News from Maasai Mara, Kenya August 22nd 2008

Our guides in the Mara report crossings have heightened activities in the reserve. The northern and central parts are the epicenter, with most of the herds crossing from the Mara triangle and spreading out over Paradise and Olorukoti plains. Others have gone beyond the borders of the reserve, all the way to the neighbouring game dispersal areas.

There are high concentrations of wildebeests, zebra, Topi and buffalo around Rhino Ridge, Paradise, central and Meta plains, and all the way to Look-Out Hill. Such a huge gatherings were last seen in 2000 migration season, and is in part due to the amount of grass the animals found when they arrived. The grass in these areas was not burnt leaving plenty of grass for the numerous herbivores. The amount of grass available for the animals may slow their movement, making them prefer to settle longer in particular areas than move around.

However some animals have started crossing the river back onto the Mara triangle. They started this today at around 2.30pm. We later had some showers in the afternoon along the crossing points and this is expected to increase the pace at which the animals will cross back. We are therefore looking forward to more activities in the coming week as thousands of animals cross back


PREDATORS
It was another week full of predatory activities, as the different lion prides swung into action and killed many herbivores. There are wildebeest carcasses littered the plains around areas where prides of lions are found, a reason being most of the prides have now come together, and their territories are teeming with herbivores. There has never been a nicer time to witness hunts, as many of our guests have seen!

The cheetah with the little cubs is still where she was last week and her cubs are still safe. We are just a bit worried because the Olkiombo pride has settled nearby. Our guides hope they will not discover the little cubs since they will be killed instantly. There are other cheetahs seen around as well at this time. The three brothers - Honey’s cubs - are now actively hunting even young wildebeests!

Leopards sighting was good, and we kept seeing all the individuals in our territory.

The wildebeest and zebra with all their attendant animals have really brought life to the Mara, and it is a joy to bear witness to it all!

Paul Kirui. Chief Safari Guide
Kindly contact: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke for comments or inquiry on the migration