karenfz

We will be in the Mara around July 19th and wondering what the chances are of seeing some of the migration? We will be staying at Sarova Mara Leisure Camp and Mara Game Camp: any suggestions? Also wondering what to expect for weather?
Also staying at Samburu/Shaba for 2 nights, Serena Mountain Lodge, Lion Hill Camp, then Mara. All is new to us!!!

spassvogel

You may have a good chance to witness a crossing and the migrating herds might be in abundance.

Go to:
http://www.governorscamp.com/monthly_game_reports.php

and check out the past July's reports. But of course the migration depends on the rains and weather isn't predictable anymore.

Regarding the camps
I found Leisure (north-east of Ilkeliani) so that's close to Talek Gate where you have a good chance of leopard sightings. To the crossing points it's quite a bit and that requires full day drives especially because the crossings mostly take place during the heat of the day means between 11.00am and 15.00pm.

I don't know why your consultant did talk you into two different camps within that eco system especially as you are keen on seeing the migration/crossings.

Anyway - with a bit of luck the migration should be there.....

Keep fingers crossed.

Happy Landings!

SV

sandi

As safarimama mentioned in your other thread, there's been rain in the Serengeti which in all likelihood will delay the herds getting to the Mara.

But please do not base your safari on whether you see a crossing or not. I've seen barely half of one in 14/years and believe me I haven't missed out on all the other wonderful experiences a safari has to offer.

kenyatraveler

Crossings are iffy in July, but they are never assured. We saw a number of late crossings in early Setember last. The Sarova Game Camp is great with tents that are better than most lodge rooms (concrete base, hardwood floors, permanent wood roof, and roll-up canvass sides. Ask for a tent near the fish pond, if possible. Nice to sit on the veranda when other guests pass by. The food is good and service is excellent. There is much game in the area including the hunters and the prey. The crossings are to the west in the Mara and best seen with a full day game drive. The Sarova will supply you with a "box lunch" which you can take on your game drive and eat anytime (but especially if waiting on the river bank waiting for crossings). Even if you do not see a crossing you will observe hippos and crocs and the Tanzanian border there.

Never been to your camp in Samburu,. but it is a great contrast with the rest of the others. Since it is in the north, it is onr of the few places to see reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, grevy zebra and get close ups of elephant, giraffe and others in the thick brush. Only disadvantage is that Samburu is a long distance from the others.

Lion Hill in Nakuru is a good lodge. Rooms a bit small, but nice atmosphere. Plenty to see at Nakuru besides beautiful bird life. Black rhino, white rhino, elands, buffalo, monkeys and a good chance of leopards.

If it's new to you, you will definitely have a good time and remember forever.

safarimama

I just got an email from the Serengeti:
"The Migration. It was raining in different parts of Serengeti and the big group is at Musabi, in between Serengeti Serena and Mbalangeti."

Therefore, I kinda' doubt that you will see them in the Mara on July 19 this year. But don't despair, like everyone above have said already: there will be lots of resident animals to see. The Masai Mara never disappoints.

smbruner

I'll be there in September - I hope we get to see SOME of the migration!

safarimama

September should be the OPTIMUM timing for the migration in the Mara. I was there for 5 days last September, perfectly timed to see a crossing. However, it was the week that they had returned to Tanzania!!! So, you never know. It rained there unexpectedly and off they all went. The next week they were back, but all we saw were the hundreds, maybe thousands of dead wildies in the river that didn't make it across. We did see the vultures though. They stayed behind to feast. Hundreds of thousands of them. What a spectacle!!!

But, we saw Honey's Boys take down their first zebra and we also saw the Ridge Pride males takeover that pride. This totally made up for it.

Enjoy what you see!

spassvogel

I just spoke to a guide at Kicheche Mara Camp.
A part of the migration today crossed the Talek river.
The estimation is that they should arrive at the Mara river within the next week or so.

SV

sandi

Even if some of the migration will be in July, remember there are about a million animals and they don't all move at the same time, even same direction. And, as safarimama mentions, one drop of rain and some head south, and when the rain stops, return north. Those wildies are very confused animals. Just go and enjoy!

karenfz

All of your comments just make me want to leave TODAY! We are very excited to see ANY part of Kenya, migration or no migration! Anxious for our first trip to Africa...hopefully our first of many!

Any insights about the weather? Warm? Hot? Rainy? Humid?

roadwarriorafrica

Email from Heritage Hotels says that they have seen 30,000 cross the border near Sand River, and the plains between Mara Sarova, Roan Hill and Talek Gate are teeming with the first herds. This they saw on 3rd July.

The Loita herd of about 4,000 zebra and wildebeest can be seen around Musiara Gate.

Hope that helps.

spassvogel

Confirmation by Governors camp game report for June:

"The big news to announce this month is the arrival of the Serengeti Migration into the Mara. The wildebeest migration has crossed the Sand River and is moving northwards. They are still fairly distant, but will not be long until we are able to drive out and lose ourselves amongst the massive herds of wildebeest and zebra. The Mara grasses are a huge attraction to the Wildebeest Migration as a few of their favourite grasses are here, namely red oats grass (Themedia triandra) and Couch grass (Cynodon dactylon.)"

Based on that you have good reason for being positive!

SV

safarimama

This just in from Mbalageti, Western corridor, Tanzania: The Wildebeests & Zebras are now moving off the Dutwa plains at this time and Mbalageti River in small-herds.

Sounds like they are all over the place, just like Sandi said above!!!

How can you miss?