May 2019 - Wildebeest migration updates

Photographer Koshal encountered the herds crossing the Sand River heading towards the Masai Mara. 

Despite the dangers of such river adventures, most herds cross safely, leaving the Serengeti, to ensure that the Masai Mara fills up with even more wildlife than usual. Not just the migratory vegetarians, of course – at this time of year it’s rare to see a big cat without either a fresh kill or a full belly!

We expect the crossings to continue for many weeks, so it’s not too late to join us and witness nature’s greatest show for yourself. Or book yourself in for next year. After all, it’s a show that never really ends!

The great wildebeest migration has finally arrived in the Sand River!!

They were spotted crossing the Sand River heading into the Mara Reserve. Located on the banks of a river from which it has taken its name, Sand River Masai Mara is located within the Masai Mara National Reserve, close to the Tanzanian border.

With an authentic safari experience, superb cuisine, a well-stocked cellar, sparkling pool, hot-air ballooning and your private viewing deck, Sand River Masai Mara offers a winning combination.

Two Butamtam Lionesses in watch of approaching wildebeest herds in the Grumeti Reserve. 

The Grumeti grassland is alive with active contrast.

A big group of the wildebeest migration was seen moving into the Grumeti Reserve arriving from the Central Serengeti. A dazzle of zebra was also seen moving into the Nyasirori Plains on their trek to the Northern part of the Serengeti. 

Safari guide Chedy was driving from Kogatende to Arusha when he captured a large herd of the wildebeest from Ikoma heading towards the Rubanda in the Western Serengeti all the way to Simba Kopjes in the Central Serengeti. With that said, the herds are on their way to the Northern Serengeti. 

Experience (10 days) of Africa's greatest spectacles – smell the dust and hear the noise of thousands of animals crossing the Mara River in an epic struggle for survival: http://bit.ly/30TwCjv

A huge herd was sighted in the Kogatende all the way through to the Nyamalumbwa Hills. Sounds like a swarm of bees around the Nasikia Migration Camp! 

Safari guide Kevin Mlay Naturalist spotted the herds near the Naabi Hill gate, heading towards the Simba Kopjes. 

Mara River Update

“The Penninsula”, part of the river known - one of the main crossing points during the Great Migration. The first photo was taken on the (19 May 2019), and the second photo was taken during a wildebeest crossing last year (25 August 2018).

The worry...level of the water. We are coming to an end of what is historically a wet period for the Maasai Mara region. There has been no seasonal rain this year and for a magnitude of reasons, the river is extremely low.

For those who thought they're late to book a river crossing safari! Good news, the herds might be late this year and you still have time to book your river crossing safari.

And so it begins...The migratory wildebeest migration was captured moving into the Grumeti Reserve, Tanzania. A large herd have arrived from the Eastern boundary, flooding the grassland adjacent to the Rokari. 

Book as soon as you know you want to go – don’t procrastinate! Lodges and camps are small and fill up very quickly: http://bit.ly/2VGIBNE

The great herds finally arrived in the Grumeti Reserve over the weekend! Busy yet a fun season begins. 

If you are on a budget, choose good-value accommodation so that you have extra time on safari. This increases your chances of seeing kills or crossings: http://bit.ly/2VGIBNE

The clouds have been building again, an isolated shower here and there. But sadly, big rain storms that are not normal at this time of the year in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. 

Fortunately, we’ve been planning Great Migration safaris since 2014 so we have decades of experience in putting you in the best possible place at the best possible time for the best possible cost - contact us today to find out how to avoid the pitfalls of a Migration safari to Kenya and Tanzania.

A big heart, determination and a lot of courage from this little cub crossing the big marsh around the Ndutu. 

Join us on a 10-days East Africa Big Cat safari! This safari to the Serengeti and Masai Mara in East Africa is all about the big cats - lion, leopard, cheetah, serval, and if you're lucky, caracal: http://bit.ly/2VxXD8m

A small herd of the wildebeest migration is still roaming in the Ndutu Region, Tanzania. 

The resident predators couldn't be happier and the Ndutu Safari Lodge guests have witnessed some incredible sightings over the last few weeks. 

Céline Vdc witnessed a large herd of the wildebeest and zebra heading towards the Central Serengeti, Tanzania.

June and July are the most popular times to visit the Western Corridor and the Grumeti to see the Grumeti River crossings and the herds on the move, but September and October are also great months to see the remaining herds of zebra and wildebeest, along with other resident wildlife such as elephant, leopard and lion.

If you’re travelling during June and July, you’ll need to reserve lodging far in advance, as there aren’t many places to stay in the region!  

Counting Down!! With only one month left before the Grumeti River Crossing in the Serengeti, Tanzania - Have you booked your River Crossing safari?

Just a Wanderer spotted a small herd of the wildebeest in the Lake Ndutu heading towards the Central Setengeti. 

By June there'll be little rain and the wildebeest rut will be well underway. Munching its way through the Western Corridor, the migration will begin to coalesce into a 'mega herd', bunched up along the southern bank of the Grumeti River. 

Join HerdTracker on a 10-day wildebeest migration safari in the Serengeti National Park's Grumeti region: http://bit.ly/2Vs6jxe

As the long rains continue in the Ndutu Region. Just a Wanderer witnessed a large herd of the Great Migration, in the Lake Ndutu in search of green pasture. 

With the heavy rains, a small herd is moving closer to the Kaskaz Mara Camp. 

KasKaz Mara Camp invites you to experience Africa’s great Serengeti and its incredible wildlife on a tented safari. 

Photographer Paul Joynson-Hicks captured Dada, Kito, Rembo and Kabibi along with their five cubs on a green season photographic safari, hosted at Governors || Moran Camp in April and May. 

The Green Season is possibly the best time to visit the Mara for a Big Cat safari! Prey is plentiful, weather is cooler. However, during the green season, you will enjoy most of these sightings along as there are fewer visitors in the Mara at this time of the year. 

Big thunderstorm and heavy rainfall continue! 

The herds are heading back to the Ndutu plains from the central Serengeti following the ongoing rainfall all over the Serengeti. 

May is the wettest month in the Serengeti. Roads can be slippery and tricky to navigate!

The herds gather in May as the calves legs should have become fully operational by now. They also feed less frequently, so bigger distances can be covered each day. 

More hope for the Marsh Pride Legacy: Pamoja (Yaya's daughter) have been mating with Koshoke (one of the six Marsh Boys), just a few days ago. 

However, Dada, Kito and Kabibi along with their cubs, were captured resting close to the Governors' Camp. The cubs are thriving, becoming more and more confident - playing fights with each other and simply enjoying all the wonders of the Masai Mara. 

We have a list of the top tour and safari packages available, making it easy to choose the right one for you: http://bit.ly/2ZbKQLP

May is a great time for action photography as the herds move quickly to the Serengeti's Western Corridor. 

Sanel captured a large herd of the great wildebeest migration from the Western Serengeti heading towards the Eastern Serengeti. However, a small herd is still roaming the Central Serengeti. 

There is a diverse collection of mobile camps, lodges and tented camps in the Serengeti and Mara. Your personal Africa Safari Expert will be able to guide you as to which is right for your preferences and budget.