THE MIGRATION ARRIVES

They’re here...the greatest wildlife show on earth has begun at Singita Grumeti. The very first herds of wildebeest and zebra began appearing during the last week of May in the northern woodlands. By mid-June the really big numbers began flooding in and the plains began to overflow with the clowns of the savannah. The rather unique looking wildebeest are in mid-rut during this time of year.  The word rut is taken from the Middle English or French “to roar”(referring to stags) and is very appropriate as this is a hectic period of frenzied mating activity. The bulls all call continuously, producing a humming and croaking sound similar to thousands of giant bullfrogs. This rut occurs after the rains when the animals are in peak physical condition and an incredible 95% of cows older that 16 months conceive.

The first herds arriving are always a treat to see. The long grass on the plains is mowed down almost overnight as thousands of mouths devour fresh shoots and tens of thousands of hooves flatten the stalks.