July 2015 - Wildebeest migration updates

Bumped into these 2 males close to Namiri Plains

These lions are finding it difficult to keep up with the wildebeest migration this year! "If only we had @HerdTracker, lets just rest a little!!!"

Good news for the Masai Mara, it rained at Kogatende too, so perhaps the herds will stay put and head north soon!

Miraji Gwau
Lemala Mara

Hi Carel,

No herds of zebra or wildebeest, but good general game viewing. Guest saw rhino yesterday.

Last night we received 12,5mm rain

Regards,
Tom
 

TANAPA has burnt a few big areas in the central and Kogatende areas. This is the view behind Lemala Mara and in front of Nomad Lamai. 

It rained all night at Makoma Hill and it must have been widespread rain. I'll keep you updated on the whereabouts of the migration.

Carel,
HerdTracker

Lots of rain in the Serengeti, from Seronera to Lobo. How will this affect the herds progress to the Mara? It will certainly slow them down.

Carel,
HerdTracker

Hi

The herds returned from Lookout Hill back to the Serengeti and there are huge scattered herds between Bologonja and Mara River Serengeti side all along the Sand and Bologonja Rivers. All heading towards Kogatende.

Carel

Hi Carel,

Sorry about the late update. Saw several large herds yesterday morning moving from Lobo towards Kogatende. Most likely they will be arriving around Koga today. Looks like plenty more crossings to come.

Cheers,

Jarrod
TFC

Hi

We spotted cheetah brothers having a field day north of the Mara River (Serengeti side) with +- 300,000 wildebeest to choose from!

Carel

Hi

We've had some good rain at the Mara River yesterday afternoon, and we witnessed two good crossings. 

We hope that the water levels at the Mara River will increase a bit more.

Carel

Hi Carel

Hundreds and hundreds of Loita/resident zebras enjoying the nutritious red oat grass at Topi Plains, meanwhile the Serengeti migration is all spread out near Talek River (central Mara).

There are no herds at Sand River or Look-out area.

Regards,
Onesmus

300,000 or so wildebeest at the Grumeti airstrip western corridor with grass getting dry and depleted. Grumeti River crossings happening both ways.

The herds are heading north as we speak towards the Mara River.  A good few weeks ahead for crossings and a good August expected.

Not much movement north of the Mara River with the +- 300 000 strong mega herd enjoying the wonderful grass on offer. 

At the Mara River, there is a buildup of herds at crossing points 4, 7 and 8 with herds undecided where to cross. We are expecting crossings during the afternoon today.

Carel

We spotted the wildebeest migration just north of the Mara River on the Tanzanian side, during a game drive in the Serengeti National Park.

This video was taken between the Mara River and the western side of the Kenyan border. 

The herds building up at the Serengeti side of the Mara River, daily crossings are expected.

Carel Verhoef,
HerdTracker

This picture was taken at the Kogatende ranger post / airstrip, close to crossing point #5, just west of Lemala Mara. 

We will hopefully have crossings later this afternoon.

Carel Verhoef
HerdTracker

The large splinter herds that are gathered in the Western Corridor are still grazing at Nyasirori, just east of andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp. With numerous water sources and new vegetation in abundance, the wildebeest don’t appear to be leaving the area any time soon. They will eventually migrate northeast to the Mara River to reunite with the rest of the mega herd, but for now, the grazing conditions are too good to resist.

The herds have been observed drinking at the Grumeti River’s edge, as well as the Kanyanja River (in front of andBeyond Grumeti) and the Majimbele swamp. The predators continue to take full advantage, as the circle of life continues in the vast Serengeti. This beautiful lioness was seen carefully moving her tiny cubs into the thicket … an incredible sighting.

Images courtesy of andBeyond rangers Moses Mhina and Nadhir Waziri.

Hi Carel

Today we witnesses one of the biggest Mara River crossing, thousands of Gnus crossed over to the Mara Triangle Conservancy, clouds forming and soon we might get some rains which might stir things up.

Regards,
Ones
 

Hi Carel 

Just a few wildebeest around Four Seasons, but scattered herds of zebra have started amassing around the Lodge since the start of the week - feeding on the drying grass that is left over from when the wildebeest were here in June. 

Oli

Hi Carel

Mega crossings at 8 yesterday 6 today, I’ll let you know what goes on.

Cheers,
Alex
 

The first significant Mara River crossings happened close to andBeyond's Kichwa Tembo and Bateleur Camp. Rangers and guests all watched the incredible action with baited breath for a full hour.

