Part 2: Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River?
Knowing where the wildebeest cross the river, can improve your great migration experience, as you should choose which side of the river to observe the wildebeest crossing the Mara River. If the herds cross to the north then it is probably better to be on the northern bank of the river and visa versa for the return journey.
Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River? Changing crossing points
In Part 1 we talked about favourite or geographically determined crossing points for the wildebeest during the Mara River Crossing Season. This also changes! The Mara River Floods of 2018 and 2020, changed its course, making new bends in the river and causing a shift in Crossing Points. Knowing recent climatic events can get you front row seats to observe this natural show.
Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River? The inside bend
Let’s take a river crossing example.
The river crossings from South to North take place in the inside bends of the Mara River:- these are crossing points Makutano, No 8, No 6, N0 4, No 3 and No 1 in front of Singita.
The return journey from North to South, takes place on the alternate (now inside bends) of the river at crossing points No 2, No 5, No 7 and No 9.
Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River? Early season crossings
The crossings early on in the season will come from the Eastern side. The eastern herds are mostly bachelor herds, with fewer obstacles in their way, so they move quickly. The first river crossings of the year will probably be Sand River crossings between Bologonja Spring and the Sand/Mara river confluence. Sand River crossings have taken place as early as June.
The first Mara River crossings are commonly at No 10, No 9, No 8 and Makutano in July each year.
When the western herds arrive from Ikorongo and the Grumeti Reserves they would start crossing at the western crossing points from late July onwards at crossing points No 1 – 4 and perhaps at No 5 and No 6 in front of Sayari.
Conservation Talking Points
Flash flooding and fast runoffs during the dry season (July – October). Fast flowing water is difficult for wildlife and animals to judge in general. The wildebeest sometimes miss the exit points of the Mara River due to the strength of the fast flowing water of the Mara River, resulting in drowning. These changing climatic conditions (Floods 2018, 2020) have an impact on the survival rate of the Mara River crossings. The solutions can often be found in the catchment area, the source of the Mara River, the area where trees should be holding the water.
Book now to see the Great Wildebeest Migration: info@greatmigrationcamps.com Contact us now for River Crossing availability 2022 season.
Follow our migration updates from the Serengeti National Park here: Great Migration Updates
The Mara River Crossings of the wildebeest & zebra, of the annual Great Migration in Tanzania & Kenya is an event like no other in the natural world. It’s not a single event, nor a single herd, nor a single stretch of river, nor a specific date or time. Wildebeest crossing the Mara River is a visually magnificent 3-D, confusion of tangible adrenalin with stereo sound. In the animal history world, these dramatic & chaotic river crossing scenes must rank at the top due to the raw visual, auditory & sensory intensity. It will take your breath away. The 2022 Mara River Crossings are the next event in our part of the planet.
As kids we were taught various bush survival skills which included river crossing techniques for our safety. We knew if the river was too wide, flowing too fast or was too high & discoloured, the crossing point was not acceptable. Acceptable crossing places had shallow water, easy banks to get out on the other side and a nice gravel or boulder river bed. Deep, slow water was okay if it wasn’t too wide. As humans we had to remove loose clothing, belts & backpacks.
Watch the far bank
Don’t fight the current
Don’t grab logs or rocks
Try to move side on to the current
Where to cross a River? Crossing points
The first question was whether we had to cross or not. Was there an alternative option?
It we had to cross, the second question was where to cross the river. What is the best river crossing point?
The nature of the river bed (is it sand, gravel, rocks, boulders?)
Speed of river flow
Depth of the water
Turbulence of the water
Temperature (coldness) of the water
Capabilities of the group
Entry and exit points
Run out
Where to cross the Mara River? Crossing Points for the Great Migration 2022
The Mara River is almost 400 km long and is wide, craggy and treacherous.
It is home to Africa’s largest crocodile population.
The Mara River represents the end of a long challenging journey for the wildebeest.
