Is the migration early this year
 

All

I have heard that the migration is early this year. Is this true.

Many thanks

I'd rather say that the migration is late this year: there's been virtually no rain between February and March, a time when usually the big herds gather in the short grass plains between Ndutu and Naabi after the calving season, so the herds started scattering into small groups running random in search of pasture and water. Many newborns have been left behind by their mothers. The heavy rains only arrived in April, and the migrant folk came back to Ndutu which is still green now. It's the end of May and according to a "regular" pattern the migration should be between Seronera and the Western Corridor already, but it is still around Ndutu/Naabi, slowly moving west. In such a situation the usual Grumeti river crossings which normally occurs in the beginning of June will be 3 to 5 weeks late.

From year-to-year, the migration varies. If as stated above the herds are scattered, know that the usual time for the herds to arrive in the Mara is mid-July. If that will be the case this year ('15), than 3-5/wks late will get the herds into Kenya on time. But know that it's not at all unusual for the herds to move back-n-forth across the border for weeks. They're animals.

Hi Sandi, I see from various posts that you seem to have a lot of knowledge on this so wondered if I could pick your brains. I am staying in Mahali Mzuri in approx. month's time and the thinking of either Base Camp or Malaika Camp for two nights afterwards to extend the safari a little. Prices are similar, unless I do 3 nights for the price of 4 in Malaika for which they are offering a special introductory offer.

Points to consider are - Base Camp gets very good reviews, while Malaika has none yet. Malaika is on the Mara River according to its website which looks like a good location.

If you have any experience of either or views to help me make up my mind, your advice wold be much appreciated.

Thanks

Emma

we'll see what happens between now and mid-july, in the meantime migration "should be" already around Grumeti but it's not. I heard that yesterday there were groups spread out between Naabi and Matiti (Twin Hills) which is Southern Serengeti, where there is still rain.