ULTIMATE AFRICA SAFARIS
Wildebeest Migration
Update! In east Africa we are looking forward to the annual "short rains" of November. It has started raining in the northern and western areas of the Serengeti, stirring the vast wildebeest herds to begin their journey south. It’s amazing how green the plains become after a few showers! The herds can now be seen in Lobo and Kirawira (north and west respectively). By December the herds should be at Ndutu getting ready for the annual calving season. The migration is in Tanzania roughly 9 months of every year - one of the main reasons Tanzania is the premier animal viewing destination in east Africa. Recent wildlife viewing has been fabulous. Weatherwise the temperatures are rising slightly. The roads into the crater are in good condition as they were graded few weeks ago. Tarangire is experiencing warm days and slightly windy nights. Clients regularly see herds of 50+ elephant and wild dogs have been spotted several times over the last season. Tarangire is always a good place to see leopard and you can’t beat the spectacular baobab-dotted landscape. On recent safaris there has been some exciting wildlife viewing. One couple saw over 100 lion and 12 cheetahs during their safari. Other guests spotted a rhino in Serengeti National Park. Another group of clients watched for two hours as a crocodile slowly pulled a wildebeest into the water, till just its nose was showing. When the crocodile tried to get a better grip the gnu bolted to live another day. Leopard sightings have been phenomenal with up to 12 sightings (different leopards) on one safari. One woman saw 9 different leopard and another group on safari at the same time from Colorado saw 8. Two leopards were recently seen, both with kills in separate trees within sight of one another, in the Crater. Regarding family travel: Recently a travel agent came on her first visit to Africa on a family vacation. They commented that it was their best vacation ever. The Hazda and Datoga people made an enormous fuss over the children (they love children). The same situation occurred at a visit to the Masaai manyatta. The 8 year old child learned Swahili with ease and was conversing with both the guide and other children along the way. Her comment at the end of the safari was "Mom I like my room but can I have a goat?" There were tears at the end of the safari as they said their good-byes. For families with open minds and a sense of adventure Tanzania is the place. There are no age restrictions in most lodges and of course children are most welcome in a on a private safari. Back to The Wildebeest Migration Made Simple Links to other pages: ULTIMATE AFRICA
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