The Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara 2019

During the second half of July, huge herds of migrating wildebeest and zebra crossed over from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Mara in Kenya. These massive herds have not been seen in recent years the Mara.

Weather

It is cool with light rain.

The Wildebeest

The wildebeest are grazing on the short and very palatable grass that crops up after the controlled fire to get rid of the old grass. Soon after the grass fires the rains started in June resulting in fresh grass covering the national reserve.

During the past few weeks great herds have moved up north from the south (Serengeti), across the Sand River and into the Mara where the herds split.

Some herds moved east to the plains of Meta, Burungat and Possee heading north towards the Talek River and Olkeju Rongai River treating all to superb river crossings of the wildebeest. Mara Explorer and Mara Intrepids Camps are in the midst of the wildebeest migration.

Another big herd moved west after crossing the Sand River around the Lookout Hill. They eventually made it to the Mara River where many crossings happened over several days. As they crossed into the Mara Triangle they seemed to be headed towards the western side of the park.

At Double Cross the wildebeest and zebra that had earlier crossed from the Topi Plains are returning via the eastern side of the Rhino Ridge.

The Big Cats

Lions

Since there is plenty of food during the migration season, there are higher chances for the cubs to survive.

Ridge Pride

There are lions with six cubs from two different females.

Enkuyanai Pride

It has seven cubs from two different females.

Elephants

They are in big numbers but seem to be moving away from the herds of wildebeest. On the eastern and the southern side of Rhino Ridge where the migrating herds have not yet reached, there are big elephant families. The grass is here is long and very lush for the elephants to graze.

By Koikai, senior driver-guidePrepared by: Lorraine Onyango – Marketing.