Wildlife Viewing Report – Kenya & Tanzania
This updated wildlife viewing report provides an overview of current game viewing conditions across key safari destinations in Kenya and Tanzania, including the present location of the wildebeest migration and general wildlife highlights by park.
Wildebeest Migration Update
The Great Wildebeest Migration is currently concentrated in the southern Serengeti ecosystem, particularly across the short-grass plains around the Ndutu area and extending into parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This marks the start of the calving season, with thousands of calves born during this period.
Rather than dramatic river crossings, this time of year offers expansive herds spread across open plains and excellent predator activity, especially lions, cheetahs and hyenas attracted by the abundance of young animals.
In Kenya’s Masai Mara, this period is considered the resident wildlife season. While some wildebeest may be present, the large migratory herds are typically located further south in Tanzania.
KENYA – Game Viewing Report
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara offers excellent year-round wildlife viewing. During this period, the reserve is particularly rewarding for predator sightings, including lion prides, cheetahs on the open plains and elusive leopards along riverine areas.
Large populations of resident plains game such as zebra, topi, impala, buffalo and elephants are consistently encountered. Although the main migration herds are not present, overall game viewing remains strong and varied.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is renowned for its exceptional elephant viewing, with large herds frequently seen moving between swamps and open plains, often framed by views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Wildlife sightings are generally reliable, with buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and predators also present.
Birdlife is abundant, particularly around the wetlands, making Amboseli a rewarding destination for both photographers and bird enthusiasts.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s premier parks for rhino viewing and offers excellent opportunities to see both black and white rhino. The park is also famous for its birdlife, with a wide variety of waterbirds and raptors found around the lake.
Other wildlife commonly encountered includes Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, baboons and, on occasion, leopard. Flamingo numbers can vary depending on lake conditions.
Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba National Reserves
These northern reserves are celebrated for their unique dry-country species, often referred to as the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx and gerenuk.
Predator sightings are frequent, with leopard being a particular highlight along the river systems. Elephants are regularly seen, especially near the Ewaso Nyiro River, which remains the focal point for wildlife activity.
Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks
Tsavo East and Tsavo West together form one of Kenya’s largest wilderness areas, offering vast landscapes and a sense of true remoteness.
Tsavo East is known for its red-dust elephants and excellent viewing along the Galana River, where many species congregate. Plains game, buffalo and lions are regularly seen.
Tsavo West offers more varied scenery, including volcanic landscapes, springs and rocky hills. The park is an important stronghold for rhino conservation and supports a diverse range of wildlife.
TANZANIA – Game Viewing Report
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is currently at the heart of the wildebeest migration, with large herds spread across the southern plains. This period coincides with the calving season, resulting in heightened predator activity and excellent wildlife encounters.
The open grasslands provide ideal conditions for viewing hunting behaviour, particularly from lions and cheetahs.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Crater continues to offer exceptional game viewing throughout the year, with a high concentration of wildlife within a relatively small area. Visitors can expect to see lions, hyenas, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and large elephant bulls, with the possibility of black rhino sightings.
The wider conservation area benefits from the seasonal movement of wildlife associated with the migration and calving period.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is known for its scenic diversity, ranging from groundwater forest to open floodplains and lake shoreline. The park supports large baboon troops, strong birdlife and a healthy population of herbivores.
Tree-climbing lions are a well-known feature of the park, although sightings are never guaranteed.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is particularly attractive during the green season, when the landscape is lush and birdlife is at its most diverse. Elephants remain a key highlight, along with giraffe, buffalo and a wide variety of plains game.
Wildlife may be more dispersed at this time of year compared to the dry season, but patient guiding still delivers rewarding sightings.
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park offers a distinct safari experience focused on vast wilderness and river systems. Wildlife viewing centres around the Rufiji River, where hippos, crocodiles and large concentrations of game are often found.
Elephants, buffalo, lions and general plains game are frequently seen, and the park’s scale ensures a quieter, more exclusive safari atmosphere.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is one of Tanzania’s most remote and rewarding safari destinations, known for excellent predator populations and dramatic landscapes. Wildlife viewing remains strong, with lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo commonly encountered.
The greener season enhances birdlife and scenery, making Ruaha particularly appealing to experienced safari travellers seeking a less-visited park.
This report provides a general overview of wildlife patterns and conditions. Wildlife movements are naturally variable, and sightings can never be guaranteed, but all of the destinations listed continue to offer rewarding safari experiences with expert guiding.
