October Mara Game Report - Part 1

Here's the latest weather and game report from our partners at Governor's Camp in Kenya. October is one of the most exciting months in the Mara as the migration enjoys one of its peak times.

Weather & the plains

The Masai Mara had plenty of rain in the first two weeks of the month, with rain showers becoming isolated and lighter towards mid month and drying out in the last week. Towards the end of the month the midday temperatures were higher, reaching around 30 Celsius and the days longer. The sun is rising noticeably earlier with first light at 6am. The grass on the plains has been short and lush, it would be a couple of feet higher after the unseasonal amount of rain we have had over the last months, but for the constant grazing by the zebra and wildebeest. Fireball and Pyjama lilies dot the plains bringing unexpected splashes of colour to the grasslands.

The Wildebeest Migration

October has been a great month for the wildebeest migration, the vast herds moving around a little more, following the smell of rain and searching for the new nutritious growth. From one day to the next they moved around, travelling from the marsh area, over Rhino Ridge and to the Talek River and back again. The last two weeks of the month saw the majority moving south towards the Serengeti, but some large groups remained in the area and we managed to see some really good river crossings. The crocodiles were still hunting the wildebeest as they crossed. There have been huge herds of zebra moving into the long grass which still stands at this late stage, followed by the wildebeest and topi. These immense herds have been providing spectacular game viewing from the hot air balloon.

The resident Loita migration has settled back into the Northern part of the Mara. The Loita plains to the east which can be seen on the flight to Nairobi before the rift valley drops away has not received the rains that the Mara has.

Resident Wildlife

Our very large resident buffalo herd with all its maturing young has spent most of its time in search of any remaining long grass that the zebra and wildebeest may have graciously left behind. They return every few days to the marsh for water or drink from the pools left by the seasonal streams leading to the Mara river. The buffalo herd practiced a great survival tactic, giving birth to their young whilst the migration were in the area, this meant their main predators, lion and hyena were busy preying on easier game.

Most plains game had their calves in October in anticipation of the November rain. The gazelles and warthog gave birth toward the start of the month and the impala, topi and hartebeest at the end. Right now there are some very anxious and protective mothers, bounding away from the slightest threat with their calf following in hot pursuit on their precarious legs.

The elephant have some very young calves too, still so small they fit easily under their mother's chest and with a thick protective coat of bristled hair.

We have had a few migratory birds through the Mara: European and White-fronted bee-eaters, Montague and Pallid harriers, Common Kestrels, Steppes Eagles, African Cuckoos, Spoon-billed storks. There have been a couple of rare sightings of Egyptian Vultures.

The trees and lianas in the Mara River forest have been flowering and fruiting, one in particular the Turrea floribunda has flowers and has a beautiful scent almost like Jasmine. The Pristemera polyantha seeds have dropped off and fly away cleverly as mini helicopters. The bright red fruit of the Lepisanthes senagalensis is a big favourite with the baboons as well.

We have had few sightings of the rhino our side of the river, but on one occasion a male just stayed undisturbed whilst our guests managed to get some great shots and spend some time with him. The ballooners have been lucky enough to see the mother and calf and a male rhino on many of their flights and game drives.

The Mara River hippos are very content as they have plenty of grazing, although moving further out on to the plains than usual. There has been the odd mating, but no serious fights and territorial displays, so all fairly peaceful in the river.

Photos courtesy of Justin Grammaticas and Sue Lawless

Kent Kenya Trip Update #4 - Masai Mara

Flying into the Masai Mara I was amazed how green it is for late October. It's supposed to be brown and barren, but some of the "short" rains came early. Even better, tens of thousands of wildebeest are still here, having delayed their southward trek to Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

In addition to the wildebeest, the Masai Mara boasts the most animals of any park in Kenya, both in terms of variety and sheer numbers. It remains the must-see park in Kenya, despite some issues with overbuilding and land conservation.

This morning, for instance, we saw a lion pride, tens of thousands of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, topi, elephant, bat eared fox, eland, hippos, huge crocodiles, and a mother cheetah and cub. We were hoping to witness a river crossing, but the herds did not cooperate as is often the case. There is plenty of evidence of past crossings though, in the form of carcasses and skeletons.

On this trip I stayed at Mara Plains Camp, just outside the main reserve on the Olare Orok Conservcancy. In short, this is Masai-owned land where they have agreed to leave it for the wildlife in return for concession fees from the three safari camps located here. The camps get a great area to conduct safaris and the communities get much needed funding, employment, and assistance with cattle feed during the lean months.

The rooms are very good - call it casual luxury. The food is delicious - just try the butternut soup recipe we'll post in our next blog to see for yourself. The hosts are friendly and accomodating. And it's within an hour's drive of the Mara River to view river crossings if they are happening. All in all a good place.

