself around Mara Intrepids and Explorer to take advantage of the local light showers (and attendant herbivores) – but has in the process also been giving some guests sleepless nights with all their roaring! The two brother lions crossing between the Ridge and Olkiombo prides have continued to cause hostility between the resident females, which has so far resulted in the death of one female from each pride. We expect this animosity to continue for as long as the brothers continue playing their ‘game’. What we need is some other males to take over the other pride to bring some order here. The Shonko pride at Ol Keju Rongai River have also been having a good time feasting on animals coming to quench thirst in the remaining pools of water. It has been almost predictable to find them either hunting or feeding on a recent kill.
Cheetahs
The three male cheetah coalition has been quite an attraction of late, hunting everything from year-old wildebeest to fully-grown topi, impala and gazelles. Their determination is a wonder to behold; once they set their sights on a prey animal, it seems that nothing will stop them until they get their target! Kike has also been around for the past two weeks, continuing her favourite habit of using guests’ vehicles to scout for prey. Although it is delightful to see her, we remain saddened by the fact that she had to lose her entire last litter. There has also been one male around Rhino Ridge and another young female towards Paradise Plains, which have both been making regular appearances.
Leopards
Bella has not been seen too often of late, but otherwise leopard sightings have been very good. Chui, Bella’s male cub, has now moved downstream along the Talek River and settled between Mara Intrepids and Rekero camp, where he has been cautious not to venture into other males’ territory. On one occasion, he killed a dik-dik and two days ago he killed a serval cat, which was in the process of hunting a dik-dik fawn! Taking after his mother, he is not as shy as most male leopards and we have been able to enjoy long sightings as long as we keep a respectable distance. Ntito, the young female from Bella’s previous litter, was also seen recently between our two camps. One morning, she killed a bushbuck just below the restaurant at Mara Explorer. Our guides have also reported seeing another leopard on several occasions at Ol Keju Rongai, and I think we can safely say we are now enjoying better leopard sightings than virtually any other place in the Mara!
For more details, please log onto our website at www.heritage-eastafrica.com. Happy cat spotting!
Cat%27s%20Cradle%20Map%204-06.jpg
31 January, 2006
Big Cat Update:Maasai Mara, Kenya Tuesday 31st January 2006
Despite the biting drought, the Maasai Mara is still teeming with game. Contrary to some reports, in fact, there have been more animals in the Mara this month than there have been in January for many years. The wildebeest are still here, with many opting to have their calves in Kenya – rather than their traditional birthing grounds in the southern Serengeti. Due to the poor rainfall and grass cover, the southern Serengeti has seen very few wildebeest this month, with most herds remaining in the north or west of the reserve. In the Mara, at least, we have had some rain in the past week – giving rise to lifesaving pools on the plains and in the stream beds.
Lions
The Ridge Pride has kept our guests excited throughout the past week, with hunts along both the Talek and Olare Orok rivers. The two males that dominate the pride have been moving over to the Olkiombo Pride, which has no permanent males at present. On January 25th, the two prides again had a fierce fight, with a lot of injuries sustained on both sides. Interestingly, the males did not step in to stop the warring parties, preferring to sit on the sidelines and watch!
Our guests at Siana Springs meanwhile have been enjoying regular sightings of three prides, one west of Keekorok, one south of Talek Gate, and a third near Roan Hill. All these areas still have large herds of herbivores, including wildebeest and zebra, providing the lions with superb hunting opportunities.
Leopards
Bella, our star leopard, has spent the past week patrolling up and down the Talek River, dodging the Olkiombo lions that share her territory. An encounter with these lions a few weeks ago left her with an injured hind leg – but fortunately that was all! Her son, Chui, has not been seen regularly over the past two weeks, and we believe he has now permanently left his mother’s home to look for his own territory.
Another female leopard with a small cub has also been spotted a few times by our Siana guides in the Hammerkop area, in addition to the one traditionally referred to as the Kissinger female, which also has a sub-adult cub.
Cheetahs
Cheetah sightings have also been good this week, with Kike still settled close to the Intrepid and Explorer camps. We’ve seen her on chases, at kills, and of course sitting in her favourite position atop the Intrepids vehicles! Of course, she remains our guides’ frontrunner in the quest for Kenya’s 2006 Miss Tourism!
