Tanzania’s Great Migration Begins

Expert safari guide Sandor Carter posts an update from the Serengeti, where the short rains mark the beginning of the largest overland migration in the world.

The short rains have come: the annual Serengeti migration is underway.

The arrival of the rains this week signals the southward march of the epic annual migration.

The migration actually never stops: wildebeest, zebra and gazelle travel constantly clockwise over a huge territory in pursuit of fresh grazing. For the animals that prey on them, they’re literally a moveable feast.

You’d think a million wildebeest would be pretty easy to spot, but in fact when they are on the move, they have an uncanny knack of disappearing.

 It’s at times like this when you have to draw on your experience as a guide:  as bizarre as it sounds, what you need to do is think like an animal. There are many fewer visitors to the bush this month.

The advantage of coming now is that when you track down the wildebeest you’re on your own:  just you and a million animals. It’s hard to put an experience like that into words. The sense of connectedness it gives you is extraordinary. You no longer have to tell yourself to think like an animal — you’re reminded you are one.

A PASSION FOR AFRICA:  About Sandor Carter

Specializing in exciting, original and inspirational safaris, Sandor’s expertise lies in his knowledge of the Continent, precision planning and his ability to show guests the magic of life in the bush.  As a Passage to Africa partner, Sandor runs the East African base of operation.

Passage To Africa is a premier safari company comprised of some of the most respected African safari specialists including Michael Lorentz, who started his bush career in South Africa’s Timbavati Game reserve in 1985.

For information and reservations, contact Passage to Africa, at +27 15 793 0811; or visit www.passagetoafrica.com