As we transition from July into August, we find ourselves reflecting on the arid landscapes of the Grumeti Reserve, a stark reminder of the dry season. Despite our hopes for a respite, the skies remained largely clear, offering only a brief shower following the ecological burning, which served to temper the dust rather than quench the land’s thirst.

In contrast, the Sasakwa dam has blossomed into a veritable oasis amidst this parched expanse. It has evolved into a sanctuary for wildlife, a miniature paradise that has drawn a diverse array of animals. The sight has been so captivating that our guests have often compared it to a scene straight out of the Lion King, underscoring the dam’s vital role during these dry spells.

 

As the end of July was the exodus of the crossings, their thunderous hooves in August kept a distant echo as they journeyed north, making dramatic crossings at the Mara River. The spectacle was particularly intense this year, with thousands of animals pouring into the river. Some of our guests and guides managed to capture stunning photographs and videos of this event, which were widely shared and appreciated on our social platforms. In the wake of this migration, Zebra and Eland have taken over the plains of the central regions, their distinctive stripes and antlers adding a fresh dynamic to the reserve’s tableau.

 

Wildlife viewing has been nothing short of extraordinary. The receding grasslands, a consequence of the dry season and the passage of numerous herd animals, have made sightings more frequent and rewarding. Elephants, in particular, have been a common sight throughout the reserve, their majestic presence contributing to the allure of the Grumeti.

 

The month also gifted us with several thrilling encounters with the big cats. Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs have been spotted regularly, their stealthy movements and formidable hunting skills leaving our guests spellbound.

 

Wildebeest crossing was a spectacle to behold, a vivid testament to the relentless cycle of life and migration. As they continue their journey north towards through Mara – Lamai Triangle, their impressive numbers create a magnificent spectacle against the backdrop of the lush northern pastures.

 

As we anticipate what September might bring, we remain hopeful for rain. Until then, we continue to marvel at the resilience and adaptability of the wildlife that call the Grumeti Reserve home.

 

August Wildlife sightings for Grumeti.:

 

Lion:

• Incredible lion sightings throughout the month and there were five prides sighted often namely West pride, Nyasirori pride, Ridge pride, Butamtam pride and Mkuyu pride.
• The West pride was seen often South, East and West of Marula Explore camp and with the wildebeest moving on, their main prey species were buffalo.
• Nyasirori pride lions were seen numerous times drinking at the waterhole in front of Sabora camp and there were a few hunting attempts witnessed. It was a very dry month and animals did not have many options for accessing water to drink, except these few points.
• The Ridge pride has been very stable and didn’t move much out of their territory, they spent most of their time West of Mak link road.
• One lioness of the Ridge pride introduced her new three cubs of about 8 weeks into the pride.
• Butamtam pride were sighted along Chui drainage, WD waterhole and Koroya hill areas, and three lionesses have nine new cubs of about two months old.
• Mkuyu pride lionesses were seen hunting zebra also at the waterhole in front of Faru Faru Lodge and they spent most of their time along the Grumeti river just south of Faru.

 

Leopard:

• Leopard sightings were extraordinary again as always, and Faru areas specifically took the lead, with even a mating pair seen there one morning in front of the lodge.
• The Grumeti North female was sighted along Grumeti North drainage quite a few times during the month.
• A very relaxed female was sighted with a skittish sub adult male along Grumeti North drainage.
• There was a very relaxed male sighted West of Sabora camp and Nyasirori ranger post areas.
• The skittish male was also seen along Sabora drainage, and he seems to tolerate one vehicle at a time.

 

Cheetah:

• The “Veteran” male Cheetah was not seen for the whole of August, and we are not sure of his new movements.
• There is a new young male who seems to have mastered the area and he roams long distances across the central open plains. He was witnessed hunting wildebeest calves successfully.
• Morther and four sub adult cubs were seen often at the beginning of the month South of Nyasirori ranger post and West of Sabora camp. All five animals are in good condition.
• She has been moving between Nyuki bush breakfast site, Nyasirori boundary road and Serengeti National Park.

 

Elephant:

• Good herds were sighted along Grumeti river drinking and wallowing during the afternoons.
• They were also sighted drinking at Sasakwa dam every afternoon and seen occasionally in front of Sabora camp waterhole and Serengeti House pool for the same purpose.
• Faru had the best viewing of these magnificent creatures as they paid a visit twice or more every day.
• Marula Explore was also a great area for elephants viewing as they were seen in large herds moving between the Rubana and Raho drainage lines.

 

Buffalo:

• The largest herd was seen around German Bridge and rhino tree areas for the whole month.
• There was another large herd seen moving around Gambaranyera, Marula Explore and Fisi road areas.
• Two different herds were seen everyday congregating at Sasakwa dam in the morning and evening time, conquering their thirsts.
• Another herd was seen along Mbogo drainage and Faru access.

 

Rhino:

• The male Eastern black rhino was sighted many times on the Southern side and Eastern side of the Sanctuary.
• The female was occasionally seen on the Western and Northeastern side of the Sanctuary.
• The other Eastern black rhinos on the Eastern side of the concession are also doing well.

 

Pangolin:

       One Pangolin was seen North of Koroya Hill, and it was an exciting moment as this was the first time one has been in the dry season – previous sightings were mostly during the wet season.

 

August Wildlife sighting updates for MRTC

Lions:

• Great lion sightings have been witnessed on the open short grass plains of Lamai. There have been two major prides, one which comprises 3 lionesses, 5 cubs of about 6-8 months old and 2 big males, sighted often on the Eastern side of the Lamai triangle Eastward from Old kampi kampi campsite. The other pride was sighted often from Daraja Mbili Westward. This pride comprised of 3 females and 2 big males. All individuals are exceptionally large variants of the Serengeti lions. The animals were often seen feeding on Wildebeests kills.
• Audio of roaring lions has been heard at night South of the Mara River.

Cheetah:

• August has been great in terms of Cheetah sightings. The two males together with the mother with two sub adults have been seen many times along the boundary line, almost always hunting Wildebeest calves.

 

Elephants:

• Great Elephant sightings along the tributary drainages of the Mara River. They were also found feeding along the main Mara River. They have been a highlight of game drives this month.

Leopard:

• The Daraja mbili drainage has been very productive in terms of Leopard sightings. Mostly in the afternoons, leopards were sighted up on trees. All animals were relaxed, and visibility has been amazing…some afternoons have included up to 3 sightings a day.

Migration:

• Hard to explain in words or with photos! Hundreds of thousands have been viewed, crossing the Mara River. Big crossings were often seen at crossing number four and all of them were from South to North in the first few days of the month and vice versa at the end of the month. Some crossings were estimated to have involved 10,000 animals at once.

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