June 2015 - Wildebeest migration updates

Dear Carel,

Nice to hear from you! I drove back from Kleins Serengeti on Sunday and found this herd of about 100,000 animals close-by Lobo.

Kind regards,
Marc

Hi Carel,

The inconceivably immense mega herd has officially made its way just south of the Serengeti/Mara border. Wildebeest and zebra in the hundreds of thousands are currently stationed around Bologonja and the Nyamalumbwa Hills, within close range of &Beyond Klein’s Camp and Kogatende, where andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas is now positioned.

FANTASTIC news for our guests in Kenya, there are already some smaller splinter herds being reported by our rangers across the border in the Masai Mara. Our Kichwa team has observed large herds at a reasonable distance and they expect that guests will be able to witness the huge herds in the Mara within the next week or two

Wildebeest images courtesy of andBeyond Klein’s Camp Ranger Karipoi Ngaiseri.
Zebra images courtesy of andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Head Ranger Joseph Kima

Dear Carel,

An update from this morning, scattered herds of wildebeest and zebra from Alan Root sign - Serengeti Pioneer Camp to the junction with the Sopa Road. Large herd of wildebeest south/east Lake Magadi, heading Moru / Lake direction.

Kind Regards,
Alison
 

Hi Carel,

Whilst the migration is heading north there are still some big herds in central Serengeti which can be seen to be heading in the general direction of Lobo. Guests were able to enjoy one such herd as they continued on their journeys!

Warm regards,
Adam,
Grumeti Expeditions
 

Morning Carel,

Big herds of zebra and wildebeest of over 2 thousand and more have arrived in the North Serengeti and started crossing the Mara river near Bolagonja at crossing points 8 and 9 on their annual trek to the Masai Mara in Kenya.

The arrival of the animals at Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge and Lemala Mara Tented Camp is imminent. Large herds are still on their way from central Serengeti and Lobo.

We are looking forward to an action packed season in the north. 

All the best to you,
Tom Yule

Hi Carel

A massive gathering of more than 400 000 wildebeest (interspersed with striking dazzles of zebra) 2 km north of the Nyamalumbwa Plains open area.

Most of the wildebeest were 7 km south of the Mara River, while 10 000 were already grazing the river’s edge, wonderful rhino sighting too just to top it off.

Regards,
Claire,
andBeyond

Morning Carel 

I drove through several scattered, but large, herds of zebra and wildebeest between Seronera and Banagi yesterday. Some feeding and others on the move. Then last night we could hear wildebeest all around the Lodge, but this morning they seem to have moved on - will let you know if our guides have any updates. 

Oli

Hi Carel

We still seeing some big herds in the Mkoma area although they are certainly pointing in the direction for their trip to the north. But guests still seeing big herds here in central Serengeti.

Warm regards,
Ebenezer,
Lemala Ewanjan Camp Manager

Dear Carel,

Jackson our guide just came back from a full day game drive, he saw approx 10,000 zebra around the Naabi/Sero/Sopa junction. Moving in the direction of Central/North East.

Kind Regards,
Alison

The one herd of roughly 150 000 strong is currently at Nyamalumbwa heading to Sand River then on to the Mara River, crossings are likely to take place at crossing points 8,9,and 10 so that leaves them at about 20 km from Kuria hills as the crow flies. That is the current status as we have it .

The good news is all our guests have had great herd viewings and sightings of a large variety of other phenomenal events have been occurring.

Gary,
Lemala Kuria Hills Manager

Hi Carel,

There is nothing happening at Sand river and Bologonja as the herds turned around and went south towards Mbuzi Mawe. The guides also think that some of the animals are herding south east towards Piyaya. One of my rangers was on a drive yesterday and he saw a herd of about 8000 animals around Lobo area.

In terms of rainfall, it’s been dry for the past 5 days but we had heavy down pour for about two days before that and we could not cross the river.

Kind regards,
Tawanda

Hi Carel

Well into June and we continue to have rain falls; 12mm two days ago, keeping the lakes and water holes full for the wildlife. While we don't have the large herds anymore, we are still enjoying significant numbers of Wildbeest and Eland out on the traingle plains and across the plains in front of Naabi.

This morning from the lodge we watched a large group if wildebeest attempting to cross the lake. After some time, and deliiberation, they realised they had chosen a silly place and returned to shore, to walk around the lakeshore instead, heading westwards.

Cheers,
Ainslie

Hi Carel, 

On the road to Sopa, 5 km until you reach the lodge, a big group of wildebeest scattered around. They have been there for the last 3 days as per Sopa staff.

Not very clear which direction they are heading as they are just milling around. Picture taken from Sopa lodge swimming pool area.

Regards,
Tom

Migration update - 22 June 2015

The permanent and seasonal rivers throughout the Mara Serengeti ecosystem are all very high after some good rain throughout the Mau escarpment, Loliondo and Kleins areas has ensured that the Mara, Grumeti and Sand Rivers are all in flood.

