The great migration reaches the Masai Mara early...

30th June 2010

Herds of over a million wildebeest and other grazing herbivores including over 200,000 zebra and 500,000 Thomson's Gazelle, have been on the move from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya for the past few weeks.

It is unusual for the migration to arrive in the Masai Mara so early in the year, as the animals are normally seen crossing the plains between July and October. So those enjoying Masai Mara safaris in June were incredibly lucky to witness this natural phenomenon, one of the animal kingdom’s most amazing spectacles.

Among many other hurdles facing the migrating animals during this journey, the crossing of the crocodile infested Mara River surely poses the biggest threat. Crocs line themselves up in the water at crossing hotspots and await the herds to make their treacherous dash to the other side. Once they start crossing the river, a sumptuous feast for the hungry crocodiles ensues.

Other hungry predators such as lion and cheetah are also regularly seen in action chasing down these exhausted migrants.