The ‘Second Migration’ currently blessing the Maasai Mara has moved into a spectacular new phase, as the wildebeest herds abandon the overgrazed central plains for greener and lusher pastures on the edge of the reserve. Most of the herds that had congregated on the Central and Burrungat plains have now moved northwards across the Talek River to graze on the Paradise Plains, the areas around Musiara Gate, and the villages beyond the reserve border.

However, there remain large herds on the Central Plains around the Mara Intrepids and Explorer camps, where several staff believe the concentration is the greatest in more than 10 years. As a result, most parts of the Eastern Mara are seeing only very scanty herds, although there are more zebras than usual between Sekenani and Talek gates.

Bella the female leopard continues to give superb sightings to Explorer guests along the Talek River, where she has set up a perfect ‘ambush spot’ overlooking one of the busier crossing points. The Olkiombo pride of lions are just a few kilometres upstream, where they are also enjoying a productive period of hunting.

Crossings continue to be active at the Paradise Point, where more animals are still arriving from the Mara Conservancy. The concentration of herds is also high in the Conservancy itself, although the herds are thinning out in the northern section around Oloololo Gate.

Watch this space for more epic news from one of the greatest wildebeest migrations ever!