Masai Mara Migration 2010 - Spectacle Begins Earlier Than Expected, in Earnest
Masai Mara Game Reserve has been getting ready, and with great anticipation, for the great annual migration.
Excitement is in air.
Reports from conservation groups, tours guides and safari drivers working in both the Serengeti reserve and Maasai Mara had indicated about 3 weeks ago that the massive herds of wildebeest and zebra had already congregated close the boundaries of the reserves.
At the time of posting this update, on June 23, 2010, there is a herd heading north that has already reached the Talek River and has started crossing.
The animals are crossing in large numbers even though the waters on the river are still very low (even dry in some sections).
The crossing, though slow due to low waters, is still spectacular when they create a huge cloud of dust as they cross on the drier sections.
Prides of lions, together with other predators, are already having a feast as they take their positions along the crossing points.
The migration appears to be moving much faster than expected.
It has taken the herds just about 2 days to move from the central plains in Serengeti to the Mara River.
It is just amazing that they are able to cover that kind of distance in such a short while, traveling day and night - and arriving earlier than the resident herds from Loita Plains and hills.
Traditionally the Loita herds arrive ahead of the herds from the Serengeti.
Over the next couple of months the herds will continue crossing the Sand River, a tributary of the Mara River, flowing along the boundary line between Kenya and Tanzania.
Once the first herds of the migrating animals have crossed over into the Mara Triangle, they are joined by the 'Mara resident' herds that reside in the Loita Plains and Hills, northeast of the Mara.
Just like the herds migrating from the Serengeti, the resident herds are forced by the dry season to seek the evergreen pastures along the Mara basin.
Tourists witness this awesome wildlife experience as the animals cross by their thousands.
As they cross the river, crocodiles and other predators lie in wait.
The herds are expected to remain in the Mara possibly until the first week of November and then begin the gradual journey back to the Serengeti.
In the meantime, the hotels and lodges in the Masai Mara are preparing for the expected influx of thousands of safari enthusiast who will visit Masai Mara to witness the migration.
Judging from the overbooking situation in many of the lodges, luxury and budget camps in the Mara, many tourists already booked their front seats to witness this spectacular event.
Many of the safari lodges are fully booked up on most dates during the months of July and August.
Excitement is in air.
Reports from conservation groups, tours guides and safari drivers working in both the Serengeti reserve and Maasai Mara had indicated about 3 weeks ago that the massive herds of wildebeest and zebra had already congregated close the boundaries of the reserves.
At the time of posting this update, on June 23, 2010, there is a herd heading north that has already reached the Talek River and has started crossing.
The animals are crossing in large numbers even though the waters on the river are still very low (even dry in some sections).
The crossing, though slow due to low waters, is still spectacular when they create a huge cloud of dust as they cross on the drier sections.
Prides of lions, together with other predators, are already having a feast as they take their positions along the crossing points.
The migration appears to be moving much faster than expected.
It has taken the herds just about 2 days to move from the central plains in Serengeti to the Mara River.
It is just amazing that they are able to cover that kind of distance in such a short while, traveling day and night - and arriving earlier than the resident herds from Loita Plains and hills.
Traditionally the Loita herds arrive ahead of the herds from the Serengeti.
Over the next couple of months the herds will continue crossing the Sand River, a tributary of the Mara River, flowing along the boundary line between Kenya and Tanzania.
Once the first herds of the migrating animals have crossed over into the Mara Triangle, they are joined by the 'Mara resident' herds that reside in the Loita Plains and Hills, northeast of the Mara.
Just like the herds migrating from the Serengeti, the resident herds are forced by the dry season to seek the evergreen pastures along the Mara basin.
Tourists witness this awesome wildlife experience as the animals cross by their thousands.
As they cross the river, crocodiles and other predators lie in wait.
The herds are expected to remain in the Mara possibly until the first week of November and then begin the gradual journey back to the Serengeti.
In the meantime, the hotels and lodges in the Masai Mara are preparing for the expected influx of thousands of safari enthusiast who will visit Masai Mara to witness the migration.
Judging from the overbooking situation in many of the lodges, luxury and budget camps in the Mara, many tourists already booked their front seats to witness this spectacular event.
Many of the safari lodges are fully booked up on most dates during the months of July and August.