Photos courtesy Kent Redding

Kenya Family Adventure!

Kent is off to Kenya this week, so while we await stories of his exciting adventures, a deeper look at one of our Kenya trips is in order.

On our Kenya Deluxe Family Safari, you can enjoy a first-class adventure with your family. You will visit two fantastic wilderness areas in Kenya; the world renound Masai Mara, as well as the lesser known, more exclusive Lewa Conservancy. There are exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities on this trip, as well as cultural activities. Additionally, you can partake in walking and horseback adventures. The focus isn't only on the activities, however. The accommodations and the food will keep you happy, too!

Your first stop after Nairobi will be in the Lewa Conservancy where you will met by your private guide at the airport and taken to your lodge. Lewa Wilderness is one of Kenya's oldest private safari experiences. The family home accommodates up to 18 guests in comfortable thatched cottages with ensuite bathrooms and verandas. The food is wholesome, ranch style and organically grown. For forty years guests have been visiting this remarkable region to be part of an adventure like no other.

Lewa sits in the shadow of Africa's second highest mountain resulting in a perfect climate, with warm days and cool nights. The plains and valleys are full of unique and endangered animals, and the people at Lewa Wilderness are delighted to play a part in their survival. They have a unique partnership with local communities and there are a wide range of activities and adventures to discover in both comfort and style. When you aren't enjoying game drives, horseback riding, walking safaris or a visit to the furniture workshop, you can spend time by the pool or playing tennis on the clay courts.

After your stay at Lewa, you will fly to the Masai Mara. Imagine your own house in the bush, right in the very heart of one of Africa’s most famous and game rich areas...a bush home that is ideal for a couple, family or group, where the wildlife comes right to the waterhole outside of your front door and you decide how you would like to pass your day.

Acacia House fits the bill and offers flexibility, exclusivity and, even better - the freedom to personally design your own day-to-day safari itinerary in the Masai Mara while enjoying the seclusion of your very own private lodgings. Your unique adventure is complimented by the detailed personal service and unequalled wildlife expertise. Acacia House is fully catered and guided by some of the most talented guides in Africa.

This adventure will allow you to have a unique safari experience in Kenya, whether with your family, a small group, or as a couple. We can customize this or any other itinerary to suit your needs. Call us if you'd like to plan your own family adventure!

Photos courtesy Kent Redding and Nomadic Encounters

September Mara Game Report

September Game Report, Masai Mara, Governors' Camp - Part 1

Weather and the plains

September saw a fair amount of unseasonal rainfall through the month, filling up the Musiara Marsh. The water came gushing under the bridge to the airstrip and on to the Mara River. The Mara River has been consistently high, mostly due to rain at its watershed in the Mau forest. The temperatures have been very pleasant, rising to a maximum of 30 Celsius around mid day. After gorgeous mornings, it has mostly become overcast in the afternoons and raining on the odd day.







Storm over the Mara courtesy of John knott

The grassland plains have been mowed down by the migration, leaving a bright green thick mat with the unpalatable dried stalks left standing, giving the impression of dry grass from a distance.

The Wildebeest Migration

We have had one of the best migrations seasons ever! Dense concentrations of wildebeest and zebra have covered the plains. The herds have tended to group together at night, spreading out as the day progresses to dot the grassland. Similarly to the end of August hundreds of thousands of animals were to be seen from Governors camps looking out onto Rhino Ridge and to the east. Mid month they started moving around and over the ridge but returned again to The Marsh. The river crossings have been plentiful in September, from a few zebras to a few thousand wildebeest. The fat, ancient crocodiles still take the odd animal as they cross the Mara River, but are mostly content to watch from the sand banks as they have had their full. The river is littered with carcasses from panicked animals drowning because of the large numbers, high water and difficult exits. This is in stark contrast to last year's crossings where they mostly skipped across the river as it was so low, the crocodiles had to work hard for their meal then.


Wildebeest migration herd disturbed
by leopard courtesy Justin Grammaticas

Elephant and giraffe have avoiding the masses of wildebeest and zebra, with the occasional elephant family coming to the forest every few days or so. They are to be mostly found up in the acacia woodland areas at this time, where they are feeding. The large buffalo herd with their young still frequent the marsh and return up onto the ridge, the bachelor males looking from a distance resigned to the fact they are not wanted. With the bursts of rain and the promise of more, and the charge of greenery in the Mara many of the antelope herds have been mating. The males were seen rutting and asserting their territories, once the lines have been drawn and lesser males placated, they then get on with the business at hand. Gestation periods range mostly according to the size of an antelope, the smaller gazelles and impala approximately 6 months whilst the larger waterbuck and topi 7 - 8 months. This instinctual timing coincides with the seasonal rains that commence toward the end of March, giving the young new lush grass to graze on and taller grasses to hide in.