It makes logical sense that the wildebeest are hesitant to cross the river when they arrive, making them seem aimless and indecisive.
Despite facing the same river risks as humans, such as drowning in strong currents, or breaking a leg on rocks or river bank entries – the wildebeest must also contend with predators (crocodiles & carnivores)
The wildebeest cross the Mara River on instinct, in a bi annual ritual- what goes north, must return south. The herds cross the Mara River at least twice, sometimes more.
Humans have spent decades documenting the wildebeest movements to make it easier for ourselves to witness this river crossing event. The most commonly used geographical areas of the river have been named or numbered as Crossing Points.
Each point is a stretch of river not a single GPS location and is used as a guideline for finding the wildebeest
Tanapa-Crossing-Points-Mara-River-2022
Mara River Crossings 2022: What to expect from the wildebeest?
NOTHING! They are unpredictable.
When a herd of wildebeest arrives on the banks of the Mara River, they usually search for a place to cross where the banks are not too steep and the water not flowing too fast.
The buildup is tense. Hours or days can be spent waiting near a crossing point before they get enough numbers and courage to leap into the Mara River.
Triggers can cause many false starts for the wildebeest. The ultimate trigger starts an adrenalin charged surge into the water and a race to the opposite river banks & perceived safety.
They are in the zone seemingly oblivious to the known dangers- they swim frantically, grunt loudly and move as a mass of nervous energy.
Exiting on the opposite bank, can be gentle and gradual or often tragically a near vertical slope where any good foothold changes to a slippery mudbank, with every passing hoof. The glistening bodies fight against each other to get out and avoid sliding back to the watery nightmare.
Unbelievably, within ten minutes the wildebeest can be seen calming grazing with little or no indication of their ordeal – for them it’s just another day.
Mara River Crossing Points 2022: Human behaviour at the crossings
The main objective is to observe the river crossings but not alter or impact the outcome of a crossing.
Wildlife always has right of way, don’t obstruct.
Waiting for a river crossing, vehicles should be stationary and out of sight of the animals. It is common to see safari jeeps hiding behind the tree line to avoid windshield reflections or other distractions.
There are parking areas at the crossing points – designed to stop the vehicles frightening or blocking a river crossing.
ONLY when the wildebeest have started to cross the river, may safari vehicles approach the river slowly. (In reality there is a race to the river for the best viewing spot of the greatest animal migration in Africa along the river bank.)
Do we even need to say it? Stay in the vehicle (we are not the only animals watching the wildebeest)
Part 2: Where Wildebeest Cross the Mara River
Book now to see the Great Wildebeest Migration: info@greatmigrationcamps.com Contact us now for River Crossing availability 2022 season.
Follow our migration updates from the Serengeti National Park here: Great Migration Updates
Crossing Season is almost here whereby hundreds of thousands of wildebeest head to the northern Serengeti and Kenya in search of succulent grass and water, during the dry season. In the process the mighty Mara River stands in their way.
For many this is the highlight of the great wildebeest migration and there is little doubt that you want front row tickets to this part of the Great Migration Show. Crossing season is an incredible spectacle – for any wildlife enthusiast it is a lifetime dream. Take note that the Great Migration is an ongoing event taking place all year round as the herds travel on a cyclical grazing path around the Serengeti Masai Mara Eco-system.
Great Migration Camps recommends giving yourself enough time on your safari, with a minimum of 4 nights to increase your chances of seeing a river crossing. This season our very popular 9 Day Wonders of the Wildebeest package is on special for travel between 1 July – 30 Sept 2019 for those wishing to experience a river crossing. You could save up to $300 per person travelling!
Wonders of the Wildebeest – 9 Day, 8 Night All inclusive package
Overview WoW crossing season special.
