Migration Update, Maasai Mara, September 17th 2007

Two weeks after tricking us into believing that they had returned to the Serengeti for good, the wildebeest migration has once again proven its capacity for the unexpected. Over the past 10 days, the concentration of wildebeest in the central part of the Mara has swelled to an enormous number. Although most of the herds had moved back over the border via the Mara Triangle, they then made a U-turn to re-enter the Mara around the Enkoikwateet salt lick, where some herds had originally entered in July.

In fact, the entire migration map now appears like a new beginning, with high concentrations of wildebeest on the Olorukoti and Paradise plains. Westbound herds have again spread out on the Topi Plains, while herds from the Mara Triangle have begun crossing the Mara River at the main Paradise crossing point. Over the past three days, our guests have witnessed many animals crossing around here. While many animals are crossing over from the Mara Triangle, just as in the early days, others are heading north, and a western concentration has built up around Serena and south towards the border. Most of the other areas south of the Talek River up to Keekorok Lodge have very few animals, as most herds are concentrated in the western and northern areas of the reserve.

Most herds have settled temporarily on the plains around Rhino Ridge, where there was extensive burning of grass, and which are now sprouting with short fresh grass – fed by the recent unexpected rains. The crossing points around Paradise Plains have been alive with activity, with hundreds of animals crossing back and forth. The water in the river is quite high here, making these crossings even more dramatic.

Predators
The return of the wildebeest has brought renewed vigour to the activities of the Big Cats, particularly among the lions. The Ridge Pride continues to roam in its territory, and has been regularly sighted between Intrepids and the airstrip over the past few days. Leopard sightings have also improved during the past week, with Bella frequently seen along the river west of Intrepids and Zawadi spotted several times with her two cubs close to Musiara Springs. Cheetah sightings have also been good, with the short grass in most areas making the elusive cats much easier to spot.


Paul Kirui, Lead Safari Guide, Heritage Hotels
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