The plains of Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Serengeti are a favored spot as grass abounds and the wildebeest find a safe place to graze. It is also here that over 500,000 new calves are born and many are taken by the nearby waiting Jackals or Hyenas.

Newborns have little time to strengthen their legs. As soon after birth, the “pilgrim” continues. By April, the rains are over in southern Serengeti and the plains have dried up. The great herds then gather and face the long march northwards and westwards. The natural lawn mowers abandon the exhausted grasslands of southern Serengeti to head for the already tall grass of the Western corridor, near the shores of Lake Victoria.

The pioneers of the migration movement are the majestic herds of zebras. They prefer the long stems of the coarse grass. This way, they leave behind shorter grass which is favored by the wildebeests.

In late June to July the mass start pouring into the Kenya Masai Mara reserve where fresh, tender and mineral-rich grass is already waiting. Here they meet the resident Mara populations which add up to about 150,000. Also commonly referred to as the Loita plains herds, they spend most of the season northeast of the Mara. When it gets dry, they pour into the interior of the Mara in search of greener pastures.

The migrating herds spend roughly 3 to 31/2 months in the Mara crossing through Sand River, which is a tributary of the Mara along the boundary of Kenya and Tanzania. They trek westwards and cross the Mara river and sometimes the Talek river. Usually around this time heavy rains on the Mau Escarpment (origin of Mara River) fill the Mara river to the brim.

This is a good time to watch the trunk-looking Crocodiles, while they await the forthcoming feast.

Finally, the gnus (wildebeests) venture into the river. This gregarious coordinated behavior of the herds, usually teamed with zebras, creates an unimaginable scene. Just what the cameras have been waiting for.

They wander along the river looking for a convenient crossing point. This is a moment filled with tension for both the gnus(wildebeests) and the audience. They survey for a less steep and with no obvious danger. Finally, one takes courage and plunges into the river and magically the rest falls onto the footsteps and in one organized line cross the river.

In addition to the crocodiles, accidents also occur. The river’s current can be too strong for some especially the young ones. Or simply getting stuck between the rocks in the river and breaking limbs, a direct ticket to the jaws of the giant crocodiles. Finally, the crossing is done and the trek to their unknown (or known)destiny continues.

In the month of October, they are already heading to Serengeti where the rains have treated the southern grasslands to lush, green carpet of rich grass. Once again, they are heading to the southern plains, where a new generation will be born to start the cycle of life all over again.

Mara Sidai Camp is an adventure camp and the following rules have been established so that everyone may enjoy their visit with us. Anyone who fails to abide by the rules will be asked to leave.

Parents are responsible for their children’s behavior, safety and whereabouts at all times while within the camp.

INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR
It is the camp policy that all our guests have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and as a responsible camp we believe that we have a duty to our guests to protect them from inappropriate behavior. Should any actions by a guest be deemed inappropriate by the camp manager, or if any inappropriate behavior is brought to the attention of the camp manager, the camp reserves the right, after the allegations have been investigated, to take action against the accused person. Depending on the severity of their action, the police may become involved at the camp’s discretion, or the guest may be asked to leave the camp

LOST PROPERTY
If we find any lost property we will make every reasonable effort to locate the owner and return it, but if we cannot locate the owner and an item is not reclaimed within three months of the guest departure it will be disposed by the camp.

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS
Whilst every effort is made to fulfill your requests, unfortunately, we cannot guarantee these and failure to do so will not constitute a breach of contract.

COMMENTS/ COMPLAINTS
In the event that you have a reason to complain or have any comment you must immediately, inform the Mara Sidai Camp manager. Any verbal notification must be put in writing. If you remain dissatisfied, you must write to customer service within 21 days of the end of your stay giving your reference and full details of your complaint to Box 5539-00200 Nairobi
info@marasidaicamp.com

SCHEDULE – MEALS
BREAKFAST – Breakfast will be served from 6:30am to 9:30a.m

LUNCH – Lunch will be served from 12:30pm to 2:30pm

DINNER – Dinner will be served from 7:00pm to 9:00pm

LIGHTING
Generator will be lit at 6:45pm to 10:00pm in the evening and from 5:30am to 6:30 am in the morning

CHECK IN/OUT
Check in and check out times are explained when booking are made. Check in from 12:30pm – 8:00pm.

Check out 10:00am

ALSO TO BE NOTED
If a client requires an additional meal then these shall be charged as per our extra price list. All meals will be taken on the specified time. Meals taken late will attract a surcharge specified by the camp.

All meals cater for vegetarian and non vegetarian.

No drinks from outside are allowed and chewing of Khat is prohibited

No credit will be given for meals not consumed.

Any extension to the check out time, either pre-arranged or late departure will incur a charge upon departure or extra night charge.

Lighting time for the generator will remain the same all the time.