conservancy. There was a massive concentration on the central Mara triangle earlier in the week, but the herbivores have now drifted southwards towards Engoikwateet salt lick on the border of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystems. While this was happening, the herds on the eastern side of the Mara have moved northwards. Almost all the wildebeests and zebra that were all over Musiara and Olorukoti plains have headed south and settled on the central and Meta plains. There is only a handful left on Topi plain and along the Talek River between Mara Intrepids and Talek market.
While the herds were heading south, guests in the Mara witnessed the largest ever crossing on the Talek River, when thousands of wildebeests crossed the river at a meander on the river - where they ended up crossing the river three times without knowing! At the end of the crossing, there were about 300 dead wildebeest that succumbed to injuries from the stampede. The river here is almost dry but the rush-through was so intensive, our experienced guide, Paul Kirui, last witnessed such a crossing twelve years ago at the Sand River.
The availability of carcasses on the open river beds have led to some of the highest congregation of vultures ever
witnessed in the recent past. Big Cats
Big Cats' sightings over the past week could not have been better. There were good sightings of lions actively hunting during the day, which resulted in a few kills. The Olkiombo pride has settled along the Talek River east of Mara Explorer from where the launched the hunting. The alpha female in the pride has two cubs, about two months old. She took advantage of the animals crossing the river near where she is staying with her cubs, and has killed more than any other lioness in the pride.
The other prides in our game viewing areas are still easily seen.
The two cheetahs with cubs near Mara Explorer continue to be seen hunting during the morning on the recently burnt area, where there are some gazelles and Topi. It is expected that they will move the cubs out of the thicket any time soon, and there is heightened anticipation of the new cubs. The gazelles are giving birth from next month and this is when the mother cheetahs catch the gazelle fawns to let their the cubs play-act with them to gain and hone their hunting instincts.
Leopards are also seen daily near our camps. Bella, Olive (inset) and her two cubs, Big-boy, Pump-house female and two other unidentified leopards were all seen in the past week.
Paul Kirui. Chief Safari Guide
Kindly contact: safariguide@mara-intrepids.co.ke for comments or inquiry on the migration
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