Migration Update, Maasai Mara, August 31st 2007

The migration has changed dramatically in the past two weeks. All the herds from the eastern side of the Mara River have crossed back west into the Mara triangle - the western side of the park - and the area around Look Out Hill before heading south into northern Serengeti! This was a quick exit, since they were expected to stay in the Mara ecosystem till November at the least, as is always the case. Our guides attributed this to the change in the rain pattern - part of the global phenomenon - and the burning of the grass in northern Serengeti, as key to this change of events.




There is a high concentration of herds on the Serengeti side of the border on recently burnt plains. There is usually a massive burning of the grass in July in the northern Serengeti, - ostensibly to stem the migration from crossing into the Mara - and when the short rains come in August, these plains flourish with lush nutritious grass thereby attracting many herbivores including the migrating herds.

All indicators, though, are that the herds inside Serengeti are bound for the Mara again, and that this exit is temporary as shown by their movements. Once inside the Serengeti are heading west along the burn grounds, feeding as they move and entering the Mara again by the Engoikuatet salt lick area. Last week marked the beginning of a series of crossings when several herds crossed the Mara at the traditional points below Look Out Hill though in smaller groups. From the experience of the 1998 and 2005 migrations, where they made a come back in September indicates we might have a ‘Double-migration’ in the offing! However, the change in the rain patterns and the confusion brought by sporadic burning of the grass are either side of the border is expected to cause some changes in the concentration and duration of stay in the Mara. The recent burning of the grass around Rhino Ridge might also play a role in attracting the herds if we get some rain to make the grass grow again.

Most of the central Mara is now almost empty with a few herds only to the north around Musiara Gate and to the south around Look Out Hill.

PREDATORS

The cats are beginning to adjust to the situation brought by sudden departure of the large herbivores in most areas, which inadvertently has affected the expected ‘season of plenty’. Lion prides. cheetah, leopards and hyenas will, in true predator instincts, eat what they can as they await the re-entry of the herds. zebras, Thompson gazelles, warthogs and topis will make the diet for now.

Despite this there were good sightings of the major predators over the week. Bella can now be seen frequently along the Talek River near Mara Intrepids, and our guests have seen a number of kills. Cheetahs are also seen regularly, while the Ridge and Bila Shaka prides are in their respective territories.

Paul Kirui, Lead Safari Guide, Heritage Hotels