7/31/2019 Migration Update Mara Siria (JP July 2012)

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MIGRATION 2012

Masai Mara is fascinating ecosystem covering 1500 square km of savannah, grassland,woodlands and riverine forests. It is inhabited by the big five, as well as diversity of other plainsgame and rich variety of bird life.

Every year, usually between July and October, the promise of rain brings more than 1.5 millionwildebeest and zebras together in one massive heard headed for rich bounty of lush grasslandsin the Masai Mara. They congregate at the Mara River. Their crossing into Kenya from Tanzaniais dramatic spectacle fraught with lurking danger from crocodiles and other hopeful carnivores.

The Great Migration

The Wildebeest Migration in East Africa, also known as The Great Migration takes place between Kenya'sMasai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the planet.Thousands of wildebeest and zebras migrate between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, constantly driven bytheir search for fresh grazing. The massive herds are closely followed by predators (lion, hyena and cheetah),making the most of every opportunity to catch their next meal.

The precise timing of the annual wildebeest migration depends on the rains. It is a very unpredictable andspontaneous natural event, with calving season taking place in the Serengeti between January and mid-March.The wildebeest migration starts to head towards the Western Serengeti in May or June.

One of the highlights of the annual migration, the arrival of the wildebeest into the Masai Mara, hascommenced. The first arrivals from the Serengeti have started crossing the crocodile infested waters of theMara River. This is what most people consider to be the quintessential annual wildebeest migration and thisyear looks likely to be a spectacular event. Only the first few thousand, of an estimated 2 million plains game,

have arrived in the Masai Mara, but their arrival is a great source of excitement amongst safari enthusiasts.

www.phoenix-safaris.de | www.mara-sira-camp.com

7/31/2019 Migration Update Mara Siria (JP July 2012)

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Migration path of the migrating herds

Outlook for Migration 2012

There is plenty of water and the Mara River and Talek Rivers are flowing strongly. There has been some rain in

June and beginning of July especially in the Mara triangle. The first herds have been spotted in the Loita Hillsmigration towards North. The first sightings in the Mara Triangle are expected end of July.

Mara Siria Luxury Tented Bush Camp

The Mara Siria Camp is a luxurious

and eco-friendly safari tented camp in

the North-West of the Masai Mara.

Located on the Siria Escarpment on

the Western border of this world-

famous reserve, Mara Siria Campoffers the perfect starting point for

your safari.

August:The migration moves tothe Masai Mara in searchof water and freshgrazing.

September:The wildebeest and zebraare now located in theMasai Mara. The area isdry, but water can still befound in the Mara River.

Oktober:The thunder clouds arestarting to build up as a signof the impending rain. Thewildebeest start movingsouth in anticipation of thenew seasons rains.

www.phoenix-safaris.de | www.mara-sira-camp.com