Wednesday, 30 June 2010
Serengeti Wildebeest Migration updates from Tanzania
It's the most exciting time of year as the annual Great Wildebeest Migration starts to head north from Tanzania's Serengeti into Kenya's Masai Mara Game Reserve. The massed herds cross the Grumeti River located in the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park and the Mara River located further north. This time of year is most spectacular as huge herds of Wildebeest and Zebra cross the rivers filled with some of Africa's hungriest croc's that have been waiting all year for their arrival whilst indulgent Lion, Cheetah and Leopard pursue and delight in the smorgasbord of nomadic mega herds. Simply put, there is no better time or place to be on an African safari as the greatest natural show on Earth provides guests with some of the best game viewing in Africa.
Below are the latest updates from some of the camps that we like to send our guests. By using tented camps that follow the annual Serengeti Migration we can offer you great quality game viewing, but without the crowds.
To find out more about the Serengeti migration read our Serengeti Migration Explained page or call us and speak to an African safari specialist and start planning your Tanzania safari today!
by Jono Wilson Encompass Africa
SERENGETI MIGRATION
The migration pattern has been unusual this June with herds spread over Western, Central and Eastern areas of the Serengeti.
Lemala Ewanjan Seronera Valley which opened just over 2 weeks has been running at full steam. Ewanjan guests have been able to witness the tail-end of the migration near the camp as well as big herds near Ft Ikoma and Musabi Plains. Predator sightings around the Seronera Valley have been superb with several prides of lions dominating the area. Leopard and cheetah sightings have been prolific too. The mating season is in full swing with guests having witnessed leopards, lions, elephants, plains game as well as birds in courtship.
Last week guests staying at Lemala Mara were transferred to Lemala Ewanjan while the Mara awaited the migration. The good news is that some herds have just reached the Mara area and crossings should start taking place in good numbers soon. It remains to be seen how soon the herds on the western side of the Serengeti will arrive at the Mara River but due to split migration we expect a continuous flow of migration through the Lemala Mara area until October. The Lamai triangle was inaccessible last week due to high water levels but we should be able to access it soon as the water level drops.
This year Lemala Mara is located near the river. This proximity combined with the Mara River being significantly higher than last year and the possibility of off-road game viewing in secluded areas should provide a Vintage migration year for Lemala clients.
With thanks to our friends at Lemala Camps
The massive mega herd is gathering in the Western Corridor, while some smaller herds are already heading north towards the Lobo region and Klein’s wilderness concession. Both of &Beyond’s Serengeti Under Canvas camps are perfectly situated near the Grumeti River, just waiting for the action to begin! The rains have temporarily stopped, although we anticipate from the heavy clouds in the distance that there will be some rain over the next few days, which (we think) will be followed by the highly anticipated Grumeti River crossing – the Greatest Show on Earth. The sunsets over Lake Victoria have been truly breathtaking and the sightings have been exciting. Stay tuned for more updates!
With thanks to our friends at &beyond
TARANGIRE MIGRATION
Several big herds of elephants and buffalo have already arrived into Central Tarangire National Park and more are arriving from surrounding areas. We have been seeing over 500 elephants daily, some in long lines along the Silale swamp. The Gursi swamp on the other hand has very little game at the moment. Predator sightings have been difficult due to long grass but we have spotted a pride of mating lions and a group of cheetahs. The game viewing will get better when the dry season sets in and the grass is shorter. Raptors seem to be having a boom with several sightings of Fish, Crested and Martial eagles. The birdlife has been terrific around the park. It is amazing how many birds there are and the park never seems to stop singing during the day!
With thanks to our friends at Lemala Camps
