March 2026

Grumeti & Lamai

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Grumeti & Lamai: March 2026

March saw the continuation of the annual rainy season across the concession, keeping the landscape green, fresh, and full of life. The grass remained tall and rich, providing plenty of grazing for wildlife throughout the area. Seasonal pools stayed full, and water was easy to find, reducing the need for extensive movement in search of drinking spots. The Grumeti River kept flowing strongly, and Sasakwa Dam stayed well replenished. These stable conditions supported a wide variety of wildlife, from large mammals to smaller animals and birds, all benefiting from the continued rains. Overall, the landscape remained vibrant and productive, offering excellent conditions for wildlife to feed, grow, and roam with complete freedom in their natural habitat.
March sightings snapshot for Grumeti:
Lions
The tall grass provided perfect cover for the lions, making each sighting feel like a special reward. Early game drives were particularly rewarding, with lions still mobile and often seen walking along the roads. As the sun rose, they would disappear into the grass, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. At times, members of the Butamtam and Sabora Prides climbed trees, offering excellent viewing opportunities. Sightings that were once taken for granted during the short-grass season were now truly appreciated, and over the course of the month, we were fortunate to observe three prides across the reserve.
  • The Butamtam Pride was observed moving long distances compared to previous months, likely due to the stretched food supply. They were seen around Arab Camp Hill, Chui drainage and Sasakwa Dam areas.
  • The Sabora Pride remained largely in the Nyasirori area throughout the month and was only rarely spotted near Sabora.
  • Members of the Momukomule Pride were occasionally seen on Sasakwa Hill and near the Sabayaya staff premises, mostly during the night. They appeared to use the roads to navigate safely, avoiding the tall grass while moving between hunting areas.
Leopards
Leopard sightings were outstanding, with around 10 different individuals recorded during the month.
  • Kombre male was seen for almost one week with a warthog kill up in the balanitis tree north of Koroya Hill.
  • A female was found with a zebra fawn north of Biribai and Rhino Rocks Road.
  • The Sabora male was seen up in a sausage tree along Raho drainage, south of Sabora area.
  • Maridadi was seen often in the Nyasirori areas with different kills, on one occasion with a Thomson’s gazelle and another with a zebra fawn.
  • Grumeti North male was seen north of Martin’s Hill.
  • A male was found with a zebra fawn hoisted in a sausage tree along Nyasirori Dam drainage.
  • A male was seen with a baboon kill along Farsi Road, just south of Sasakwa area.
  • A female was seen walking at Farasi and Chui Link Junction.
  • A female was seen along Old Construction Road, east of Sasakwa Access Road.
Cheetahs
Two different male cheetahs were seen in the central area, moving calmly in their natural habitat.
  • The Kombre male seen south of Serengeti Hill.
  • The dominant male was seen along Nyati plain often during the month.
Elephants
In the long grass, where many antelopes tend to avoid due to its height, elephants were seen in large herds steadily mowing through the vegetation. Their presence was widespread, and they did not need to move far, as water points were available in many areas across the reserve. This allowed them to remain relaxed and settled, feeding at a slow and constant pace. During the heat of the day, they gathered around muddy pools, where they enjoyed wallowing to cool off. These moments also offered time for social interaction, as the herds bonded, played, and rested together, creating a calm and captivating scene in the wild.
  • Though they were widely spread out across the reserve, the areas along the Sasakwa airstrip and Kombre drainage stood out as true hotspots, with sightings recorded almost every day. These locations consistently offered reliable and rewarding encounters, making them some of the most active and dependable areas for observing elephants throughout the month.
Buffalos
Buffalo herds roamed the reserve in large numbers and could be seen in many areas. They stood out clearly from a distance against the green, lush landscape. This is the time of the year to truly appreciate their presence, as they move visibly across the plains while feeding. Their steady movements and strong group formations made them an impressive and memorable sight throughout the reserve.
  • They were seen in large herds across the Ikorongo region, the central areas, and the western open plains. Their wide distribution across these key parts of the reserve made sightings frequent and rewarding, as they moved steadily through the landscape in strong and well-formed groups.
Plains game
With the continued rains, the grass kept growing, so most of the general game stayed in certain areas where the grass was shorter. They seemed more comfortable there, as the ground was less muddy. These spots include Rhino Rocks, Nyati plain, and Nyasirori high ground. They attracted everyone, as visitors could enjoy a good mix of zebras, gazelles, topis, and resident wildebeests moving across the plains.
By Edward Sawe Kaaya
Head Guide