Migration Update 15/07/2011

The migration of wildebeests from the Great Serengeti to the Mara has started in earnest. The huge population of wildebeests, moved into the Mara, and crossed the river at paradise crossing point one week ago into the Mara triangle. Over the past few days, many wildebeest took the plunge and crossed the Mara River at the Sand River area of the Mara. The zebras are also never left behind. Grazing in the horizon is a herd of large elephants and their calves grazing within the marshes and riverine woodlands of the Mara River. The swamp is a perfect location to spot grazing and bathing elephants. However, as the migration moves further into the Mara Reserve, the elephants are expected to move away into more quieter locations.

Various predators of the savannah are also never left behind as they follow their prey in hot pursiut. These include the lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena, and vultures. Spotted hyena are frequently seen around lion kills, waiting for the slightest opportunity to pounce on unattended meals. During game drives on the Paradise plains, as many as 40 hyenas can be spotted at a time, out numbering the lion family and putting it in great risk, as the two compete strongly for food.

A large herd of about 500 cape bufallo can be seen in the eastern horizon, where grasses are abit longer and well suited for them. For smaller herbivores, these prefer staying in the short grassy areas of the plains where the grass is greener and the space is open enough for them to see approaching predators. It is also easy to spot the warthog with their piglets roaming all over the short grassy plains; if lucky one can spot one being chased into their holes by lion, cheetah, leopard or the hyena, with a few being dug out and eaten. The woodlands are home to giraffe, black rhino, hartebeest and zebra. It may be impossible to prepare the first time visitor for the great number of animals they may see because the scenario is pleasantly overwhelming.

Every once in a while, you will see a Maasai Moran walking across the plains majestically "heading home" after a long day's work in the park. As a game reserve, the local people are permitted to co-exist with wild animals and as a result, both parties have to learn how to live peacefully and in companionship with each other for centuries. Both people and wild animals are wary about crossing each other's paths. Visitors are encouraged to visit Maasai homesteads through the cultural tour, to learn more about this rare kind of relationship which exists between the two parties.

Interested in attending the Great Annual Migration 2011? Hurry, contact safaris@theearthsafari.com or visit http://www.theearthsafari.com/ now.