August 2025
Grumeti & Lamai
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Grumeti & Lamai: August 2025
August proved to be an outstanding month for game viewing across the reserve. The light showers at the beginning of the month refreshed the plains, drawing in large concentrations of wildlife. The short burst of green growth created ideal grazing conditions, ensuring the open areas remained active with movement throughout the month.
Topi calving dominated much of the month, with herds spreading across the plains to give birth. The sight of young calves following closely behind their mothers was common, and their presence inevitably attracted predators, adding intensity to daily sightings. Alongside the topi, zebras, gazelles, and the remaining groups of wildebeest contributed to the abundance of grazing herds.
The Mara River continued to provide dramatic scenes as migratory animals crossed throughout August. Large numbers of wildebeest and zebras braved the currents and the lurking crocodiles, ensuring a steady flow of activity along the riverbanks. By contrast, the Lamai Plains were packed with ungulates, a remarkable concentration that highlighted the abundance of the season and confirmed August as a peak month for both density and diversity of wildlife.
August sightings snapshot for Grumeti:
Lions
The reserve came alive this month as thousands of zebras, wildebeest, topis and gazelles flooded the open plains, especially the recently burnt areas, which offered fresh grazing and drew in large herds. This abundance of prey made it a thrilling time for predators like lions and other carnivores that were frequently spotted taking advantage of the feast. It was an incredibly exciting month for game viewing, with nature’s drama unfolding at every turn.
- Butamtam Pride remained anchored along the Chui Drainage area, which continues to be their chosen den-site. With 14 young cubs to protect, the pride has stayed close to home, offering regular sightings of playful youngsters.
- Kombre Pride was frequently observed around Arab Camp Hill, Twiga Road, and Uwanja wa Ndege. Occasionally this pride ventured into Butamtam Pride territory.
- Mkuyu Pride was seen along the Grumeti River, particularly east of Mbuni Hill, near German Bridge, and around Martin’s Hill, patrolling the riverine thickets and open woodlands.
- Sabora Pride was spotted near the Morum Pit, west and north of Sabora Camp, as well as along the Sabora Drainage. The pride took full advantage of the abundant prey in the Sabora areas.
- Manchira Pride roamed the grasslands east of the Manchira River, west of Bangwesi Hill, and along the Nyamamba Plain, often seen sleeping in the Grumeti riverbed during the heat of the day.
- West Pride members were seen south of Marula Explore camp, around Mbuni crossing, and along the Raho Drainage, covering wide ground patrolling their territory as well as searching for food.
Leopards:
Leopard sightings were exceptional throughout August, with consistent sightings recorded across multiple areas of the reserve. From the thickets and the woodlands around Faru Faru to the open edges of Sabora Plain, these elusive cats were seen regularly, offering some of the most rewarding encounters of the month.
- A well-known young female Maridadi was seen often along Raho Drainage, Nyasirori Ranger Post and east of Sabora camp.
- A male was seen walking across the open plain south of Sasakwa Dam towards the Old School area.
- A male was seen resting in a balanites tree south of Korongo Scout Camp, offering a classic view.
- A shy female was seen along the Villas Access Road slowly walking the valley stalking impala.
- In the middle of the month, a male leopard was spotted in the evening, drinking from the water point just north of Sasakwa Lodge.
- There was a male seen with a warthog piglet along watershed areas just west of Faru Faru Lodge.
- Raho female was seen up in a balanites tree along Raho Drainage, near the Serengeti and Grumeti boundary line.
- A male was seen with a zebra kill up in a balanites tree, west of Maruru Drainage.
Cheetahs:
We didn’t notice much change with the cheetahs. Although we didn’t see them every day, each sighting was incredibly exciting. In August, cheetah sightings remained consistently rare, but each encounter was a thrilling highlight.
- A female cheetah was seen twice out on the Gambaranyera Plain, offering exciting views in the wide grasslands.
- Mother and one cub were seen at Kawanga Plain, which is the western side of the concession.
- A large male cheetah continued to roam between the Nyati Plain, Old Pundamilia Explore camp, and the Serengeti National Park boundary, covering very large ground.
- A shy young male was spotted south of the Rubana River, just north of Sabora camp, briefly emerging from the thickets before disappearing into the bush.
Elephants:
August was an exceptional month for elephant viewing. Large herds of these magnificent creatures were seen throughout the reserve, offering unforgettable experiences for our guests. Watching them move gracefully through the thickets and open grasslands, while interacting with one another, was truly one of the month’s highlights.
- The Grumeti River areas hosted the largest herd seen this month, offering some spectacular viewing.
- A large herd was observed roaming to the south and east of Bangwesi Hill, moving steadily across the woodlands and grasslands.
- On the Sasakwa Plain, as is often the case, a medium-sized herd was seen crossing the grasslands and arriving at Sasakwa Dam around midday, an incredible experience when drinking and wallowing.
- Another large herd was seen feeding in the woodlands along Ridge Hill, Fungo, and Rubana Link areas.
- A small herd was spotted along the Raho Drainage, just south of Marula and Balanitis Explore camps, moving gently as they feed through the bushes.
- A medium-sized herd was seen along the Rubana River, Mbuni Crossing and across Fisi Plain, slowly foraging through the area.
