For all you safari fundis; our friends at Discover Africa have happened on something truly awesome with their new app.
HerdTracker is a web-based travel app that was developed to assist safari lovers track the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya) in real time!
It’s hugely useful to people who are either already on safari in search of the migratory herds, as well as those of you who are in the planning stage of your trip to East Africa.
Here are some of the latest photos that have emerged from the 2014 Serengeti and Masai Mara migration as a result of HerdTracker’s accuracy …
A thunderous force of nature erupts as the Wildebeest approach a river crossing
Crossing point #4, infront of Alex Walker’s Camp, Serengeti Tanzania – photographer Ainslie Wilson (Ndutu Safari Lodge), date 26 July 2014
In an “every man for himself” show of urgency, the migration crosses a channel of water in search of greener grass
“Main crossing point”, Masai Mara Reserve – photographer Pius Olekoyianto (Asilia Rekero Camp), date 7 August 2014
Many documentaries feature herds crossing rivers, with many falling prey to crocodiles or drowning in the attempt …
“Mara bridge crossing point”, Masai Mara Reserve – photographer Maina Wachira (Governors Camp), date 6 August 2014
While it might look chaotic, the herd possesses “swarm intelligence”, whereby the animals explore and overcome obstacles together
“Confluence of the Mara and Bologonja Rivers”, Serengeti – photographer Carel Verhoef (Discover Africa), date 6 July 2014
Male Wildebeest have little say over their choice of mates; it is the females who do the choosing
“Lamai wedge”, Serengeti – photographer Carel Verhoef (Discover Africa), date 4 July 2014
Fossil finds have shown that Wildebeest have roamed the Serengeti for over a million years
Lemala Mara, Serengeti – photographer Carel Verhoef (Discover Africa), date 1 July 2014
Over 2 million Wildebeest migrate from the Serengeti to the greener pastures of the Masai Mara each year!
Crossing point #4, Serengeti – photographer Carel Verhoef (Discover Africa), date 6 July 2014
Today many Wildebeest populations are experiencing rapid declines. Migration requires large connected landscapes, which are increasingly difficult to maintain
Toyota crossing point, Masai Mara – photographer Tom White (Kicheche Bush Camp), date 2 August 2014
In reality there is no such single entity as ‘the migration’. The wildebeest are the migration …
Toyota crossing point, Masai Mara – photographer Tom White (Kicheche Bush Camp), date 2 August 2014
… there is neither start nor finish to their search for food and water, as they circle the Serengeti and Masai Mara in a relentless sequence of life and death.
Private Camp crossing point, Masai Mara – photographer David Francombe (Governors Private Camp), date 1 August 2014
While there is little predictability about the migration, and questions as to which are the best months to view it are likely to get different answers from different people, HerdTracker from Discover Africa is set to change the way the migratory herd is tracked.
Keep up with the HerdTracker crew on Twitter by following Conrad, the fictitious tweeting wildebeest.
