According to HerdTracker, a recent drought has forced herds to move north, three months ahead of schedule which could mean herds cross the seasonal river when it's at its fullest, giving famished crocodiles the upper hand.
Unusual Grumeti River crossing during Serengeti's rainiest month
The wildebeest migration usually crosses the Grumeti River in June's dry season when water levels are generally low. However, this year, herds are expected to cross the Grumeti River during the water-level-raising main rainy season (April - May), which could mean a significant increase in crocodile attacks on crossing wildebeest, zebra and Thomson's gazelle.
HerdTracker creator, Carel Verhoef says, "It looks like the herds in the Serengeti's Western Corridor will be around the Grumeti River until June, which means that there's a very good chance that we may see an action-packed Grumeti River crossing this year... and you only get those about once every ten years!"
Conrad (@HerdTracker's tweeting wildebeest) announced that the annual Serengeti long rains of April has begun.
Finally! Rain in the @Singita_ Grumeti concession. Perfect timing too - April is the rainiest month in the Serengeti! pic.twitter.com/2dKtRFzkvZ
— Tweeting Wildebeest (@HerdTracker) March 31, 2015An April - May Grumeti River crossing will mean the river is at its gorged peak when crocodiles find it easiest to hunt, making the event nail biting, yet exhilarating to behold. Seeing as the five metre long Nile crocodiles are infrequent eaters and wait for the migration river crossings to provide them with food, they are guaranteed to take advantage of the murky water and slowed herd crossing, thanks to the higher water levels.
Could 2015 be the year that offers travellers a glimpse into the Grumeti River's deadliest migration crossing of the decade?
