May 2009 : Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania

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.

 

THE LION CUBS

The Nayasarori pride down near Sabora has provided us with hours of entertainment. The cubs have been quite sensational; the 4 of them are very endearing and are growing in size and confidence every day. Obviously with the abundance of food the entire pride has seldom been found wanting and full bellies are the order of the day. The cubs are about 3 to 4 months old and 3 of them are females which is really good news for the future expansion of the pride.

 

THE TOPI

Singita Grumeti Reserves has become well known over the last few years as a unique refuge for enormous herds of topi. This beautiful antelope, the seconds fastest animal on land after cheetah, has once again entrenched itself into the big herds that this area was well known for prior to the years of poaching.

 

Frequently the herds of topi are mixed with zebra and on this particular day a few giraffe joined in for a wonderful show on the plains. June promises to be a sensational month and we are looking forward to another month of migration madness!

Text and pictures by Lee Fuller Singita Grumeti Reserves Serengeti, Tanzania 30th June 2009