...
The wildebeest have made another dramatic come back. Over the last few days, the concentration in the south of the reserve swelled to an enormous number. Most of the herds as per our previous update have made a complete cycle in the past two weeks. They moved from the eastern part of the river, crossed west into the Mara Triangle, then south into northern Serengeti and east from there before re-entering the Mara, crossing the Sand River south of Look Out Hill. Though some of the animals are entering the Mara near Naima-Lumbwa Hill, the re-entry is not through the same point as they did in July when they first came. Looking down into northern Serengeti, just beyond the border, one can see thousands of animals on the plains heading north into the Mara.
Everything now on the migration front is just like last month when the wildebeest first arrived into the Mara. I can only say from the present activities, that the migration has started again. There is a higher concentration around Look Out Hill and east to the Central Plains. The westward bound herds have spread out to the south and north of Look Out Hill again and many animals have started crossing the Mara River west. For the past three days, our guests have witnessed many animals crossing below Look Out Hill. The animals are crossing over into the Mara Triangle just as before and others heading north from Look Out Hill, with the first ones now around Olkeju-Rongai and lower Burrungat Plains. The western concentration is around Oldoinyo Olkineji and south to the border of Serengeti, while others are heading to the escarpment.
Most of the herds here have settled temporarily on the short grass from a previous burning. The unseasoned rains have played a crucial role in the sprouting of new grass. The crossing points in the north around Paradise Plains have been teeming with activities, with most animals crossing back and forth. The water in the river is quite shallow now; hence the animals find it easy to cross. We are happy to see the migration happening all over again.
While it’s been busy in the south, the northern section of the park seems to have slipped into a quite period. The area around Musiara Gate and the Marsh has only a handful of wildebeest whereas earlier in the month, this area was completely covered with wildebeests. The Mara Triangle is also quiet, with herds from Olpunyata Swamp and Kurao Plains in the south. We expect huge crossings at Paradise Plains soon as some herds have been seen crossing eastwards.
Predators
Lions
The predators have been busy despite the brief absence of the migrating herds in some areas. The lions had already started to adjust to their ‘lean period’ hunting tactics. But to their blessing, the herds are coming back and with them comes the season of plenty again. The Ridge Pride kept roaming their territory. Recently, the pride was seen hunting between the Airstrip and the Camp (Mara Intrepids). The Marsh Pride is at Bila Shaka and recently brought down a buffalo. All 16 lions of the Marsh Pride were there. All the other prides are also in their respective territories.
Leopards
Leopard sightings have improved in the recent weeks. A few have been seen. On 27th July, a leopard believed to be Olive was seen carrying a cub in her mouth near Olare-Orok River crossing. She headed towards the junction of the river with the Talek where she has been seen quite often in the same locality. The cubs are still small and she must be hiding them somewhere there.
Cheetahs
Cheetahs sighting have been good too. Shakira is still around the Talek River, crossing back and forth.
