Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Migration update: The wildebeests makes a come-back!

The migration of the wildebeest has brought back life on the Mara plains again. For sometimes, since late last month, the wildebeests as usual had started going back into northern Serengeti. We believe, due to the prolonged dry spell, the migrating animals could not find enough water or grass as they proceeded south. Though the Mara was also dry when they left, there was still some grass and water in the rivers and streams that runs through the Mara and northern Serengeti.  Since early this month, we have had sporadic showers across the Mara. This has caused new shoots of grass to grow in the recently burnt areas. These are places currently teeming with herds, as the animals are attracted to the new grass.
As a result of this, the wildebeests have started heading north into the Mara again. Right now all the plains south of the Talek River are full of wildebeests and zebras. The crossing points on the Mara River just below lookout hill are places to be now as the many animals cross the River west into the Mara triangle. For the past few days, one is guaranteed of seeing a crossing sometimes as early as 8-9am. These plains, shunned most of the year for its emptiness are for once teeming with activities. The lion prides around here are back to action and basking in the season of plenty. One such pride can be seen around Olkeju-Ronkai area on the central plains. The dominant males in this particular pride Notch’s boys.

While all these are going on in the south, the northern section of the park seems to have slipped into a brief quite period. The area around Musiara gate/marsh has only a handful of wildebeest whereas earlier in the month, this area was all covered with wildebeests. On the triangle as well, the northern section is still empty. Most of the herds on the Mara triangle are only from Oldonyo Olkineji extending to below Turner’s hill and Milima Tatu. Some of the herds have now got to Serena area and the very first one have started crossing the river again going east! It all appears the herds generally are making a huge cycle. We expect them to stay here till November since there is still plenty of grass.
 The wildebeests spread across the plains on the central Mara 

 Wildebeests at Sunset on Burrungat plains

Map of the Mara showing current concentration and direction of movement

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Wild dogs causes a stir in the Mara

Today over lunch, I was informed by the chairman of Kenya Wildlife Trust, Mr. Allan Earnshaw of a sighting of four wild dogs in the Mara at a place called Hamerkop bridge. The person who reported this was the cheetah researcher, Dr. Femke.
After full confirmation, I informed my guest and we headed out to the location to witness this rare sighting in recent years in the Mara. I know there have been sighting of a few wild dogs on the Mara triangle not long ago, but on the eastern side of the reserve, it has been long. We have had a few sightings in the neighbouring conservancies recently, and we are now living in high hope that this is an indication of a return of the painted wolves.
When left camp, Rekero, I was held up briefly by a sighting of a black Rhino. However, we shortly carried on our mission to find the dogs. I followed the directions to the spot where the dogs were and I must say it was all excitement when we saw the four dogs under some croton bushes, sleeping. After we had a good view we left briefly and then came back again. We found the warden had arrived at the sighting to control the vehicle. There were many people who came to see them. We spent time with them until late when we returned to camp.

The big question now is where did the dogs come from? We believe, they are the ones that have been seen at Olkinyei, Olare Orok and Mara North conservancies (near Aitong) the dogs were very relaxed and we hope they will settle nearby. 
 The dogs resting under croton bush near Hamerkop bridge

One of the dogs

One of the dogs resting

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