By David Chando – The Great Migration In The North Serengeti

Good morning from an unusually cool Arusha, Tanzania. This is ADS driver-guide David Chando with my latest bush report. It has been a little colder then normal in Tanzania the last couple of weeks though the weather reports show temperatures returning to normal shortly. The migratory wildebeest herds continue to be located at the extreme north of the Serengeti ecosystem with large groups both to the north and south of the Mara River. Hence, we have been enjoying lots of crossings. The wildebeest are crossing both northbound and southbound and in some cases two groups pass each other in the river going opposite directions!  It is interesting to note that the migratory zebra herds are located further south mainly in Lobo Valley area of North Serengeti.

Last week I went on safari with one client from New York by the name of William T. We started on 08 August 2013 and ended on 18 August 2013. The areas we visited included the North Serengeti, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park. We had a great time together. Sights admired are as follows:

Wildebeest migration crossing the Mara river in the North Serengeti.

These are the sights which Mr. William said he was waiting his whole lifetime to witness. We enjoyed several crossings during his stay in the North Serengeti.

Wildebeest migration in the Lamai Triangle of the North Serengeti. This is the area to the north of the Mara river. As long as we can cross the bridge at Kogatende, I usually try to game drive both the north and south sides of the Mara River.

Thirsty elephant at water hole – North Serengeti.

Lions resting under a bush tree.  This was about mid-day when the sun was hot and the lions were seeking shade.

Female lion eating a warthog.

Cheetahs  hunting at the Nyamalumbwa plains (North Serengeti) with wildebeest grazing in the background.

A nice set up of plain zebras at Lobo Valley in the North Serengeti. This is the area where we saw lots of zebras.

Black rhino inside the Ngorongoro Crater. It has been difficult these days to see black rhino’s at Ngorongoro as the weather has been cold, making the rhinos less active and causing them to lay close to the ground. It becomes difficult to see them among the high grass.

Young bulls of elephants fighting – Tarangire National Park.

Thanks once again. See you soon.

David Chando
ADS Driver-Guide
September 2, 2013