The Kichwa team has been anticipating the arrival of the herds and even though they are fortunate enough to witness the incredible Great Migration every time it enters the Masai Mara, Assistant Head Ranger at Kichwa Tembo,Tim Kiok exclaimed, “The truth is, it felt as though it was my first time seeing the herds! I couldn’t believe they had finally arrived.”

The herds are slowly making their way north towards nyuma nane and the lookout hill is also teeming with wildebeest. 

Morning Carel, updates from our camps and lodges

Western Corridor

Over in the Western Corridor, the roaming herbivores are happily grazing the plains just to the east of andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp at Nyasirori. Large herds are being witnessed drinking from the Grumeti River, Kanyanja River and Majimbele Swamp. The Nyasirori plains are lush and green and there is a dam full of water, both of which are great indicators that the nomadic herds will likely stick around for a while.

Guests at andBeyond Grumeti have been having the most incredible sightings, not just of the wandering wildebeest, but also of the many predators that are taking full advantage of the abundance of prey.

Northern Serengeti

Further north, guests at andBeyond Klein’s Camp, as well as our two andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas semi-permanent camps (currently positioned at Kogatende), are also watching the drama unfold as the nail-biting Mara River crossings commence. The largest herd braved the crossing on Sunday.

One lucky wildebeest is counting its blessings (and bruises). En route from Lobo Airstrip to andBeyond Klein’s Camp, ranger Seleu Kedoki discovered approximately 700 wildebeest crossing the Grumeti River. While the guests were taking photos, the massive splinter group cut back and scampered away from the river’s edge. A leopard chose to take the “shooting fish in a barrel” approach and caught an unsuspecting wildebeest. 

There are still several thousand wildebeest stationed between the andBeyond Klein’s Camp private wildlife concession and Bologonja, which means there are many more exciting crossings to come in the next few weeks. As the crossings continue, our guests north of the border at andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp and andBeyond Bateleur Camp are now seeing the enourmous herds on the horizon.

andBeyond

Morning Carel

We have had regular crossings between points 1 and 4 and again from 7 to 9 over the last few weeks.

The herds seems to be able to cross easily over a Mara River that is fairly low and that is the reason why there are more smaller crossings. The crocs are not complaining.

Keep well,
Lemala Kuria Hills Guides

Morning Carel,

Today hundreds of gnus and zebras crossed Mara River from the Mara Reserve side to the Mara Triangle Conservancy side, more and more still crossing Sands River from Serengeti to Mara.

I'll keep you posted.

Onesmus

Morning Carel

Wonderful crossings last last few days infront of camp at crossing points 1 - 4, we are looking forward to your stay with us and it seems that you will be arriving at a wonderful time at Lemala Mara.  More herds on their way.

Veronica Otter, Lemala Camps

Morning Carel,

We witnessed thousands and thousands of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Sand River from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara Reserve, some went ahead and crossed the Mara River near the look-out area and went to the Mara Triangle Conservancy.

Onesmus Irungu

Morning Carel,

Here's a quick update with regards to what's happening in the north Serengeti. Guests at Lemala Mara are seeing numerous crossings taking place at crossing number 3 which can be seen from the lounge at the camp. The herds are increasing in size as time progresses but there is still evidence of groups as far south as Naabi Gate. 

We are happy that it is all action in the north though because it is for this very reason that many travelers come to this part of the Serengeti at this time of the year. 

All the best and have a good weekend.
Tom Yule

Hi Carel,

Still lots of wildebeest along the border and small crossings throughout the day along the Sand River. Those wildebeest that have crossed are now gathering at Kifuka ya Topi and Lower Kigalia. Some are heading towards Lookout Hill and the Mara river so there might be some crossings next week there. Lots and lots of good grass throughout the Mara so the herds are generally moving slowly.

Thanks,
Mark

Hi Carel,

As we speak the herds are starting to arrive with a bit more urgency, we are getting camp ready for guests and it seems to be all happening.  We'll keep you posted.

Serengeti North Wilderness Camp

Hi Carel,

At least another 5,000 crossed the Sand River yesterday, and there are large numbers of wildebeest and zebra (at least 40,000) visible on the Serengeti side, most heading westwards parallel to the river, extending beyond Sala's Camp.

We should expect substantial numbers crossing in to the Masai Mara in the next few days. 

Regards,
Tim
 

View today from the camp! 

