The Migration is On!
The guides at Heritage Hotels' Intrepids and Explorer camps are today confirming that the first of the Serengeti wildebeest are entering the Maasai Mara - and the world's greatest wildlife migration is officially underway! The first herds can be seen along the sand river that winds north from the Tanzanian border. All indications suggest that this is the head of the 2007 migration into the Mara.
Four weeks ago, several herds of zebra passed through this area heading west. These were the Loita herds, which normally pass by here en route to the northern Serengeti or the Mara Triangle. These herds are often confused with the main Serengeti herds - raising premature hopes of an early migration…
The herds now entering the Mara are the onset of the real migration. Most people in the Mara were expecting a late arrival this year due to the amount of grass in the way of the migrating herds. Reports from the Serengeti also confirm extensive burning of grass on the central plains, which, due to the recent rains, has provided plenty of the short lush shoots that the wildebeest find irresistible. This was predicted to delay the herds, but - as Nature has shown so often in the past - the instinct of the animals to move is stronger than any meal or obstacle in their way!
That said, the onset of the migration this year is likely to be slowed by the sheer quantity of grass on the central Mara plains, which is likely to slow down the northward progress of the main herds.
OTHER SIGHTINGS
Since our last Big Cat Update, we have seen a lot more activity on the lion scene than in earlier months. Most lion prides are now coming together, sensing that a new 'season of plenty' is just around the corner. Guests at the Intrepids and Explorer camps have been blessed with daily lion sightings over the past two weeks.
Cheetah sightings have likewise improved over the past fortnight, with near-daily sightings by our guides and guests. Leopard sightings have also been fantastic, and will definitely improve with the arrival of the main wildebeest herds.
Please log onto our website for weekly updates on the progress of the migration (and local Big Cat action) over the next three months.
Paul Kirui, Lead Safari Guide, Heritage Hotels
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WIsh the update could be more updated during this migration period. Perhaps once every a fortnight? This will give us a better picture of what is happening out there on the grasslands.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, thank you for the info.