Elephant family courtesy Justin Grammaticas

Beautiful wild flowers have started springing up amongst the shorter grass, 'tissue paper' flowers Cycnium tubulosum, fireball lilies Scadoxus multilorus bringing a contrast of red to the plains as well as the pyjama lily Crinum macowanii with its white and purple stripes.

Dung beetles of all colours and sizes are busying themselves attempting to clear up what the wildebeest have dropped. Termites take this mammoth job on too.

'Flying ants' termite reproductives have taken to the sky to pair up and start new colony's. Timed with the rains so the earth is soft they dig down to start a new kingdom. They are a delicious meal to a lot of animals as they are packed proteins to sustain themselves whilst they create workers - birds, aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, mongoose and more all eat them.

The resident baboons are spending a lot of their time along the roads as the runoff from the rain has produced thick new nutritious shoots which they are feeding on. They will sit for hours near the roads providing great entertainment.

Game Report courtesy Governors' Camp. Stay tuned for part two, with updates on the area's big cats! If you'd like to visit Governors' Camp and all of its amazing wildlife, call us to start planning your trip!

Planning a summer vacation? Act quickly!

Are you thinking of visting Africa for your honeymoon or with your family this summer? Now is the time to start planning! We are seeing a major increase in bookings during the summer months, especially in Kenya and Tanzania. Availability is going quickly! For the widest array of lodging choices, contact us now to help plan your safari.

A few specials on offer include a free flight from Wilson Airport when you stay four nights at Kichwa Tembo or three nights at Bateleur Camp. Both are located in the Masai Mara. These camps are typically at their finest in the late summer and early fall, when the Great Migration is typically expected to cross into Kenya.

We also have a special offer of 10% off senior and disabled travel on a set departure trip in August that visits the gorgeous Okavango Delta in Botswana, or a September departure to the remote dunes and parks of mysterious Namibia.

Call us so we can customize a trip for you and make your safari dreams come true!

The Great Migration is on the move!

Our most recent wildlife updates from Tanzania, East Africa show the mega-herds of the Great Migration now grazing in the Belabela Plains and moving towards Musabi and Mbalageti in the Western Corridor. A few of the largest straggling herds are following behind in the Central Serengeti or Seronera area. The mega-herds number in the thousands and can be seen sprawling across the Serengeti plains as they graze on the green, young grass shoots. Overall, it is estimated that approximately 2 million herbivores (Thomson's gazelle, zebra and wildebeest, with the predators hunting close behind!) take part in this annual migration through Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara.


Over the next month or two prime game viewing will be in the Western Corridor and Mbalageti Serengeti, Grumeti River Camp, our private camping safaris, Serengeti Under Canvas and other Western Corridor camps and lodges will likely be the best places to witness this great show. Moving into late July and August, Sayari Camp should be an ideal location to catch the impressive river crossings on the Mara River.

Heavy rains have been reported in the Grumeti region and the Grumeti River is flowing at near flood levels. The high waters will help to create dramatic river crossings in the next month or two. Stay tuned for continued Migration updates!

Images courtesy of andBeyond and Asilia Lodges.

The Great Migration of East Africa

Throughout the year, the herbivores of East Africa migrate between Kenya's Masai Mara Game Reserve and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. The migration includes about 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebra and 500,000 Thomson's gazelle. It is truly one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles on our planet.

What makes the animals migrate in this way? Food. The availability of green grass determines where the herbivores head and when. While the clockwise motion of the migration follows the rains and the green grass, the entire cycle can be somewhat unpredictable as the timing and direction are totally dependent on local weather patterns and conditions.

From approximately January to March, the animal herds are located in the south-eastern region of the Serengeti where the short grass plains are lush and green. This is also the time when huge numbers of the wildebeest give birth. It's an exciting time to be in the area and one of the best ways to take advantage of wildlife viewing is to be based from a seasonal mobile camp that moves with the migration.

During our summer months and peak travel season for North America (June to August), the migration is in the north-western and northern reaches of the Serengeti, moving into the Masai Mara. Depending on the month, camps in the Grumeti region--such as Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp--and the far northern Serengeti--such as Sayari Camp--are ideally located to observe the wildlife.

From August through early October the Migration is in Kenya and camps such as Rekero Camp, Saruni Masai Mara and Porini Lion Camp are great spots to watch the drama unfold. The Mara Intrepids Camp is located right near some of the common wildebeest crossing sites on the Mara and Talek Rivers. And, as usual, along with the migrating herds come excellent predator

sightings.

In October and November, the animals begin returning to Tanzania from Kenya and the eastern and central Serengeti are filled with the herds. Camps like Klein's Camp and Olakira can be perfectly placed for viewing herds of thousands wildebeest. By December the herds have returned to the Southern Serengeti and the whole cycle begins all over again.

*images courtesy of Asilia Lodges