Mark Boyd

Hi Carel,

Forgive me if Ryan has already been in touch with you, but just an update:

Wildebeest in the hundreds of thousands on the Sasakwa Plains here at Singita Grumeti over the past few days. Still huge herds on Sasakwa Plains this morning, but lots of movement, but not quite sure what will the result will be as some seem to be moving east and then others west!

Will keep you updated. I have attached a few grainy iPhone photos as well.

Elizabeth Hamrick,
Singita Grumeti

Hi Carel,

I understand that a large herd of wildebeest and some Zebra crossed the Sand River from the Tanzanian a few days ago, there are still good grass growth en-route so I presume still a few days away before we see them here. 

The resident movement have now reached the north east grasslands of Musiara, a few days ago there were many Zebra and a few Wildebeest within the Bila Shaka and Topi plains grasslands, although many mare were seen to have traveled last night.

Thanks,
Patrick
 

There were probably 20,000 to 30,000 in the Bologonja area broken into a few smaller groups heading straight towards the direction of Makutano and Crossing points #8 , #9 and #10 with more coming from the south. Not sure how many are there now.

When I was flying south to the Lobo airstrip on the 13th we saw pretty big herds on the way heading north. One of the guides just told me that yesterday there was a crossing of 6,000 wildebeests in the afternoon, so seems like a steady stream of crossings and you'll be there at the right time!

I miss the bush already and really hope to be back soon.

Thanks, happy HerdTracker user

Hi Carel,

There was one major crossing yesterday between points 7 and 8. Several thousand Gnu crossed. This was after that herd originally tried to cross at #7 but were spooked and raced off towards #8 .

At the moment there is a big herd holding just north of Sayari camp. Maybe these will cross over today 16th.

Cheers,
Roger,
Asilia Sayari Camp Manager

Hi Carel

20,000 crossing yesterday afternoon, waiting for the photos and will send them through!  You arriving with us at Lemala Mara and it seems that it is good timing!

Keep well,
Veronica

Hi Carel,

We've had many wildebeest pass Migration Camp with a huge crossing of the Grumeti River right infront of camp. As always, the video camera is not charged when they cross but I did manage to grab a few minutes of footage of them on the otherside of the river.

Lauren Mc Farlane,
Serengeti Migration Camp

Hi Carel

Today, our Rekero Camp guests were treated to the first Talek River crossing right in front of the camp just 50 meters from where the guests were enjoying their lunch, a small herd of around 20 wildebeests crossed over from the southern side heading north.

Keep well,
Onesmus Irungu,
Asilia Rekero Camp

Hi Carel,

After the big crossings of the last few days there are still plenty of wildebeest on  both sides of the border around Sala’s but spread out in groups of 5000-10,000 numbers rather than 1 big herd.  Lots of smaller crossings yesterday. Not as big as previous few days but plenty more to come.

Still lots of wildebeest on their way into Kenya and we could hear the buzzing of wildebeest all around the camp last night.

Cheers,

Hi Carel,

If we thought yesterday was big, today was HUGE. There are big herds all along the border and they have been crossing the Sand River in front of Sala’s all day long.

The main crossing over the Sand River in the morning was something really special and I can still see streams of wildbeest and zebra running down the hill to cross as I write this afternoon. 

Photos attached and video to follow. 

Cheers,
Mark
 

Hi Carel,

For the past few days, huge herds of wildbeest and zebra have been massing outside Sala’s Camp on the border and today... in they came!! 

We had a steady six hour crossing of the Sand River next to the camp and there are never ending lines of wildebeest stretching back into Tanzania that just keep on coming. Lots have now crossed into the southern Masai Mara and this is the place to be.

The Sala’s Pride and their cubs are have a great time and we’re seeing some really great stuff. Pictures attached of the crossing and the view from our mess!

Mark Boyd,
Sala's Camp

Morning Carel,

There has been yet another splitting of the herds, with mass gatherings of wildebeest still grazing in the north-eastern reaches of the Serengeti, while others have made their way to the Western Corridor.

There are approximately 10,000 wildebeest between Lobo and Bologonja, within very close range of andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas and andBeyond Klein’s Camp. These herds are slowly heading north towards the Mara River, where they will soon brave the world-famous, nail-biting Mara crossings. 

Over in the Western Corridor, the roaming herbivores have made it as far as the Masira and Kirawira Hills, mere metres away from andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp. 

Images courtesy of andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp Ranger, Moses Mhina.

Hi Carel,

Good news! Several thousand wildebeest have crossed the Sand River about 4km downstream from Sand River Camp today.

