Dear Friends,
This month we have been experiencing great weather in the entire Serengeti National Park. Generally, the sky has been cloudy and the temperatures are pleasant for animals and people alike, except perhaps for when the noontime sun beats down a bit more harshly (which is when we often choose to enjoy our picnic lunches under a shady tree). The sun rises early at 6:15 am and is down again at 6:30pm. The Southern plains are not too dry yet which means there is still an abundance of animals to be found there. The regions of Moru and the Central Serengeti has grasses both green and beige in color so there is plenty of water there as well as. It is still the “greenest” in the upper north where the herds will soon be moving more swiftly.
The Great Migration is indeed moving on! We’ve recently witnessed the largest numbers of ungulates in the Western Corridor although we have received current reports that another significant portion of the herds are within the Lobo and Loliondo areas in the upper north (close to Bologonja). Huge herds of zebra are also gathered in the Central Serengeti, along with large herds of elephants at Seronera, Grumeti and Moru Kopjes. In the Southern plains, zebras, ostriches, and an uncountable number of gazelles can be found. It seems the zebras have a slower migration pace toward Seronera and the Ngorongoro highlands. As for our primate friends, baboons are abounding in the Western Corridor, and the Western Black and White Colobus Monkey are to be found all over in the Grumeti River forest.
Animal sightings and highlights shared from our clients this month:
Serengeti National Park: Witnessing the great Migration in the Western Corridor, particularly with a breath-taking sunset as the backdrop. Large numbers of crocodiles in the Grumeti River next to schools of hippos. Also giraffe, impalas, Colobus Monkeys and lot’s of Topis.
Seronera area: Immense herds of zebra grazing and galloping alongside our jeep. The Makoma lion pride with two wildebeest kills – including young cubs enjoying the reward. A young, female leopard resting on the high-up limb of an acacia tree, peering through the branches at us.
Moru Kopjes: Four Cheetahs – a mother with her 3 juveniles! Enumerable elephants, zebra, gazelles, spotted hyenas, Cape buffalo, and Black-backed Jackals. Elephant calves playing near Naabi Hill, running between the legs of the adults, rolling in the mud, trumpeting!
Ngorongoro conservation area: The cooler morning mists and foggy evenings provided a memorable experience while game-driving to & from the camps. The western side which adjoins the Serengeti Plains is very dry whereas the Eastern part and forest highlands are green and moist.
Maasai village visit: The visit to a Maasai village on the way to the Ngorongoro Crater was a new and unique experience for our clients. They learned about Maasai history and culture and looked-on as the villagers performed their traditional warrior dances. A villager’s house was also toured and our client’s learned how the small grass and clay hut could accommodate a family. Lastly, they visited where the children were schooled.
Crater visit: Herds of zebra were moving toward the crater floor from outside the rim, some from the southern plains of Serengeti, some from the forest edge. Female lions with a zebra kill, and it seemed there were lion cubs scattered everywhere we drove! Greater flamingos were speckled like tiny pink dots all over Lake Magadi. Huge male elephant bulls were roaming the crater floor, along with many wildebeest and also the spotted hyenas.
Tarangire: Beautiful scenery driving from the Karatu Plantations. Tarangire was the best place to see elephants thriving! Giraffe, impalas, and many water birds were seen enjoying the plentiful vegetation and water in the Tarangire River.
PAS want to extend a special thank you to all of our clients who travelled with us this month, and for sharing their trip-highlights and safari photos. We look forward to meeting more of you in July!
Regards,
Adam & the Proud African Safaris Team