That’s all for this week – happy cat hunting to all our visitors and operators!And remember: please send us any news of your own cat sightings, to pkirui@mitsuminet.com .
Cat%27s%20Cradle%20Map%203-06.jpg
Lions
The Ridge Pride has kept our guests excited throughout the past week, with hunts along both the Talek and Olare Orok rivers. The two males that dominate the pride have been moving over to the Olkiombo Pride, which has no permanent males at present. On January 25th, the two prides again had a fierce fight, with a lot of injuries sustained on both sides. Interestingly, the males did not step in to stop the warring parties, preferring to sit on the sidelines and watch!
Our guests at Siana Springs meanwhile have been enjoying regular sightings of three prides, one west of Keekorok, one south of Talek Gate, and a third near Roan Hill. All these areas still have large herds of herbivores, including wildebeest and zebra, providing the lions with superb hunting opportunities.
Leopards
Bella, our star leopard, has spent the past week patrolling up and down the Talek River, dodging the Olkiombo lions that share her territory. An encounter with these lions a few weeks ago left her with an injured hind leg – but fortunately that was all! Her son, Chui, has not been seen regularly over the past two weeks, and we believe he has now permanently left his mother’s home to look for his own territory.
Another female leopard with a small cub has also been spotted a few times by our Siana guides in the Hammerkop area, in addition to the one traditionally referred to as the Kissinger female, which also has a sub-adult cub.
Cheetahs
Cheetah sightings have also been good this week, with Kike still settled close to the Intrepid and Explorer camps. We’ve seen her on chases, at kills, and of course sitting in her favourite position atop the Intrepids vehicles! Of course, she remains our guides’ frontrunner in the quest for Kenya’s 2006 Miss Tourism!
That’s all for this week – happy cat hunting to all our visitors and operators!And remember: please send us any news of your own cat sightings, to pkirui@mitsuminet.com .
Cat%27s%20Cradle%20Map%203-06.jpg
19 January, 2006
Big Cat Update:Mara, Kenya Thursday 19th January 2006
The Maasai Mara has been abuzz with activity over the past week, and the Big Cat scene has been no exception. With the first of what is believed to be the short rains falling on the parched plains, the herbivores are becoming restless in anticipation of the first new shoots of grass sprouting over the coming days. The situation has been very bad, particularly for the poor hippos, many of which have been seen in the middle of the day, in temperatures of up to 35°C, frantically scrabbling for a few shoots of dry grass. We have counted quite a few hippos dead, either on plains or near the river. The vultures and hyenas are, of course, having a feast.
Lions
The lions too have rarely had it this easy to bring down prey. The prides close to the rivers have taken to hunting those hippos too weak to fight them off. We have also seen a few gazelles coming down to the river to quench their thirst in the remaining pools, and getting stuck in thick mud. The lions then literally walk up to them and take their pick. Realising this opportunity, one clever female from the Ridge pride moved her cubs close to a pool just north of Mara Intrepids/Explorer and laid in wait for the animals to come to them. She has so far killed several gazelles and a zebra in the same spot.
There was some dramatic action on the night of January 8th, when the Olkiombo and Ridge prides met along the Talek River just behind Mara Explorer. There ensued a serious territorial fight that saw one female from the Ridge pride killed. We believe this was in fact a revenge mission, because last year the Ridge pride killed a female from the Olkiombo pride. The cause of the conflict are undoubtedly two brothers from the Ridge pride, which have been moving in on the Olkiombo females in recent weeks. Their chance came when the two dominant males from the Olkiombo pride disappeared south, for reasons unknown, giving the brothers a chance to oversee both prides. Although the situation may work out well for the two males, it has created a great deal of animosity between the prides’ females – the results of which have already proved fatal.
Leopards
Bella, our main leopard star, was seen throughout the past week, as was the Kissinger female with her sub adult cub. Chui, Bella’s male cub, has stayed away from his mother for a month now, which we see as confirmation of the beginning of his adult independence. He is not seen as often as his mother, which is typical of male leopards.
