Grumeti & Lamai: July 2025

July started with dry skies and crisp clear mornings, a true reflection of the changing season across the Serengeti. By the end of the first week, the great migration had swept past Grumeti, leaving behind a quiet landscape dotted with only a few resident herds. The abundance that had briefly transformed the area into a feast had vanished, the buffet of wildebeests gone, leaving behind only dust and fading hoofprints. Predators, no longer spoiled by the migratory herds, returned to their usual prey, settling back into the slower rhythm of resident hunting. The month marked not just a shift in weather, but a new chapter in the migration’s epic journey. As Grumeti settled into stillness, attention turned northward toward the Lamai area. There, anticipation built. The wildebeests, now numbering in the hundreds of thousands, pushed steadily toward the Mara River, a natural barrier and stage for one of nature’s most dramatic crossings. This transition, from Grumeti to Lamai, was more than just a movement; it was the rhythm of survival playing out across the plains. The herds pressed forward, driven by ancient instinct, chasing greener pastures across invisible borders. As dust rose behind them and all eyes turned to the north. July reminded us that in the wild, every ending is simply a passage to the next great moment.

With the migratory herds gone, lions adapted quickly, turning their focus to the few wildebeests and zebras left behind, along with the resident game that remained on the plains. The days of easy abundance had passed, and the big cats now relied on patience and precision, stalking smaller, more scattered groups. The rhythm of the hunt shifted from bold, opportunistic strikes to the quiet persistence of survival in a leaner landscape.

While July we saw fewer leopard sightings compared to the remarkable numbers in June, the experience was no less rewarding. With the departure of the migratory herds and the wildebeest calves that had drawn them out, leopards became more elusive once again, slipping back into their secretive habits. Yet, those that we encountered offered unforgettable moments. Each sighting felt hard-earned, a quiet reward for patience and attentiveness in a landscape that never stops revealing itself.

With the migration in the area, the grass was heavily trampled, resulting in shorter grass across much of the concession. This open landscape attracted cheetahs and smaller antelopes like gazelles. The shorter grass made it much easier to spot them.

July was a drier month and, across the concession, elephants were frequently seen in medium-sized herds. These gentle giants spent their mornings peacefully browsing in the woodlands, feeding on tree leaves, bark, and branches. As the heat of the day set in, they made their way to the waterpoints by mid-morning to drink, cool off, and interact briefly before continuing their slow journey in search of more food and shade.

Buffaloes as always, were seen in large herds across the concession, their movements familiar and widespread. They spent the cooler hours of the day feeding across the plains, then settled to rest during the midday heat, often seeking shade or lying in open areas. As the dry season deepened, they continued to follow regular paths to waterpoints. Their constant presence added to the classic safari atmosphere, offering excellent viewing opportunities especially when they congregate at waterholes.

The female black rhino was seen a few times in the month browsing inside the thickets on the northern side of the boma.

August marks a thrilling turning point in the Lamai Triangle, as the migration arrives in full force and with it, the lions seem to come alive! Massive wildebeest herds spread across the plains, drawing the attention of resident prides that know this season well. The abundance of prey sparks a surge in activity, from calculated stalks at dawn to explosive chases across the grasslands. For those lucky enough to witness it, August in Lamai offers front-row seats to some of the most dramatic predator-prey interactions on the planet!

July was an exceptional month for spotting these elusive cats. Sightings increased noticeably, with a fascinating mix of both relaxed individuals and those that remained characteristically shy. These moments offered guests a rare look into the complex nature of one of Africa’s most secretive predators, a true privilege in such a wild and untamed setting.

Cheetahs:

In July, the arrival of the migration transformed Lamai’s open plains into prime cheetah territory. With herds of wildebeest moving through and vulnerable calves, cheetahs quickly adapted their focus, shifting from gazelles to the more abundant and often easier, wildebeests’ calves. The vast grasslands provided ideal conditions for high speed pursuits, and guests were treated to remarkable displays of agility and precision as these sleek predators took full advantage of the seasonal bounty.

Elephants were seen in good numbers throughout Lamai, with decent-sized herds scattered across the open plains and along the Mara River. Their steady presence added a calm, majestic energy to the landscape, offering guests peaceful and memorable encounters.

Buffaloes

Buffalos were spotted throughout the month, not in large numbers, but in sufficient groups to offer guests some rewarding sightings across the plains.

In July, the open plains of the Lamai Triangle teemed with life. With the arrival of the migrating wildebeests, the landscape transformed into a dynamic scene of movement and energy. Resident zebras and hundreds of Thomson's gazelles mingled with the herds, creating a rich tapestry of wildlife.

Other interesting sightings

This month marked the beginning of the season’s excitement, as the wildebeest began their dramatic crossings of the Mara River. It was a truly breath-taking spectacle, one that captivated all who witnessed it and drew visitors from far and wide to experience this unforgettable natural event. But the migration wasn’t the only interesting sight – far from it in fact. There were many mesmerising wildlife scenes including ostriches walking on the Lamai open plains.