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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