Ntito, Bella’s previous female cub, has also been seen in the past week, albeit irregularly. On January 15th, she killed a zebra foal just in front of the dining area at Mara Explorer, much to the excitement of our guests, who had to abandon their lunch to witness the drama. When we went to check on the scene later, we found another two dead zebra foals at the same spot. Unbeknown to us, Ntito had established a regular hunting spot right underneath our noses!
Zawadi, meanwhile, is said to have given birth very close to Olonana Camp.
Cheetahs
Kike the cheetah came and settled near to our camps this week. Although this was a welcome development for our guests and guides, it was unfortunate to see her without cubs, confirming our suspicions that she has lost yet another litter to the lions at Bila Shaka. The three male cheetahs were also seen this week, as was another female towards Lookout Hill.
Be on the lookout for more Big Cat news in next week’s Cats’ Cradle – exclusively through the eagle eyes of the guides and guests of Heritage Hotels! And remember: please send us any news of your own cat sightings, to pkirui@mitsuminet.com.
Cat%27s%20Cradle%20Map%202-06.jpg
Lions
The lions too have rarely had it this easy to bring down prey. The prides close to the rivers have taken to hunting those hippos too weak to fight them off. We have also seen a few gazelles coming down to the river to quench their thirst in the remaining pools, and getting stuck in thick mud. The lions then literally walk up to them and take their pick. Realising this opportunity, one clever female from the Ridge pride moved her cubs close to a pool just north of Mara Intrepids/Explorer and laid in wait for the animals to come to them. She has so far killed several gazelles and a zebra in the same spot.
There was some dramatic action on the night of January 8th, when the Olkiombo and Ridge prides met along the Talek River just behind Mara Explorer. There ensued a serious territorial fight that saw one female from the Ridge pride killed. We believe this was in fact a revenge mission, because last year the Ridge pride killed a female from the Olkiombo pride. The cause of the conflict are undoubtedly two brothers from the Ridge pride, which have been moving in on the Olkiombo females in recent weeks. Their chance came when the two dominant males from the Olkiombo pride disappeared south, for reasons unknown, giving the brothers a chance to oversee both prides. Although the situation may work out well for the two males, it has created a great deal of animosity between the prides’ females – the results of which have already proved fatal.
Leopards
Bella, our main leopard star, was seen throughout the past week, as was the Kissinger female with her sub adult cub. Chui, Bella’s male cub, has stayed away from his mother for a month now, which we see as confirmation of the beginning of his adult independence. He is not seen as often as his mother, which is typical of male leopards.
Ntito, Bella’s previous female cub, has also been seen in the past week, albeit irregularly. On January 15th, she killed a zebra foal just in front of the dining area at Mara Explorer, much to the excitement of our guests, who had to abandon their lunch to witness the drama. When we went to check on the scene later, we found another two dead zebra foals at the same spot. Unbeknown to us, Ntito had established a regular hunting spot right underneath our noses!
Zawadi, meanwhile, is said to have given birth very close to Olonana Camp.
Cheetahs
Kike the cheetah came and settled near to our camps this week. Although this was a welcome development for our guests and guides, it was unfortunate to see her without cubs, confirming our suspicions that she has lost yet another litter to the lions at Bila Shaka. The three male cheetahs were also seen this week, as was another female towards Lookout Hill.
Be on the lookout for more Big Cat news in next week’s Cats’ Cradle – exclusively through the eagle eyes of the guides and guests of Heritage Hotels! And remember: please send us any news of your own cat sightings, to pkirui@mitsuminet.com.
Cat%27s%20Cradle%20Map%202-06.jpg
12 January, 2006
Big Cat Update:Mara, Kenya Wednesday 11th January 2006
Happy New Year, and welcome to our first Big Cat Update of 2006! There has been no shortage of predator action in the Maasai Mara in recent weeks – fuelled by the extraordinary wildlife movements caused by the drought currently gripping much of East Africa. In particular, there remains an unusually large number of wildebeest and zebra inside the reserve, which have returned from their usual grazing grounds in the Serengeti due to the lack of grass there. Most of the herds are currently concentrated in the Mara Triangle, as well as around Musiara Marsh, Rhino Ridge, the Central Plains and Sand River.
