Large numbers of wildebeest and zebra crossed the Mara River within the first ten days of August. Between the 4th and the 8th huge numbers were seen crossing at the mortuary crossing point, it is here that many perish trying to climb up a wet and slippery vertical river bank wall. There are lots of crossing points on the river, the main rocky crossing point is also used alot, large crocodiles haunt these points and predate on wildebeest and zebra as they cross. On the 3rd and 4th there were animals crossing nearly all day with a large surge at midday surprisingly only one was taken by crocodile and around 50 animals were trampled, the wildebeest through numbers and pressure for space to climb out found an easier route a little downstream. Later in the month there were a few smaller crossings.
Large numbers of wildebeest and zebra can be seen in the Lookout Hill area and on the Burrangat Plains and Ronkai Plains. On the 21st and 22nd there were good numbers crossing below the Mara Bridge. On the 25th there was a good crossing of an estimated 1,000 animals at 3.30pm with none being taken by crocodile.
Some grassland areas above the Ronkai depression and on the Burrangat Plains were burnt in early July and with more rainfall than in the Musiara region the wildebeest and Zebra have been on the move circulating. On the 30th at 11.30am there was a large crossing on the Talek river heading in the direction of the Burrangat plains. At 3.30pm on the Mara river below the Mara bridge a large build up of Wildebeest but none crossed apart from a handful of Zebra who then promptly crossed back.
Jo’s enthusiasm for safari as a child when her parents worked in Zambia, then Kenya. Jo quickly fancied herself as a safari expert and has been a keen game tracker ever since. Although, more recently, she is very keen to trial many of the (more luxurious) beach lodges we now offer.
