Grumeti & Lamai: November 2025

November unfolded as an extraordinary month for wildlife movements in Grumeti. The short rains received in October had left the landscape lush and inviting, drawing large numbers of ungulates back into the area. Yet despite this earlier rainfall, November itself remained relatively dry. The Grumeti River receded to a gentle, crystal-clear flow gliding over the sand and several smaller ponds across the open plains dried up completely. With fewer watering points available, animals were naturally funnelled toward the remaining sources particularly Sasakwa Dam, creating impressive concentrations of wildlife in that area.

By early November, the migratory herds that had departed at the end of October began to return. From the 10th onward, wildebeests and zebras turned back toward Grumeti after finding no rain and therefore no grazing opportunities in the direction they had been heading. Within just a few days, by the 15th, Grumeti transformed into a true wildlife paradise. Vast herds blanketed the Ikorongo region and spread across the plains of Sasakwa and Sabora, restoring a sense of movement and vitality to the landscape. This year, we have also experienced the migration staying in Grumeti far longer than in many previous years, an exciting and notable shift for the area. These returning herds provided ample food for the ever-watchful predators, helping them remain strong and healthy. Young carnivores continued to grow rapidly, supported by the abundance around them.

November was an incredible month for sightings of these magnificent big cats of the wild. We encountered them almost daily, whether tucked within the woodlands of the Ikorongo region, resting along the Grumeti riverbed, roaming the central open plains, or hidden in the dense thickets. Their steady presence added excitement and wonder to every drive. In fact, the Grumeti Reserve is one of the few places where you can confidently assure a traveller that they will see lions during a two-day safari.

November was an unforgettable month for leopards, marked by several incredible encounters. One individual offered a particularly remarkable sighting, remaining in the same area for five days after hoisting a young zebra kill high into a tree. As always, leopard sightings carried a sense of awe, never taken for granted, but deeply appreciated as one of nature’s most beautiful gifts.

Cheetah sightings were slightly low in November, which only increased the excitement surrounding each drive. So, when a cheetah was finally spotted, the moment felt exceptional, full of awe and appreciation. With fewer sightings, the eagerness to find one grew, making every encounter with these cats especially memorable and deeply rewarding.

November, just like last year, once again proved to be the height of elephant sightings. In the Sasakwa region, where elephant numbers remain impressively strong, we could often watch large herds gathering at the Sasakwa Dam around mid-morning to drink. It wasn’t unusual to see as many as 100 elephants at once, families, young bulls and playful calves moving together in a great, gentle tide of grey. For our guests, witnessing such a magnificent congregation so regularly turned each day into something extraordinary, a reminder of the wild magic that defines this remarkable Grumeti.

November brought a calm but consistent presence of buffalos across the reserve, with herds appearing in both medium and larger herds as they moved through their home ranges. Some bachelor bulls roamed nearby, their solitary presence a quiet reminder of the wild’s untamed spirit. Together, these sightings painted a vivid picture of a thriving, harmonious wilderness.

The rhinos in the IPZ have been regularly seen by our anti-poaching team. They are all in good condition and several females were seen with calves.

In the north, the small groups of migratory animals that had lingered around Lamai finally moved on in the middle of the month. Their departure opened up space for resident game, which quickly reclaimed the area.

Overall, November beautifully revealed the dynamic rhythm of the Grumeti ecosystem. Subtle shifts in conditions guided the movements of vast migratory herds and influenced where animals gathered and grazed. These changes, in turn, shaped the delicate balance between predator and prey, creating moments of intensity, abundance, and renewal across the plains. The interplay of all these elements, water sources, wildlife, and movement made November not just an active month, but one of the most captivating and remarkable periods we have witnessed in this area.

In November, three prides were regularly seen throughout the month, each remaining closely tied to its territory, which made sightings remarkably reliable for those hoping to find them. Early mornings were very rewarding, as the lions were mostly active before the sun rose and the heat set in. And, as always, Lamai lived up to its reputation, delivering consistent, memorable lion encounters that left our guests thrilled.

Despite being naturally elusive, there were excellent sightings of these beautiful cats. They took full advantage of the last remaining migratory herds for food and were often seen with young wildebeest and zebra kills hanging up in the trees. Their presence brought a fascinating glimpse into the rhythm of life and survival in the Lamai area.

There were two impressive cheetah coalitions in the area, one made up of three brothers and another of two. Their consistent presence throughout the month brought extraordinary energy to the region, providing our guests with exceptional and unforgettable sightings.

We encountered elephants on nearly every drive, sometimes lone wanderers, sometimes large herds and small herds spread across various parts of the Lamai Triangle. Their calm presence and gentle movements added a sense of magic to each moment we spent in the bush.

As the numbers of wildebeest began to decrease, herds of buffalo started appearing across the landscape. We found them in different areas, moving slowly through the grasslands and adding a strong, steady presence to the changing scene. Feeding in the early mornings and again in the evenings, they spent the hottest hours of the day resting to escape the heat.

The general game viewing was simply incredible, with several herds of topis and gazelles roaming the plains alongside the last remaining herds of migratory wildebeests and zebras, creating a vibrant tapestry of wildlife in motion.

In November, only a few wildebeests and zebras remained, all of which crossed the Mara River before the month came to an end, allowing a few resident animals to stay behind. The plains were still alive with activities, as unusual large numbers of vultures patrolled the skies along the Kenyangaga Drainage and majestic Abdim’s storks soared gracefully overhead, adding vibrant movement to the landscape.