The first crossing of wildebeests across the Mara River has been recorded thus signalling the onset of the Great Wildebeest Migration – an event deemed to be one of several Wonders of the World. According to Mr Brian Heath of the Mara Conservancy, the first crossing of wildebeests across the Mara River was spotted moving from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara over a week ago.
"“In a few days, we shall witness the crossing (of the Mara River) in full swing,” Mr Heath told Daily Nation newspaper by phone.
The Loita herds that do not migrate into the Serengeti have also moved south and have been seen around Musiara gate and the concession areas north of the Masai Mara.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is an annual mass movement of over 2 million ungulates (hoofed animals) from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya in search of pasture and water, and then back to Serengeti by the promise of rains.
Media companies are trooping into the Maasai Mara to film the amazing spectacle. Publicity generated by the documentaries will drive up the number of tourists visiting the Mara.
“The BBC has already set up their equipment ready to shoot one of their shows — the Big Cat diary — on the migration,” said Mr James Sindiyo of the Narok county council. “We were getting 40 per cent visits to the Mara, but it has since increased to 70 per cent.”
The Maasai Mara Game Reserve is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destination, covering 1,510 sq km. Masai Mara is located along the Great Rift Valley, approximately 300 km south west of Nairobi. To read more about the migration tours visit: http://www.africa-