This 9 Day Migration Safari focuses on river crossings near the Mara River. During this period, the wildebeest move towards the northern sector of the Serengeti-Masai Mara eco-system, therefor we suggest you fly directly to the north to spend more time following the wildebeest. You have SIX full days in the Serengeti National Park (northern sector) following the wildebeest herds with all the build-up and action at the river. Don’t worry, we see plenty of other wildlife in classic safari game drives. You spend one night in Arusha, fly to Kogatende, enjoy a week of action packed safari, return flight to Arusha to end your tour.
Highlights WoW crossing season special
Flight over the Serengeti National Park, Wildebeest Migration, Mara River Crossings
Itinerary Overview – WoW Crossing Season Special
Overnight
Area
Meals
Arrive in Arusha, transfer to hotel and overnight
Ilboru
Arusha
Flight Arusha to Serengeti Koga, afternoon game drives
GMC mobile
Mara River
B, L, D
Unlimited Migration Game Drives – Full Day or 2 x Half Day Drives
GMC mobile
Mara River
B, L, D
Unlimited Migration Game Drives – Full Day or 2 x Half Day Drives
GMC mobile
Mara River
B, L, D
Unlimited Migration Game Drives – Full Day or 2 x Half Day Drives
GMC mobile
Mara River
B, L, D
Unlimited Migration Game Drives – Full Day or 2 x Half Day Drives
GMC mobile
Mara River
B, L, D
Unlimited Migration Game Drives – Full Day or 2 x Half Day Drives
GMC mobile
Mara River
B, L, D
Unlimited Migration Game Drives – Full Day or 2 x Half Day Drives
GMC mobile
Serengeti
B, L, D
Fly Serengeti Koga to Arusha for onward travel
B
Getting there
Tour Starts and ends in Arusha, Tanzania
Arusha in Northern Tanzania is the start and end point of this tour and is accessed by Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). Flights from Arusha airport take you directly to the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende Airpstrip) and the heart of the migration.
CHILD POLICY
Adults to accompany children U16 years
0-5 years must sleep in adult tent
6 -16 years may share with other children
MINIMUM NUMBERS
Minimum 4 persons for packages
Minimum 3 Night stay
Minimum 2 persons in camp
Best Outdoor Hot Showers in the Bush
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
Amref Service
Flying Doctor
SUSTAINABLE
We leave no trace. No single use plastic. Solar Power. Waste separation/management
Great
Bedding
& Linen
LOCATION – MAY CHANGE
We follow the wildebeest herds.
If they move, we move.
GUIDING
We take the road less travelled & avoid the crowds. Leave at dawn for golden hour prepared for full day game drives
Great Migration Experiences Guaranteed
WoW Crossing Season Package Activities
River Crossings and the wildebeest migration are the top priority on our programme, as such we prepare to head out at first light, to capture the golden hour at the start of the day and keep track of the wildebeest herds. We are always fully prepared for a full day out, taking tea and coffee for a mid-morning break and bush lunch as one never knows what one might encounter. The days are flexible and depend on the wildlife sightings and migration experiences that we encounter, meaning that some days we will return to camp for lunch and relaxation time in camp, whilst other days we travel far and return at dusk. We try and stop for an evening drink to watch the setting sun, before returning to camp to freshen up for the evening. Evenings are enjoyed around the camp fire, and meals are cooked over hot coals in the spirit of a truly mobile safari camp following the herds.
WoW Crossing Season Package Includes
1 N Accommodation in Arusha (B&B), 7 N Tented Accommodation at GMC mobile in the Serengeti National Park, three meals daily, teas and coffees, laundry, communal ablutions, emergency evacuation insurance (flying doctor cover), VAT, National Park Fees entrance fees and camping fees, all transfers, return domestic flights to the Serengeti National Park.
WoW Crossing Season Package Excludes
Gratuities, Alcoholic beverages & sodas (cash bar), international flights, visas, travel insurance, all items of a personal nature, any meals not stipulated
WoW Crossing Season Child Policy: Children are welcome
Under 16 of years of age, children to be accompanied by an adult.
0 – 5 years must sleep in adult tent. 6 -16 years may share with other children, however we recommend children should be able to sleep through the night.
