The dry season continues to strengthen its harsh hold on the Serengeti. The last bit of green from the few sporadic thundershowers we received last month has faded to brown. Most of the wildebeest and zebra herds are located in the North Serengeti stretching from Lobo Valley northwest to the Mara River and Lamai Triangle. There are also significant herds in the Masai Mara, Kenya (especially zebra). The lagging herds in the West Serengeti and Grumeti Game Reserve we saw in June and July seemed to have moved further north now and we expect these to be arriving in the accessible areas of the North Serengeti shortly, which will mean another round of Mara River crossings. This had been an exceptional year for Mara River crossings and our guests have seen quite a few. In fact, we had one group witness the river crossing in both directions with no doubt some confused wildebeest. The best place at the moment to see the main herds of the migration is just northwest of the Kogatende Ranger Post about 2 kms past the Mara River in what we refer to as the Lamai Triangle or Lamai Wedge.

Despite all excitement in the North Serengeti, it’s the Central Serengeti that continues to steal the show. Why? Let’s just say all the Serengeti’s large carnivores (lions, leopards, cheetahs and spotted hyena) have been showing off their hunting skills. Pictures are worth a thousand words and I will just leave off with these extraordinary photos taken on July 29th just to the east of the Seronera Valley in the Central Serengeti at the beginning of the Eastern Plains. For those familiar or with our ADS map, the area is just to the west of the Sametu Kopjes and Marsh. Thanks to David Y. and his family for submitting these unique photos of 2 young cheetah males attempting to hunt a topi.

Cheetah and Topi Battle – July 29, 2010

Cheetah and Topi Battle1 – July 29, 2010

Cheetah and Topi Battle2 – July 29, 2010

Cheetah and Topi Battle3 – July 29, 2010