Wildebeest Migration in Kenya

wildebeest masai mara

Gnu or Wildebeest Scientific Name: Connochaetes taurinus is a grazer which weighs about 500 pounds and has a gestation period of 8 months .Several races of wildebeest (also called gnu) exist. The species that forms the large herds of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem of Tanzania and Kenya is known as the western white-bearded wildebeest (C. t. mearnsi). The brindled or blue race occurs south of the Zambezi River. The eastern white-bearded race inhabits Kenya and Tanzania east of Gregory Rift.
The head of the wildebeest is large and box-like and both males and females have curving horns. The front end of the body is heavily built, the hindquarters slender and the legs spindly. The coat is gray and has a black mane and a beard which may be black or white. Wildebeests are continually on the move as they seek favorable supplies of grass and water.

The famous Serengeti population of wildebeest is a very large nomadic group. These animals make a migratory circle of 500 to 1,000 miles each year, beginning right after the calving season in January and February on the south-eastern Serengeti plains, moving west toward Lake Victoria, then turning north into the Masai Mara. They are relentless in their advance and many are injured, lost (especially calves) or killed. By the end of the dry season, the wildebeest have almost exhausted the grazing lands and return south to the Serengeti plains as the rains begin.Wildebeest females give birth to a single calf in the middle of the herd, not seeking a secluded place, as do many antelopes. Amazingly, about 80 percent of the females calve within the same 2- to 3-week period, creating a glut for predators and thus enabling more calves to survive the crucial first few weeks. A calf can stand and run within minutes of birth. It immediately begins to follow its mother and stays close to her to avoid getting lost or preyed upon. Within days, it can run fast enough to keep up with the adult herd.

masai mara

A calf eats its first grass at about 10 days, although it is still suckled for at least 6 months. Even after weaning, many remain with the mother until the next year's calf is born. At that time the young males are driven away, but the females often remain in the same groups as their mothers. Their biggest predators are lions, cheetahs, leopards, hunting dogs, hyena, and crocodile among other cats.

JBA-Masai mara  safaris

Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon is an eroded, dormant volcano with a huge caldera around the rim of which are a number of distinct peaks. Wagagai (4321m) is the highest and together with Sudek (4176m), serves to demarcate the Kenya-Uganda border. Another prominent summit is Koitobos-a spectacular mass of basalt on the boundary of the Mt.Elgon national park.

Elgon has sometimes been called ‘’the mountain of illusion’’ a name bestowed on it by the many people who, over the years, have become lost in its forests or on its high moorlands. The scores of almost identical ridges and valley, that traverse the very large of the mountain, become a trap for the unwary when the dense mountain mist descends and clings to the slopes, perhaps for several days without a break.

Mt.Elgon National park stretches from the densely forested lower slopes, up the mountain, to the highly moorlands where the giant Lobelia and senecio plants flourish, and then down to the caldera and the massive Suam Gorge that breaches its eastern rim. The park was established in 1976 and has an area of 169 kms; relatively small but capturing the mountain spectrum of ecological zones and biodiversity.
Elgon bird life is amazing in its variety, particularly in the forest; Ross’ Turacco and the red-fronted parrot are particularly beautiful. Animals include buffalo, leopard, baboons, water buck, bush buck, zebra, giraffe, tree hyrax, giant forest hog and a variety of duikers. The elusive forest elephant are remarkable for their exploration of the many Elgon caves.

For hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years they have made nocturnal forays into the caves to dig our salt and the work of their tusks has deepened the caves significantly .Kitum cave, more than 60m deep, is probably the most well known; but there are many others.Photography, horse riding and the gentle hike up Endless bluff are some of the acidities that are suitable for those who are not so fit or have limited time. 

JBA- Kenya Safari

Kenya Event Organizers

Kenya is a home of many diversities...think of a bush wedding……Anniversary .…..End of year party…..Team building ...Outdoor  activities ...Besides its outstanding facilities, Kenya and East Africa as whole is home to a great variety of unique and beautiful landscapes which makes it a great venue for meetings and conferences in Africa to combine business aspects with exploring this wonderful country. Kenya is undoubtedly one of the most adored destinations for any Conference, Congress, Incentive, Events, Motivation you name it... and the facilities it offers can rival the best in the world. It has the perfect blend of ingredients to provide the ideal environment for any event: luxury, adventure, wildlife second to none, magnificent scenery, and rich cultural diversity. You can create a memorable experience for your delegates by choosing a venue which combines luxury and comfort with the excitement of the African Savannah.

Kenya safaris holiday hold the key to the success of your event in East Africa! We have been responsible for many successful conferences and events for multinational companies in stunning African locations. East Africa hotels and safari lodges are some of the finest in the world, known for their high standards of service and quality. Most of these hotels are international award winners and demonstrate innovative, eco-friendly designs. We offer booking services for top-quality hotels & lodges in Nairobi, Mombasa, Malindi, Nakuru Naivasha among other towns in Kenya ranging from luxury to budget. We guarantee the best available accommodation at the lowest price possible. Our network of suppliers throughout the region coupled with our ever-increasing volume of travelers has given us access to the most competitive rates, yielding savings which we pass on directly to our travelers. Following are the main hotels & lodges categories classified in accordance to the main tourist circuits where these hotels lodges are located and we match budget and dreams to deliver a truly memorable experience.

JBA-Kenya Safaris

International Camel Derby and Festival Maral,Kenya

International Camel Derby-Maralal, Kenya.The International Camel Derby and Festival – Maralal, Kenya “Hit them up, move them out, raw hide” is the theme of this International Camel Derby held in the month of August every year is located 345km, (230km tarmac and 118km graded murram in the northern regions of Kenya in Samburu County. A blend of culture, colour, action, adventure and the finest camels of the north.The derby has been running since 1990 with visitors and entries from Australia, America, New Zealand, Canada, England, France, Spain, Japan, South Africa and beyond.All competing against the reigning Kenyan champions. The derby is not only recognized as a serious Kenyan safari sport but an international sport and a great way to create awareness of the rapid onset in the desertification of Kenya, while also promoting better camel husbandry among the people of Kenya and the benefits of these spitting, kicking yet adorable creatures in arid environments.The camels are chosen by judges for these races depending on handlers, strength and potential for speed. Did you know a camel can get up to 25 km an hour when racing? Hang on tight!.

The venue is Yare Camel Club and Camp 3km south of the township of Maralal in northern Kenya. In addition to the camel races you will also find cycling races, donkey rides for the timid, darts, different challenge events, local dancing displays and stalls. The camel races are broken into two main events over a number of days.The first of them being Novices and Amateurs, so don’t expect to be just a spectator on the side lines, you have the option to hire a camel and handler for the day, saddle up and join in for this rapid, furious and hairy 10km ride on the back of a beast. The most challenging race is Elite Camel which is, a 42km marathon over a measured distance, passing the Maralal Township and running through semi-desert environments. No handlers or assistants are allowed to be used; you are left to the mercy of the desert and your own devices or imagination.The Kenya camel safari derby is a mecca for adventurers, nomads and camels alike set in the spell binding country of Kenya. Enjoy the very adventure fan gateway.

JBA- Kenya Safari