WoW Crossing Season Package Rates
9D8N Wonders of the Wildebeest
Adult 16+
Child* 0-5
Child* 5- 12
Child* 12- 16
Standard Package 2019
4100.00
470.00
2000.00
2750.00
Fly In Special 2019
3800.00
470.00
1820.00
2540.00
Rates are quoted in US Dollars and include VAT.
WoW Crossing Season Package – How to book
Check Live Availability to see if we can accommodate you at Great Migration Camps. Send your request.
Email your inquiry to info@greatmigrationcamps.com.
Kindly provide your name, country, number of people travelling and preferred dates and duration.
GMC will confirm your reservation and assist with any extra services you may require.
Complete your Traveller Registration Form and Sign the Booking Terms and Conditions
GMC will send an invoice, a 30% deposit is payable to secure the reservation. Balance due before arrival.
Confirmation, a summary of services and any travel vouchers will be issued on receipt of final payment.
Follow us on your favourite Social Media platform for Migration Updates, Serengeti News and Amazing Sightings.
Great Migration Camps wildebeest researcher, Carel Verhoef, has witnessed hundreds of river crossings, and explains what happens in the build up to a river crossing and how best to experience the “Greatest Show on Earth”.
Carel has an incredible strike rate getting his clients, not just to the wildebeest migration, but to witness river crossing(s)! Having studied and followed the great wildebeest migration for more than 15 years, he shares his Top 5 Tips for maximising your opportunities for a wildebeest river crossings. Read to the end for his Bonus Tip.
Top 5 Tips to Experience a River Crossing
River Crossing Tip 1: You need to get to the Mara River at the right time
When planning your “river crossing safari”, it’s important to deal with a knowledgeable company and consultant who have the knowledge to get you to the right place. Great Migration Camps provides Migration Updates on our Facebook page. GMC is in the privileged position of being able to move camp as the wildebeest move, ensuring we have the latest migration news and updates. Guides, pilots, managers, lodges, camps and colleagues all supply news and updates on the movement and location of the wildebeest. Ask GMC to help with your safari plans and timings.
River Crossing Tip 2: Buy yourself as much time as you can on the river itself
If you are really want to see a river crossing, then buy as many nights as close to the river as you can. The decision of a herd to cross the river is not taken lightly and they need to build up numbers and energy to do the crossing. It can take days for the right conditions, often leaving visitors frustrated at the anticipated event that doesn’t materialise. Wildlife takes time, you have to be in it to see it and experience it – river crossings are no different! The longer you have the better your chances. (See our packages)
The good news is that the area around the Mara River (on both the Serengeti and Masai Mara sides), has plenty of resident plains game and a huge quantity of big cats. This gives you the opportunity for a classic safari to view general game that could include lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, hyena, jackal and much much more.
River Crossing Tip 3: Wait for the energy to build up
The higher the water level in the Mara River, the more difficult it is to cross. The jumps are intimidating and this means that the wildebeest and zebra need to build up enough energy before they leap into the crocodile infested waters. Give yourself a few days for the wildebeest numbers to build up on the river itself and do some great game viewing or bird watching while the herds gather. The potential for a crossing is greater if there are wildebeest on both sides of the river. You will immediately realise that there might be enough energy if you hear the wildebeest calls becoming louder and more frequent. The noise can be like a giant humming.
River Crossing Tip 4: Position yourself away from the river
Don’t sit too close to the river bank – this might block the herds without your knowledge. Any barrier or obstruction can prevent the wildebeest from crossing the river. Position yourself some distance away from the riverbank, preferably slightly obscured so that you can allow the wildebeest herds to move unobstructed to the water’s edge or choose their crossing point. This way you won’t interfere. Don’t worry if you don’t have a perfect view at this stage – keep your eyes peeled for the dust as the crossing starts and the noise intensity increases. Then and only then should you move closer. Once the crossing has started it will not stop because so much energy has been created. You will easily get within a few hundred meters from the crossing herds. Moving to the river too quickly can prevent a crossing and leave you with a few days more to wait.