Approx 10,000 are currently in the Hammerkop area between Keekorok and Talek, with even more zebra. Looks like the migration is now finally underway in the Mara.

Hi Carel,

Thousands of Loita/Resident herds of zebras,topi and wildebeest have filled the Topi Plains spreading all the way to Musiara Gate, Northern side of Rhino Ridge. Marsh Pride Lions having a big party. More on their way.

Onesmus Irungu,
Asilia Rekero Camp

Jambo Carel

Hope all is well!

Currently we are around the Serengeti western corridor, although the area looks dry but a herd of wildebeest migration are all scattered all over!

Starting from Musabi Plains heading towards Nyasirori Plains and some of them are already heading towards the Ikorongo area (Singita Grumeti Reserves area). Due to the current situation, the herds will leave the area soon since there's no water and grass and it looks dry.

Firoz,
Ranger Safaris Guide

Dear Carel,

This evening at the Sand River, Mara/Serengeti border, over 100,000 wildebeests and zebras congregating on the Serengeti side. A few thousand have crossed over and are now feeding at Hammerkop area in Mara Reserve.

Meanwhile, the Loita herds are now at Topi Plains area which is few kilometers North East of Rekero Camp

Regards,
Onesmus
 

Hi Carel,

We have spotted a few different herds around the Serengeti. The leading herd went far up north almost to the river and seemingly turned back.

They were 5nm north of Lobo yesterday. There are still some herds in the western corridor just east of the Grumeti airstrip. And lastly, a small herd just north of the Seronera airstrip, but mostly zebras.

Thanks and Regards,
Captain Joel J Fernandes
Coastal Aviation,
Arusha
 

Dear Carel,

Sorry for the delayed reply. We have quite a good group of migration not far from the camp. It’s about 6 to 7 kms away from the camp at Kirawira Hills (south-east of the camp).

The wildebeest photos you see were taken yesterday and some on 3rd July, but the wild dogs pictures were taken on the 22nd June by our ranger Moses Mhina. I will update you as they move in.

Thanks,
Mussa

Dear Carel,

On our side – Rekero – the wildebeest went back to Tanzania. Yesterday some guests went to the Sand River and found none they could only see them from far across the border.

But they spotted some Loita migration at the Topi plains this morning, so very happy!

Kind Regards,

Mariana Kathini - Rekero Camp Manageress 

Hi Carel,

A big herd is in western corridor now just infront of our camp. They are struggling to find a crossing point now to other side of the Grumeti River because the water levels are high, the crocodiles have been waiting for years for this!

Attached is some photo and video footage.

Regards,
David

Dear Carel

An update on the migration - plenty of Zebra!! Around 3000 zebra in the Sero area.

From the Pioneer / Sopa Junction to the Junction of Sero Road and Lake Magadi and the Main Road to Sero - around 5000 plus Zebra. This morning nothing, this afternoon just grazing, so no movement in direction.

Will keep you updated.

Kind Regards,
Alison
 

Dear Carel,

I hope this e-mail finds you well.

Yesterday morning Marc was driving from Lobo Airstrip to Buffalo Luxury Camp and found the migration has moved closer to the camp. Lots of zebra joining the wildebeest from the south and zebra river crossings are always special to see!

Thank you and kind regards,
Nicholas Lawson

Hi Carel,

Quick update. Wildebeest herds continue to pour onto the plains east of Bolagonja and Nyamalumba areas in the Northern Serengeti. We're hoping to start seeing the crossings not too long from now. Large herds of zebra are still being seen around Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp in central Serengeti.

Keep well
Tom Yule,
Grumeti Expeditions

Hi Carel,

Yes I'm back, we had a major crossing in front of Migration Camp a few days ago for about an hour or two. River was full so major amount of carcasses around, vulture, marabou stock etc.

I'll check with by Guides later for you as well.

Regards,
Ryan
 

Hi Carel,

Sorry I’ve been aloof for a while. Just busy catching up with the season. The migration is mostly in the Northern Serengeti about 5nm south south east of the Lobo airstrip. There are a few smaller herds scattered around the Seronera area with thousands of Zebras joining in on the east side of the airstrip.

There seems to be a North bound pattern to all but they don’t seem to be in a rush.

Thanks and Regards,

Capt. Joel J Fernandes
Coastal Aviation,
Arusha

Hello Carel,

This morning we woke up and found wildebeest all around the lounge… we couldn’t count them... but all moving north.

I will keep you updated!

Thanks,
Angel,
Dunia Camp