Extra edition No.1 The Migration of the wildebeest and zebra in Masai Mara

I have been to Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya on vacation in September with my husband to watch the large herds of Wildebeest and Zebra which migrate from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park to this Masai Mara Reserve and cross the Mara River.

We’ve stayed at “Mara Serena Lodge”. Its accommodation charges are relatively low and it provide easy access to Savanna, and on top of that it has a great view. But I was a little uncomfortable because of the fairly-tale small room.

We were impressed with the dynamic scene that a large number of wildebeests swinging their shiny mane and tail were moving as if they blended in with earth. They seemed to be circulating around the body called Savanna like the blood and lymph. I think this travelling actually improves the valuable savanna metabolism.

The herds of zebras which scare easily were going back and forth on the bank of Mara River. That was a short drama. They were stuck at the edge of the water, after a while, turned back to safe ground. They just browsed there to calm their restless. We thought their migration was finished. But in the next moment, one of them started running toward the river. But…. We just a bit identified ourselves with them.
They build up the psychological energy while coming and going, and finally little something trigger them crossing the river. That should be great spectacle. No wonder, speaking of migration, it bring “Crossing Mara River” to mind.

Recently, during the migration, there are many regulations in Masai Mara Reserve. The Rangers step up patrols. Our guide has paid a fine of 2000KES before for off-roading. The following is a part of a Park Rules which we received from the conservation activities.

1. No off-roading in the river zone. From Mara Bridge to Oloololo Gate is a graded road that runs closely to the river. Under no circumstance must you off-road between this road and the river.



2. Keep to graded roads and cut tracks. Outside of the River Zone you are not allowed to off-road in the Mara Triangle unless you have a confirmed sighting of one of the Big Five. Only in this instance can you leave the road or track at the nearest point to the sighting, and then approach no more than 25 metres (five vehicle lengths) to the animals. Always return to the track by the way that you came.