River Crossing Tip 5: Stay Observant
It is surprisingly easy to get stuck waiting for one herd of wildebeest to cross – especially if there are good herd numbers arriving at the river. Make sure you look up and downstream from your waiting position for other possible crossings that could be imminent. Stay observant and alert to all the build-ups on the river bank. Notice weather patterns and the behaviour of other animals. Leopards have been known to walk behind waiting safari vehicles with not a single client seeing the magical creature taking a stroll right behind them – all eyes focused on the river.
Hot Tip
During a river crossing, stop to soak up the atmosphere – it is an incredible experience. Don’t just stare through your view-finder taking pictures. Feel the energy before, during and after the crossing; let the sounds echo through you as the visual show unfolds. When you do take pictures, make sure you don’t over zoom, you need the wider angle to capture the magnitude of what is happening.
BONUS TIP: Both Sides of the Mara River
Don’t let an international border stop you from seeing a river crossing. If you are really serious about seeing a river crossing then give yourself the best possible chance by going to both the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. If you are travelling during July and August visit the Serengeti first followed by the Masai Mara. During September and October, visit the Masai Mara first and finish your stay in Tanzania the Serengeti. This drastically increases your chances of seeing the wildebeest herds cross the river.
Map of the Mara River Basin. Source: www.frontiersin.org
How to book
Ask us. We’d love to help you. The earlier you enquire, the less chance to be disappointed, especially during peak periods when other services can also be fully booked.
We can assist with tours before or after your safari, additional accommodation in town – as well as flights or transport in and out of the National Park.
We recommend 5- 10 days for your migration safari, especially during Crossing season.
Email your inquiry to info@greatmigrationcamps.com. Kindly provide your name, country, number of people travelling and preferred dates and duration. Children of all ages are welcome.
Follow us on your favourite Social Media platform for Migration Updates, Serengeti News and Amazing Sightings.
You’ve decided to go on a migration safari but should you drive or fly to your accommodation within the park? We are often asked whether driving or flying is the best option to get to the National Park? The answer to your transport questions (Drive or Fly?) is variable depending on a few factors.
Your Migration Safari Priorities
When planning your safari you will need to decide on your main interest to determine priorities such as how long you will stay in the park itself and to determine your budget. These criteria affect your choice of accommodation, and the means of transport to get there. Other factors that affect your decision whether to drive or fly to your accommodation to see the great migration include the number of guests travelling on safari and the places you would like to visit before, after or in conjunction with your safari.
Migration Safaris – Distances
The Serengeti National Park alone is a vast area of 14, 750 sq km (5,700 sq Miles) – roughly the size of Connecticut State in the USA or Northern Ireland (14,148 sq km/5463 sq mi).
The Greater Eco-system is an even larger unfenced area which includes the Masai Mara and surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area as well as Maswa, Grumeti & Ikorongo Game Reserves and Loliondo Game Controlled Area. At 30,000 sq km (12,000 sq Miles) it’s almost the same size as Belgium (30,528 sq km)
Seronera in the Central Serengeti is 320km west of Arusha and will take at least 6 hours of straight driving. Flight time from Arusha – Seronera is approximately 1 hour (direct with no stops en route). Time and distance are significant factors in the decision whether to drive or fly for your migration safari.
Map of the Greater Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem.
Driving to the Migration
Driving to your migration safari will take longer than you think! The condition of the road varies but in general you will be travelling on a rough and bumpy gravel road where 100km can take 3 hours. Also bear in mind that you will be spending a lot of time in the vehicle whilst on game drives. It is highly likely that you will need to stay overnight en route to the park to break the journey or visit an attraction along the way.
Travelling by road is a good idea if
You have a lot of time for your safari (Minimum 4 nights inside the park)
You like to see the country-side & interact with locals when stopping for toilet, food, fuel and a leg stretch.
