Agreed to head back and try to experience the migration. Off to the Mara River and the Sand River for an all-day excursion visiting crossing points in search of the herds. First stop, the hippo pool to take another look at the huge pod of hippos sunning themselves on the river bank. Unfortunately, no herds at the Mara River so it was off to the Sand River. The Sand River is the border between Kenya and Tanzania. A journey to get there. Spotted our first large herd, about 4,000 to 5,000 wildebeest just before we reached the sand river. I have never experienced anything quite like this – looks like ants across the savannah for as far as the eye can see. Playing, fighting, mating and milling around. They estimate about 4million+ wildebeest crossings during the migration,  cross rivers in the following order:

1. Grumeti river
2. Sand river
3. Mara river

After some time a coffee stop under a tree was in order. We then found a spot at one of the crossings and watched the wildebeest and zebra interact and consider crossing the sand river. Interesting to observe how they approach the crossing – first a few head down, have a drink and walk most of the way across the river, almost to the sand back then dash back. This is repeated several times and goes on for hours until someone decides to cross, and the rest will follow, ONLY if they are ready. We saw 2 zebra and 5 wildebeest cross but the rest of the herd did not participate. Classifies as a “taster”. Interestingly the two zebra were quite anxious and crying out to the rest of their herd to follow. They did not, so the zebra went back over to join their herd!!! The behavior is interesting and reminds me why we have leaders… It was clear today there would be no major crossing and we headed to a late picnic lunch.

The lodge organized a bush dinner and our group opted for sundowners in the bush before dinner. Of course this meant a sabrage – pictures are evidence of my success with the machette!!! At dinner they had a roaring fire and Masai tribal dancers, most enjoyable. Our group were friends by now, the 4 of us decided to have dinner together and partied the night away – chatting , learning about each other and discussing subjects of interest. Shortly after 9pm I realized that we were the only guests left and shut down the place after 10pm. Another good night out with Christine and Glenn!!! Our drive back to camp was memorable – saw a male lion by the side of the road and about 7 or 8 hippo out walking and grazing. Great way to end our last night at Bateleurs Camp.