- A large herd was seen several times during the night on Sasakwa Hill, before descending gracefully to the plains by morning.
Buffalos:
In August, buffalo herds boldly roamed across the reserve’s woodlands and grasslands in record-breaking numbers crafting a moving tapestry of strength, grace and delivering unmatched wildlife viewing magic, day after day. With each passing morning, the numbers of these powerful grazers seemed to grow before our eyes.
- On Sasakwa Plain, very large herds were frequently seen near the Old School, Sasakwa Dam, and woodland below Sasakwa Hill.
- Another massive herd traversed the slopes of OP Seven, Butamtam Drainage, Ridge Hill, and Fungo areas.
- Large gatherings were spotted on Sabora Plain, through the Sabora camp, Raho Drainages and across Fisi and Rubana Link areas.
- A big herd moved through the Balanitis Explore camp and across Gambaranyera Plain.
- In the Albizia woodlands, as well as the Kombre Drainage, near Uwanja wa Ndege, and around Serengeti House, buffalo herds grazed in good numbers.
- A small group was seen between Faru Faru Lodge, Grumeti North Drainage, Rhino Rocks, and the Morum Pit.
- Along the Grumeti River between Colobus Crossing, Pelican Pan, and the Triangle area another large herd was observed.
- A medium herd moved through Koroya Hill, Pundamilia Hill, and Nyati Plain.
- A large herd roamed between Nyamamba Plain and Nyabeho, east of Bangwesi Hill.
Rhino:
Unfortunately, there were no rhino sightings in August. These shy creatures remained hidden within dense thickets, beyond the reach of even the keenest eyes.
August sightings snapshot for Lamai:
Lions:
As the migratory herds continued to move through the Lamai Triangle in August, the abundance of wildebeest and zebras strengthened the resident lions and other predators. It was unquestionably the prime month to explore this extraordinary corner of the Serengeti.
- The Kigelia Pride remained dominant within the Lamai Triangle, frequently moving between Korongo la Minazi, Korongo la Kigelia, and Korongo la Saa Kumi - their territory clearly marked across this rugged corridor.
- Two lionesses were often seen near Mara River Crossing Point 6, where they took advantage of migrating wildebeest lined up for crossing - strategic positioning and patient waiting paid off with dramatic opportunities.
- An older male lion was observed ranging between the river, Kenyangaga Drainage, and west of Mara River Tented Camp, patrolling his territory.
Leopards:
August was an exceptional month for leopard sightings. These beautiful and elusive creatures were spotted consistently throughout the month, creating memorable and exciting experiences for our visitors.
- A female with one cub was sighted near Korong la Minazi, close to Kogatende Bridge, she moved between Korongo la Minazi and Mara River Crossing Point 6. She has proven to be a highly successful hunter, often found with fresh kills during game drives.
- One male was seen along Korongo la Minazi, in proximity to the mother with one cub. On one occasion, all three, mother, cub, and the male were observed together, exhibiting family-like behaviour.
- The well-known male leopard, Kunta, was seen near Mara River Tented Camp, and along the Kenyangaga Drainage near Daraja Jeupe.
- A large, shy male was seen along the Kenyangaga Drainage near the Daraja Mbili area.
- A female named Bhoke, meaning beautiful has been roaming across various locations within the Lamai Plains.
Cheetahs:
Since the coalition of three brothers remained on the southern side of the river, cheetah encounters in the Lamai Triangle area did not change significantly. We continued to enjoy regular sightings of the remaining coalition of two brothers throughout the entire month.
- A coalition of two brothers continued to dominate the Lamai Triangle, covering most parts of the area all the way to the Maasai Mara border areas.
Elephants:
In August, elephants were a consistent and magnificent presence across Lamai. Good numbers were observed throughout the month, with family herds peacefully grazing on the open plains and gathering along the Mara River. Their gentle movements and interactions provided guests with unforgettable moments and a deep sense of connection to the wild.
- A medium-sized herd was seen along the Kenyangaga Drainage, upstream of Mara River Tented Camp.
- A distinct herd was observed along the Mara River, both upstream and downstream of the camp.
- Several bachelor bulls were seen roaming various areas within the Lamai Triangle.
- A large herd was spotted along the southern bank of the Mara River, drinking and feeding simultaneously.
- A small herd was seen near Lamai Airstrip, particularly to the east of the runway.
Buffaloes:
With the migration in full swing at the Lamai Triangle, spotting buffaloes could at times be challenging, as they often mingled with the wildebeests. Nevertheless, we enjoyed several good sightings throughout the period.
- There was a very large herd seen moving along Kampikampi Plain.
- A large herd was seen along Korongo la Kigelia and the Maasai Mara boundary area.
Plains game:
The plains of Lamai were alive with wildlife, as general game like giraffes, and buffalos and gazelles mingled with the migrating wildebeest and zebra, creating a lively and vibrant scene.
Other interesting sightings :
Lamai was full of action this month, with dramatic wildebeest crossings along the Mara River almost every day. The sound of hooves and the rush of animals filled the air as the herds pushed through the water. Out on the open plains, thousands of wildebeest and zebra spread out to graze, making the landscape feel alive with movement and energy.
