Kenya Big Cat Migration Update

The news from the frontline is positive: the world’s greatest game show is now officially underway. Over the past two weeks, herds of zebra have been amassing in the northern Mara, particularly around Musiara Marsh and south to Ntiakitiak River, where almost 10,000 zebras and wildebeest are now grazing. Although observations suggest these are mostly local migrants from the Loita Plains, their presence in such numbers undoubtedly portends the imminent arrival of the main migration from the Serengeti.

In the past few days, we have been witnessing mini-crossings at the main crossing site on the Mara River. For first timers in the Mara, this has been thrilling enough but just wait and watch this space, as the action really hots up over the coming two or three weeks!

It has been an unusual year for the world’s largest wildebeest herds, some of which did not depart from the Mara until March at least 4-5 months later than normal. The delay was at least partly attributable to last year’s prolonged drought. However, this year we are back on track, following the generous rains of April-May, which have brought the Mara’s nutritious oat-grass back to its full glory. After a long lean season, the reserves Big Cats and other predators are also finally waking up to a season of plenty.

Already, the giant crocodiles in the Mara River have been treated to a few early-season feasts treating Intrepids and Explorer guests to a few of Natures rawest spectacles. Likewise, our three lion prides have all been involved in successful hunts over recent days shifting from their regular low-season fare of warthogs and small antelopes to some more substantial meals. Hyenas are also changing their feeding patterns, moving from their regular low-season scavenging to some particularly cunning wildebeest and zebra hunts.

We are confident that the world’s greatest wilderness is once again poised on the verge of another incredible migration season.