Hi,
We are planning a trip to the Masai Mara between September 3 and September 7, 2006. Just heard that the wildebeest herds seem to be heading back south to Tanzania.
Does anyone have any info?

Thanks!
Meghana

There are a million+ wildebeests, even if a few confused wildies are returning south, there will be plenty left in the Mara. Besides there are resident herds that never go anywhere. I wouldn't worry about a few thousand who move back/forth for whatever reason. Besides, there are never any guarantees when it comes to animals or weather. You won't be disappointed.

Have you seen this Sandi? It doesn't contradict what you said really, and I don't know how reliable it is - but it's possibly somthing similar to what Meghana read.

http://www.atta.co.uk/heritage/index.html

Yes, have read that. There have been other years when the herds move at the first drop or rain and then when the rain stops they return. And the burning isn't all that unusual, sometimes causing the herds to remain in the Mara well into November and even December. I have clients over there now in various area of the triangle and surrounding who have seen the herds. They often disperse and along with the resident herds, can be anywhere. Believe me they're there. Some days, depending on where your camp/lodge is located you may have to drive in one direction or another and other days they'll be nearby.

Thanks Sandi and Kimburu!
Yeah, I guess one can never be disappointed in the African wild!
We are going next week and I do hope that our trip will be good.
Will send you an update when I get back.
If you hear of anything else, please let me know.

Thanks!
Meghana