The migration is also well and truly split up into a few groups with probably 700 000 to a million up on the Serengeti Masai Mara Reserve border at the Sand River.Then we have a few hundred thousand all the way on the southern Serengeti plains around Naabi Hill and the Simba Kopjes.

There are good numbers behind Moru Kopjes and these are heading towards Mbalageti. There are still some herds around Namiri Plains and Turner's Spring towards the east of Seronera. Get ready for some Sand River, Mara River and possibly Grumeti River crossings.  

Carel Verhoef,
HerdTracker

Dear Carel,

Good morning to you. We have few groups of hundreds passing behind Sopa bridge, they have been there for three to four days now.

Some of them are on their way north and there are still herds east of Seronera at Namiri plains.

Hope this will help,

Thanks
Angel

Hi Carel,

With the leading herds starting to cross into the Mara, headed north over the Sand River, my guess would be that we see the vanguard swing north and west into the Triangle to cross the Mara River in the next ten days or so.

The river itself is still very high, the heavy current in play following late rain will prove a pretty strong deterrent. Open fields of nutritious red oat grass south of the river will hold the western most herds in their journey to the river. Large numbers remain strung out, spread from the central Serengeti around Seronera, reaching as far north as Sand River and the Mara itself.

Keep well,
Alex

Hi Carel,

I was able to go out last night and drive through the herds. They currently stretch from right outside Sala’s Camp to the East along the southern side of the Sand River for about 7km.

Only a few small groups have crossed the Sand River and the vast majority are still straddling the Kenya-Tanzania border. The Sand River is pumping so we’re hoping for some impressive crossings when they decide to head north.

Cheers,
Mark

Morning Carel

Herds of elands also have started to stream in from Naboisho Conservancy to the Mara Reserve and the rich nutritious Themenda Triandra (Red Oat Grass) is at its best, waiting to feed over 1.5 million mouths in the Mara Reserve. Zebras slowly sneaking into the reserve from east of Mara...

Keep well,
Onesmus,
Rekero Camp

Dear Carel,

This is the co-ordinates are for the Sand River migration, in between Sand River gate and the Serengeti. We are seeing them coming through from the border line running from the south east going west.

Regards,
Douglas

Hi Carel,

BIG NEWS FROM THE MARA – HERDS ARE COMING IN!

We have about 500,000 – 1,000,000 wildebeest (never easy to count!) just across the Sand River from Sand River Gate. They are still in Tanzania for the most part but are coming this way and we expect them to spend the next few days crossing into Kenya.

Very exciting news and fairly safe to say the Mara stage of the migration is about to start for this season.

Cheers,
Mark

Dear Carel The wildebeest and zebra are very spread out at the moment - large herds by Loliondo and Boma Kopies. Scattered herds spreading Naabi, Gol Kopies, Zebra Kopies and Barafu Kopies. Most moving in a northern direction but some still going South East! Kind Regards, Alison

Hi Carel,

Lots of movement from Namiri plains side towards Seronera, we have lots of wildebeest coming through our camp at Turner Spring just to the east of Seronera.

It seems that the herds are moving north and heading to Tana and beyond.  

Keep well,
Serengeti Wilderness Camp

Dear Carel,

The Loita migration is closing in, now at the boundary between Mara Reserve and Olare Orok conservancy, we spotted herds of zebras moving west into the reserve.

Regards,
Onesmus Irungu
Rekero Camp

Morning Carel,

Loita herds arriving in numbers, pictures says it all!

Keep well,
Roelof

Hi Carel,

We just had an incredible lunch with the sight over a thousand wildebeest crossing the Sand River in front of the mess as we ate. Will keep you updated on any others coming through, not the main herds yet just a few smaller groups.

Cheers,
Mark Boyd
Sala's Camp

Dear Carel,

Still lots of wildebeest at Namiri plains, but seems they have started to move heading central Serengeti since this morning.

Thanks,
Mark,
Namiri Plains

Hi Carel,

Our guide Gandi returned from full day safari and reported big herds scattered around Namiri Plains. 

Regards,
Tom
 

Hi Carel

Perfect timing! Have just received a report from our driver guide that approx 1000 wildebeest have crossed the Sand River in to the Mara, about 1.5 km downstream (west) of Sand River gate this morning.

Will keep you updated if more arrive.

Kind regards
Tim

Hello Carel,

The wildebeests are currently around Bologonja area this isnt reported one I saw them for myself - just came back from a wonderful drive to Bologonja spring and the Keekorok border.

In a few week's time they will be at the Mara River hopefully.

Best Regards,
Salim
 

Hi Carel,

The guys back in this evening report that several thousand, long lines, of wildies and zebra are coming in from Simyu direction into the marshes and forests.

The plains from Two Trees to the marshes are full but scattered. These might be the herds that turned around at Moru a few days ago.