You are a small group or medium group: 4- 6 people travel in one safari vehicle.
This makes the road alternative slightly cheaper when split by many so good for those on a budget.
You are afraid of travelling in a light aircraft.
You will have the same driver-guide from town to the National Park and for all your game drives.
You are visiting the southern or central sections of the park.
Drive In Safari Photo: BrendanAllenSoundcloud
Flying to the Migration
Flying to your migration safari is in a light aircraft and gives you an aerial view of the country. The flight is an experience in itself and flight duration is seldom more than 2 hours (flight duration varies depending on stops en route) so a quicker more comfortable option than driving into the National Park. When flying in, you will use resident camp guides and vehicle who are familiar with the local area on game package.
Flying is a good option if
You have limited time, with only a couple of nights on safari.
You enjoy comfort.
Your primary interest is wildlife rather than sightseeing.
You are a small group of 1 – 3 people OR a large group of 12 or more.
You don’t like backtracking – driving in and out is usually on the same road.
You are heading to the northern Serengeti – Kogatende and Mara River and hoping for a river crossing.
Fly In Safari Photo: BrendanAllenSoundcloud
Combination – Drive and Fly to the Migration
This option combines driving in and flying out or vice versa. Great Migration Camps recommends ending with a scenic flight rather than a bumpy drive out.
Drive-Fly combo is best for
Those with sufficient time – 2 days to drive in and at least 3 or more days on safari.
Those who would like to combine a destination en route to the park – options include Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Natron(& Ol Doinyo Lengai)
Northern Serengeti Safaris – the northern sector is far away! A minimum of one night required to drive in – although we suggest two to enjoy the journey.
Combines sight-seeing with quality time on safari.
Those wanting to enjoy an adventure on the route into the National Park, but who like having the security and confidence of a departure flight to town to connect with an international departure flight.
At Great Migration Camps mobile we love all the options for different reasons. The choice whether to drive or fly to your migration safari is really about your time, your group size, your budget and your safari/wildlife preferences. As in life there are pros and cons to all three options.
Calving Season 2019
Calving Season is in full swing, and the wildebeest seem to be hanging around the southern plains whilst the little ones get stronger for the long journey northwards as the migration cycle starts again.
GMC mobile has Limited availability March 2019. Book now to confirm your seat for calving season and the great migration wildlife show. 2019 Calving Season inclusive packages below. Enquiries: info@greatmigrationcamps.com
Crossing Season 2019
Crossing season is filling up fast. One of the most dramatic seasons in the year long migratory cycle. The Wildebeest make their way northwards to cross the Mara River in Tanzania and Kenya. This can be a waiting game that tests the patience of many a nature-lover. GMC recommends booking as many days as you have available to give yourself the best chance of seeing a river crossing.
How to book
PLEASE enquire early to avoid disappointment particularly during peak periods as other services can also be busy. We can assist with pre or post safari tours and accommodation in town as well as flights or transport in and out of the National Park. We recommend 5- 10 days for your migration safari.
Calving season (Feb- March) -Ndutu area
Rutting season (June) – Grumeti area
Crossing season (July– Oct) – Kogatende/Mara River area
Migration Updates – what happened in September 2018?
Wildebeest Whisperer, Carel Verhoef, reports back on an eventful month of the great migration – with a lot of confusion as the wildebeest moved back and forth across the Mara River.
Towards the end of August there was significant rainfall (50 mm!) on the Serengeti side from the central Seronera and eastern Barafu Kopjes to Kogatende in the northern part of the Serengeti. Lots of rain on areas that had been burnt earlier in August. This caused the herds to start moving from north to south, and some concern that the herds would not move north to Kenya at all. Big herd numbers were gathered around the Sand River. The rain seemed to split the herds into a northern and southern group, with some large numbers in Kenya from earlier crossings and many wildebeest wandering south – making it as far as Mbuzi Mawe!
