September 2025

Grumeti & Lamai

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Grumeti & Lamai: September 2025

September has brought with it a noticeable shift in the landscape, as the early stages of the short rain season begin to unfold. This period, which is characteristic of western Serengeti climatic rhythm, is typically marked by a gradual increase in moisture and a dynamic transformation of the natural environment. As expected, the month has been not too wet, although the rainfall has remained moderate and well-distributed. Weather patterns have been notably variable, with rapid transitions between sunshine and sudden bursts of rain. Afternoons are often punctuated by scattered thunderstorms that roll dramatically across the skies. The approach of dark, brooding clouds—interspersed with vivid flashes of lightning—creates a striking visual spectacle. Thunder reverberates across the expansive plains, while the earthy scent of fresh rain awakens the senses, signalling renewal and abundance.
Despite the rains, surface water accumulation has been minimal, with few puddles or temporary pools forming across the terrain. As a result, wildlife continues to rely heavily on the Grumeti River as a primary source of hydration. The river level remains relatively low, making it accessible for a variety of species to quench their thirst. Throughout the month, the riverbanks have become a popular congregation point for game, offering excellent viewing opportunities for our guests.
The nourishing rains have breathed new life into the open grasslands. A lush carpet of short, vibrant green grasses now blankets the plains, providing rich forage for herbivores. Wildflowers have begun to bloom in patches, adding colours to the landscape, while an increase in insect activity signals the onset of a more productive ecological phase. Butterflies, beetles, and bees move busily among the flora, playing their roles in pollination and decomposition.
Across the Serengeti, the return of the Great Wildebeest Migration from the northern regions of the ecosystem has reinvigorated the area. Massive herds of wildebeest, accompanied by zebras, topi, and Thomson’s gazelles, traverse the rejuvenated grasslands with energy and purpose. Their movements are both rhythmic and chaotic. Not far behind, predators such as lions and hyenas maintain a calculated presence, ever watchful for an opportunity amidst the abundance.
The seamless interplay between flora and fauna, coupled with the atmospheric drama of the rainy season, has made September a truly remarkable time to witness the Grumeti’s natural beauty. The symphony of sights, sounds, and scents during this transitional month offers an immersive and unforgettable experience
September sightings snapshot for Grumeti:
Lions
September was nothing short of spectacular when it came to lion activity, with sightings of six distinct prides spread across the concession. The presence of these regal predators infused the entire reserve with a palpable sense of excitement, making it a great month for game viewing. A standout highlight was witnessing all six prides in different areas, still feasting on wildebeest, zebras and buffaloes.
  • Momukomule Pride provides great sightings at the base of Sasakwa Hill and around Sasakwa Plains and south of the rhino sanctuary. The pride looks healthy with all the youngsters growing strong.
  • Butamtam Pride has been seen along the Sasakwa Plains with at least seven adult lionesses lactating a group of 15 healthy cubs.
  • Ridge Pride has been frequently seen at Sasakwa Hill, and they have been between Old Equestrian Centre and Sabayaya. The whole pride looking very healthy.
  • Sabora Pride has been seen more often around Sabora camp and the western part of the camp with the extension territory south along Nyasirori Plains. The whole pride has been seen in a very good condition.
  • Nyasirori Pride has been sighted on the southern boundary of the concession and most of the pride members are in good condition.
  • The West and Gambaranyera Prides have been seen in the western section closer to the Explore camps.
  • The Rokare and Bangwesi Prides have been sighted at Ikorongo at different locations with both prides having cubs in good healthy condition.
Leopards:
The month of September has been amazing with a remarkable number of leopard sightings. A steady rise in their appearance has graced the landscape, offering a rare and captivating glimpse into nature’s quiet resurgence.
  • Maridadi has been spotted more frequently around Sabora and Nyasirori Plains.
  • Momukomule male has been seen on the northern side of Sasakwa Hill and south of Sasakwa Hill.
  • Subadult female (Mazingira female’s daughter) has been seen below Sasakwa Hill, in between Sasakwa Lodge and Serengeti House.
  • Albizia male was seen frequently on the northern side of Sasakwa Hill.
  • A skittish young male has been seen north-west of Sabora camp.
  • An adult male was seen at the junction of Fort Ikoma Road and Sand Road.
  • A shy male was seen south of Marula Explore camp, we suspect this is the new male in the area with no territory yet.
  • An adult male was seen west of Sasakwa airstrip.
Cheetahs:
  • One adult male (resident) has been seen on Sasakwa Plains, Nyati Plains and Pundamilia Plains.
  • One adult female has been seen on the western section of the concession.
Elephants:
Due to the substantial short rain during the month of September, the herds have become increasingly scattered, breaking into smaller groups. The widespread availability of lush, green thickets throughout the concession has allowed them to disperse more freely across the open plains, along the Grumeti River, Rubana River and throughout many tributaries. The abundance of grazing opportunities has significantly influenced their movement patterns, reducing the need for large congregations in specific areas.
  • Singita Explore and the areas west of it had significant numbers of these humble giants which made an impressive scene for viewing them on the open plains of Gambaranyera and Kawanga.
  • Sabora Plains continued to be one of the routes for the herds moving off the ridge hills into the open plains into Raho Drainage. It’s been an epic sight with the herds crossing the open plains.
  • In Ikorongo the sightings of large herds have been scattered on the eastern side of Bangwesi Hill and along the Rokare Drainage.
  • The central areas of the reserve had very small herd movements. Pundamilia and Nyati Plains, Momukomule Drainage, and the Mazingira woodland had small to medium sized herds, spotted moving slowly and quietly along the wooded areas where they spend most of their browsing time.
  • There were also herds seen along Grumeti River and along Mbogo Drainage.
Buffalos:
The month has been teeming with buffalo activity. As the open plains become increasingly green they’ve transformed into ideal grazing grounds for these massive herbivores. The nutritious grasslands now offer abundant forage, attracting large buffalo groups to feed and roam. Meanwhile, temporary pools and mud-filled wallows scattered across the open plains serve as vital watering holes to quench the animals' thirst, and they also offer relief from the midday heat.
  • The Sasakwa Plains had a large herd that was roaming between Old School, Sasakwa Dam and below Kilima and Milele Villas. The movement of these herds of large bovines provided spectacular views from Sasakwa Hill.
  • The western part of the concession was not short of these large herds as the plains of Sabora and Gambaranyera have been great areas for the big herds.
  • A big herd moved through the Balanitis Explore camp and across Gambaranyera Plain.
  • The Nyati and Pundamilia Plains have been hosting the large herd that has been moving between the plains, and Grumeti River, and the boundary of Serengeti National Park.
  • A large herd was spotted west of Bangwesi Hill and on the northern side of the Mbega Bridge.
  • A small herd was spotted on the plains of Pofu at Ikorongo.
  • A very large herd was seen east of Chumvi Drainage at Ikorongo.
Rhino:
The month of September has been great with the sighting of one of the bulls from Ikorongo which was seen on the southern side of the concession. He is known as “Otto” and is in good condition.