Lions
All of the lion prides in our game-viewing territories have been busy hunting through the high season – much to the delight of Intrepids and Explorer guests. We have seen many kills in recent days, particularly in the mornings and late afternoons when the sizzling daytime temperatures have cooled enough for the lions to engage in their high-energy hunts.
Over the past couple of weeks, the Ridge Pride has been roaming between the southern base of Rhino Ridge, Mara Intrepids and the Double Crossing area. There is one female with six-month-old cubs and one with four-month-old cubs. All of the lions had a productive festive season, preying on the large numbers of herbivores coming to the watering points to drink. With most of the plains now dry and bare, many of the herds are now also grazing along the riverbanks – and there is no more perfect place for lions and leopards to lay their ambushes.
Leopards
Bella, our female star, and her male cub are still together and continue to patrol their old territory along the Talek River. They have also been busy targeting the wildebeest that come down to the river in large numbers to water. Ntito, Bella’s female cub from her last litter, has also been seen quite regularly between Mara Intrepids and Explorer. It is encouraging to see that she is becoming more relaxed at the presence of vehicles. She treated us to an eventful morning one day last week, playing hide-and-seek with a female cheetah that had inadvertently wandered into her territory.
Guests at our Siana Springs camp over the Mara’s eastern boundary have also been enjoying regular sightings of a female leopard with a sub-adult cub in the Kissinger area, as well as one of the largest Mara lion prides in the Keekorok area.
Cheetahs
Kike, our beautiful female cheetah, who also plays a starring role in the BBC’s Big Cat Week, has been spotted only occasionally in recent weeks – leading some guides to speculate that she may have given birth. We will try to confirm this rumour for you in our next Update. In her absence, three male cheetahs have given us several sightings in the recent past – showing themselves to be daring hunters, targeting large ungulates such as topi. We are hoping that this year will continue to offer the record-breaking cheetah sightings of the past season.
Thank you for following the antics of our favourite animals with us over the past year, and please keep us posted of any interesting sightings you may have had while on safari in the Maasai Mara. Emails may be sent to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at pkirui@mitsuminet.com.
Cat%27s%20Cradle%20Map.jpg
Lions
All of the lion prides in our game-viewing territories have been busy hunting through the high season – much to the delight of Intrepids and Explorer guests. We have seen many kills in recent days, particularly in the mornings and late afternoons when the sizzling daytime temperatures have cooled enough for the lions to engage in their high-energy hunts.
Over the past couple of weeks, the Ridge Pride has been roaming between the southern base of Rhino Ridge, Mara Intrepids and the Double Crossing area. There is one female with six-month-old cubs and one with four-month-old cubs. All of the lions had a productive festive season, preying on the large numbers of herbivores coming to the watering points to drink. With most of the plains now dry and bare, many of the herds are now also grazing along the riverbanks – and there is no more perfect place for lions and leopards to lay their ambushes.
Leopards
Bella, our female star, and her male cub are still together and continue to patrol their old territory along the Talek River. They have also been busy targeting the wildebeest that come down to the river in large numbers to water. Ntito, Bella’s female cub from her last litter, has also been seen quite regularly between Mara Intrepids and Explorer. It is encouraging to see that she is becoming more relaxed at the presence of vehicles. She treated us to an eventful morning one day last week, playing hide-and-seek with a female cheetah that had inadvertently wandered into her territory.
Guests at our Siana Springs camp over the Mara’s eastern boundary have also been enjoying regular sightings of a female leopard with a sub-adult cub in the Kissinger area, as well as one of the largest Mara lion prides in the Keekorok area.
Cheetahs
Kike, our beautiful female cheetah, who also plays a starring role in the BBC’s Big Cat Week, has been spotted only occasionally in recent weeks – leading some guides to speculate that she may have given birth. We will try to confirm this rumour for you in our next Update. In her absence, three male cheetahs have given us several sightings in the recent past – showing themselves to be daring hunters, targeting large ungulates such as topi. We are hoping that this year will continue to offer the record-breaking cheetah sightings of the past season.
Thank you for following the antics of our favourite animals with us over the past year, and please keep us posted of any interesting sightings you may have had while on safari in the Maasai Mara. Emails may be sent to our head guide, Paul Kirui, at pkirui@mitsuminet.com.
Cat%27s%20Cradle%20Map.jpg
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