Anthony Kiplagat, Guide at Sand River reports on how guests have seen one of the most impressive migrations, in terms of the sheer number of Wildebeest and predators, compared to recent years.

In May this year, as many people might be aware, the Mara saw very heavy rains which resulted in some flash flooding. This weather changed the eco-system of the Mara and resulted in the grass growing to an all-time high. This was then managed by the park rangers with controlled burning to aid new healthy grass shoots, creating lush nutrient rich plains.

Normally the migration would start in June, however this year, due to the climate change, it was delayed. Nevertheless, once the Wildebeest started arriving in July, it was in phenomenal numbers between 10,000 and 20,000 on a single crossing. Guests at Sand River were extremely lucky as many of the crossings focused on the river and the surrounding area.

After just three weeks, the park was full, and it is still really busy. We are hoping that this will remain the case and are optimist that it will mean a longer migration season stretching to the end of October.

The arrival of such enormous numbers has attracted an equally impressive number of predators. There have been many sightings of nomadic lions from the Serengeti as well as unidentified cheetahs, vultures and civets. Currently there is a pride of four male lions near the Sand River, thrilling guests every night with their roars and a cheetah with five cubs has also made the area home for the time being.