This week, the Kenya’s wildebeest migration from the Maasai Mara reserve is being broadcast live, allowing users to witness one of the seven natural wonders of the world. More than one million wildebeest, 500,000 gazelles and 200,000 zebras migrate towards greener pastures across the plains of Africa.
By the end of the month, these herbivore herds from Maasai Mara Reserve would have made the trip south to Serengeti Park of Tanzania, after traversing through crocodile-infested rivers and lion-filled lands. The live streaming began on September 29, using Periscope, a live streaming app for Twitter, and YouTube’s Live Streaming Service. Two daily broadcasts for 10 to 20 minutes each for a week, will allow the viewers to witness the wildebeest river crossings, and “join” safari guides on game drives.
The live feeds stream on HerdTracker’s YouTube channel, users can follow @herdtracker and @makeitkenya on Facebook and Twitter for notifications on the live broadcast. Carol Verhoef, co-founder of HerdTracker and tourist site discoverafrica.com said that the live streaming help those who may not be able to “witness themselves the spectacular events that unfold in Maasai Mara, and showcase to the world the spectacular event that happens each year in Kenya.
The broadcast is being supported by two safari lodges in Mara Reserve and Mara Triangle: Governors Camp from Governors Camp Collection and Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp. Verhoef, Andre Van Kets of safari operator discoverafrica.com and co-creators of the HerdTracker migration app, which tracks migration in real-time are the people behind the project. During the broadcast, people will be able to look around the camps, and listen to interviews with conservationists, safari guides, lodge managers and wildlife photographers.
Internet users will need to register at discoverafrica.com/hertrackerlive, and register with an email address, to receive notifications for live broadcasts that are hosted on periscope.tv/herdtracker. Viewers who are unable to watch the live stream, can watch the footage on discoverafrica.com/herdtrackerlive.