This image by Brendan Allen sums up the season – to cross or not to cross? #Zebra
The Kenyans burnt a large area in the Masai Mara from Talek to Lookout Hill on 6 September. Not long after this there was another shift at the wildebeest headed north again arriving in Kenya and the Mara Triangle towards the end of September. There were some big crossings at the Sand River into the Mara Reserve with large numbers arriving in the Mara North Conservancies.
At the moment the herds are scattered with some as far north as the Mara Triangle and southern conservancies, some around Kogatende and as far south as Lobo on the Serengeti Side. Mara River crossings are happening on both the Kenyan and Tanzanian sides.
Migration Predictions
The big question is when the short rains will start as this will impact on the movement of the herds. If there is no rain, the herds should stay up north in both the Serengeti and Masai Mara as there is permanent water and some good springs. Great Migration Camps suggests this is the likely scenario for the next couple of weeks at least.
If the rain comes, the area of rainfall will help make the decision for the wildebeest herds. Rain further south means the herds could move towards Kleins Gate and Lobo sooner rather than later.
Of course all these micro-movements have us here at Great Migration Camps asking the question about where calving season will be? Potentially the herds may not move all the way south to the Ndutu and southern Serengeti plains… but have no fear, Great Migration Camps will still be there – wherever they may be! Calving season bookings are open.
Migration Update 28 August
Huge crossings of the Mara River on the Serengeti side from north to south. Update from Danny Akiyoo – guide at Asilia Africa. Watch the video here.
Migration Update 02 Sept
Lenny Koshal with news of wildebeest herds crossing the Sand River north to south update. Take a look at this crossing!
Migration Update 04 Sept
Great crossing Serengeti side at Makutano north to south again. Update from Asilia Africa guide Elia Edward
Migration Update 18 Sept
Zebra Crossing! It’s not just the wildebeest who migrate or cross rivers – look at this huge Zebra crossing on the sand river near Sala’s Camp moving south to the Serengeti.
Migration Update 20 Sept
Frank Gabriel, from Lemala Camps and lodges, always sends fabulous updates like this huge herd crossing the Mara River on the Serengeti side – headed south!
Migration Update 21 Sept
Ainslee Wilson from Alex Walker’s Serien reported a big wildebeest crossing at No 7 headed from north to south.
Migration Update 22 Sept
In mid-September there was still movement of the herds from north to south – crossing the Mara River on the Serengeti. Update from Asilia
Migration Update 25 Sept
Huge herds near Nomad in the Serengeti – 20 km south of the Mara River, doing some wildebeest stuff.
Migration Update 28 Sept
Mashine (Joseph Swai) sent footage of a massive crossing on the Serengeti Side at No 4 headed north. Watch the video.
Migration Update 30 Sept
Herds cross the Mara River at Lookout Hill from east to west in Kenya. Update from GMC-mobile and a great thunderous dusty crossing.
Migration Update 7 Oct
Northern end of the migration in the Kenyan Conservancies – Mara North and Olare Motorogi. Crossings headed north across the Mara River – update from Baraka Willium
Migration Update 9 Oct
Governor’s Camp collection reporting from Mara Triangle, huge herds around Little Governor’s Camp. What happens next is anyone’s guess…. watch this space or follow us on Facebook for the latest updates about the movement of the wildebeest from the field.
Calving Season
Where will the herds be when the wildebeest drop their calves en masse come February? Traditionally the herds gather on the Southern Serengeti Plains near Ndutu for calving season. Will they be there at the start of 2019 or will the wildebeest keep us all guessing. One thing we know for certain, is that where ever the herds go, so will GMC Mobile! Book now for calving season and be sure you are in the right place at the right time.
Game Package Rates $330 and Full board Rates $230 (excludes Park Fees and getting there).
7 Summits Africa 2018 Expedition dates released in preparation of the Brand Africa endorsed Pan-Africa Everest 2020 expedition, lead by African mountaineer Sibusiso Vilane.