Cheers,
Ainslie

Hi Carel,

The majority of wildbeest and zebra have now left the Ndutu area but strangely, there are still random large groups scattered all over.

I came over the triangle yesterday and the plains and skyline was still full. Hamisi reports that yesterday large numbers were streaming into Two trees and frontier forest area coming from Simyu direction. They are also still scattered across the plains around Twin Hills.

We are still getting rain at Ndutu and Olduvai, with 6mm over the lodge yesterday and much more out on the Triangle plains and at the marshes. We are enjoying them while we can and hoping to keep all our new cheetah and lion cubs well fed for a while yet.

Cheers,
AInslie

Morning Carel

More rain, raining for more than a day now and we have lots of zebra and gnus close to Sametu.

Sametu is just south-east of Masai Kopjes and it includes the Sametu marsh that feeds the Seronera River system. The Sametu marsh is the only water source in the dry eastern Serengeti during dry season, but it's not dry at the moment.  

Mark,
Asilia Namiri Plains Camp 

Dear Carel,

Herds of zebras slowly moving from east (Naboisho Conservancy) and now at Olare Orok Conservancy on their way to Mara Reserve, grass very high here at Mara Reserve especially near Rekero Camp, which is located at the heart of the reserve.

All set and ready for the Serengeti and Loita migration.

Keep well,
Onesmus Irungu,
Rekero Camp 

Hi Carel,

This afternoon we had a hail storm! We also received 45mm of rain in 45 minutes... and still raining now.

Regards,
Tom
 

Hi Carel,

The western herds are in Maswa game reserve south-east of the western part of the Serengeti and the group is heading to the western corridor at the Grumeti plains area.

We are expecting the big herd of wildebeest, but not sure when exactly they will arrive, the river is full so we might see some good crossings. The weather has been good, we had lots of rain in April, May and June and it is still raining at the moment. 

Lots of tall green grass, lots of water in the Grumeti and Kanyanja river in front of camp.

Thank you,
Joseph

Hi Carel

Thank you very much for your email.

There is a big herd in Bologonja open areas and the herd is slowly moving north towards Bolongonja ranger post. My guides reckon there are approximately half a million to about 700,000 wildebeest and around 100,000 zebras. We still have some herds around Grumeti circuit and they are also moving into the Bolongoja open areas. We also have approximately 2000 to about three thousand Zebras in our concession.

We had very light showers over the past few days. The area is very green and the grass is very tall so there is plenty of grass for the animals.

Kind regards,
Tawanda,
&Beyond Klein's Camp

Hi Carel,

Jackson, our guide drove to Moru today hoping to see the big herd that is coming towards Pioneer Camp.

They seemed to have moved past Moru, Jackson saw flattened grass and tracks leading south-west  It appears the herd is bypassing Moru and heading to the other side of the hills.

Would be interesting to see where they go next…

Regards,
Tom

Dear Carel,

Sorry for the delay on answering this but the big herd of wildebeest past the lodge a few days ago and at the moment they are heading to Kogatende further north of where we are.

Will keep you updated if any news comes up.

Best Regards,
Salim Feruz
 

Hi Carel, 

Just to let you know,  we received 45mm of rain last night.

Regards,
Tom,
Serengeti Pioneer Camp

Hi Carel,

The western herds have moved a little bit north from the Moru hills. Currently west of seronera airstrip by 15nm. Currently vastly spread out over the plains. Hope these pictures are good enough.

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

Hi Carel, 

Our guides just came back from a game drive and saw roughly 2000 wildebeest and 1000 zebra on the main road between the Simba Kopjes and Naabi gate running towards Moru Kopjes.

Regards,
Tom
 

Hi Carel,

Ndutu is still enjoying rain with 11.3mm falling last night, and most days we can see rain still falling over Oldevai and the Lemuta way.

We are also still enjoying wildebeest and zebra in the vicinity, although smaller groups in the hundreds rather than thousands. Today in small marsh, a very large group wandering around, and out on plains around Hidden Valley hundreds of zebra.

I guess we won't have them for too much longer so we are enjoying them while we can.

Kind Regards,
Ainslie

Hi Carel,

Down by Namiri Plains we had no rain for about a week now, the area still green and tall grasses in some areas… on Barafu Kopjes some few groups of gnus same also as heading to seronera there are some on the way but not many as we usually see. 

Still cats are in the area, the pride of lions in camp about every night, cheetah as we drive out to seronera, no leopard spotted for a little while.

Kind Regards

Mark,
Namiri Plains

Hi Carel,

Some Loita herds (100’s, not 1000’s yet) trickling in from the North / North East of Naboisho Conservancy. Haven't been able to get out there and get some images, will soon and send you some GPS coordinates and photos, but the herds arriving in decent numbers. Saw the herds this morning from higher ground around the Ol-Seki airstrip area / Ol-Kinei conservancy.

Hope this helps,
Roelof