7 Summits Africa released the dates of their 2018 #7SummitsAfrica Expedition in Nairobi, Kenya. This follows the hugely successful inaugural 2017 expedition that conquered 7 African Mountain peaks in 7 weeks during November / December 2017 – www.7summitsafrica.com. The 7 Summits Africa 2018 Expedition will take place between 25 October and 7 December 2018 and be led by Sibusiso Vilane.
The 2018 and 2019 #7SummitsAfrica Expeditions will be utilized for selecting and training an African team for the 2020 Mt Everest attempt, sponsored by Brand Africa. The next two Expeditions will not only prepare our African mountaineering team for the highest point on the planet, but it will again showcase the beauty and the bogs, the granite and the glaciers of the seven African peaks that make up the 7 Summits Africa Expeditions.
The expedition will lead the mountaineers to some of the best wildlife encounters in East Africa. For the first time, there is an opportunity for mountaineers from the global community to join the 2018 expedition. Limited spaces are available for individuals to join the entire expedition or part thereof as per the below dates:
25 October – 2 November 2018 – Mt Nyiragongo and Mt Karisimbi
2 – 15 November 2018 – The Rwenzoris, Mt Stanley and Baker
15 – 23 November 2018 – Mt Kenya
23 November – 7 December 2018 – Mt Meru and Kilimanjaro
7 Summits Africa is a marketing brand that promotes conservation through tourism on the African continent, destination marketing and new tourism product development to stimulate economic growth near marginalized National Parks and Reserves throughout Africa.
Carel Verhoef, founder of 7 Summits Africa, opened entries to the 2018 expedition on Monday 25 February, “It is a wonderful chance to be actively part of conservation, whilst having an incredible African adventure. The 2018 itinerary is fantastic, with mountaineers able to join the entire 44-day expedition or to achieve their goal over a longer period of time by climbing one mountain (or more). The mountaineering will again be combined with Africa’s best wildlife experiences; Mountain Gorilla trekking in Virunga and Volcanoes National Parks as well as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; the great wildebeest migration in the Serengeti and encounters with rhino and big cats in Ol Pejeta Conservancy at the foot of Mt Kenya,” Verhoef said.
7 Summits Africa 2018 will support the NGO PAMS Foundation www.pamsfoundation.org in memory of founder Wayne Lotter who gave his life for conservation of Africa’s National Parks and Reserves.
We’ve all heard stories of infamous and death-defying ascents on well-known peaks such as Nepal’s Mount Everest. Yet, as these stories prove, Africa’s highest mountains have played host to some of its own courageous (and outrageous!) journeys.
The amputee who bear crawled Africa’s highest mountain
While he didn’t “defy death”, there are few more inspiring mountaineering tales than that of Kyle Maynard, a 27-year-old American quadruple amputee who scaled Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in 2012 without prosthetics.
There’s no shortage of memorable safari escape scattered across East Africa, but only a handful are worthy a place on your bucket-list. From the misty hills of Rwanda to the dramatic plains of the Serengeti, these remarkable destination lodges are not to be missed.
1. Primate Lodge Kibale, Uganda
Hidden away in the lush rainforest of the Kibale Rainforest National Park, Primate Lodge Kibale is the ultimate destination for viewing chimpanzees in the wild. That said, the Park is also home to 13 different species of primates!
The lodge boasts nine spacious luxury cottages with wonderful forest views, but for a close-up encounter book a night in the secluded Sky Tree House set deep in the rainforest!
Memorable for: its unique wildlife encounters and did we mention the tree house?
THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN: In less than 10 days a team of 9 environmentalists, journalists and mountaineers will attempt a new world-first: summiting 7 mountains in Africa, back-to-back, in 7 weeks.
Arusha in Northern Tanzania is the start and end point of this tour and is accessed by Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). Flights from Arusha airport take you directly to the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende Airpstrip) and the heart of the migration.
