This wildlife viewing report provides an overview of current safari conditions across key destinations in Kenya and Tanzania, including the latest position of the wildebeest migration and general wildlife highlights by park.
Wildebeest Migration Update
The Great Wildebeest Migration is currently moving through the Western Corridor, Central Serengeti and towards the northern Serengeti and Mara ecosystem. Recent sightings have confirmed herds crossing the Grumeti River, with further movement now being recorded towards the Sand River and Mara River areas.
This is an exciting transitional stage of the migration. Rather than the calving scenes of the southern Serengeti earlier in the year, guests may now witness long columns of wildebeest and zebra moving northwards, with river crossings, crocodile activity and strong predator encounters all possible.
The first signs of movement towards the Masai Mara have begun, although the main herds are still expected to build gradually over the coming weeks. Kenya’s Masai Mara continues to offer excellent resident wildlife viewing, with increasing anticipation for the main migration period during July, August and September.
KENYA – Game Viewing Report
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara remains one of Africa’s finest year-round wildlife destinations. Resident game viewing is currently very good, with lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, topi, impala and other plains game frequently encountered.
Although the main migration herds are still building towards the Mara ecosystem, the reserve is entering one of its most anticipated periods of the year. The first arrivals and early river activity may occur from late June into July, depending on rainfall and grazing conditions.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli continues to offer excellent elephant viewing, with large herds often seen moving between the swamps and open plains beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. Wildlife sightings remain reliable, with buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and predators also present.
Birdlife is rewarding around the wetlands, and the clear dry-season light can make Amboseli especially good for photography.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru remains one of Kenya’s best parks for rhino sightings, with both black and white rhino present. The park also offers strong birdlife, including waterbirds and raptors around the lake.
Other wildlife commonly seen includes Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, baboons and, occasionally, leopard. Flamingo numbers vary depending on lake levels and water conditions.
Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba National Reserves
The northern reserves are excellent at this time of year, with wildlife concentrating around the Ewaso Nyiro River as surrounding areas become drier.
Guests can look for the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx and gerenuk. Elephant sightings are frequent, while leopard, lion and cheetah are also possible, particularly near the river systems.
Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks
Tsavo East and Tsavo West offer vast landscapes, fewer crowds and a strong sense of wilderness.
Tsavo East is known for its red-dust elephants, open plains and wildlife along the Galana River. Lion, buffalo, giraffe and plains game are regularly seen.
Tsavo West offers more varied scenery, including volcanic landscapes, springs, rocky hills and important rhino conservation areas. Wildlife can be more dispersed than in smaller parks, but the scenery and wilderness experience are outstanding.
TANZANIA – Game Viewing Report
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is currently one of the most rewarding safari areas in East Africa, with the Great Migration moving through the Western Corridor, Central Serengeti and towards the northern regions of the park.
Herds have been seen crossing the Grumeti River, and further movement is being recorded towards the Sand River and Mara River areas. This creates excellent opportunities for dramatic migration viewing, predator activity and classic Serengeti landscapes filled with moving herds.
Resident wildlife remains excellent throughout the Seronera region, with lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, buffalo and numerous antelope species present year-round.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Crater continues to provide exceptional year-round wildlife viewing, with a high concentration of animals in a compact and scenic setting.
Visitors can expect to see lion, hyena, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, hippo and large elephant bulls, with black rhino also possible. The wider conservation area is now quieter than during the earlier calving period, as the main migratory herds have moved north and west.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara remains a scenic and varied park, with groundwater forest, open floodplains, lake shoreline and impressive birdlife. Large baboon troops, giraffe, elephant, buffalo and various antelope species may be seen.
The park is known for tree-climbing lions, although sightings are never guaranteed. Birding remains one of the park’s strongest attractions.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire becomes increasingly rewarding as the dry season develops. Wildlife starts to concentrate around the Tarangire River and permanent water sources, with elephant viewing a major highlight.
Guests may also see giraffe, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, impala, predators and excellent birdlife. The park’s baobab-dotted landscapes make it one of northern Tanzania’s most distinctive safari areas.
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park offers a quieter and more remote safari experience, with wildlife activity focused around the Rufiji River and surrounding lakes.
Hippo, crocodile, elephant, buffalo, lion and general plains game are frequently seen. The park’s vast scale, river systems and lower visitor numbers make it especially appealing for guests seeking a wilderness-focused safari.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha remains one of Tanzania’s most rewarding and less-visited safari destinations, known for dramatic scenery, excellent predator populations and large herds of elephant and buffalo.
As the dry season progresses, wildlife becomes increasingly concentrated around remaining water sources. Lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, kudu and a wide variety of plains game may be encountered, while birdlife remains excellent.
This report provides a general overview of wildlife patterns and current safari conditions. Wildlife movements are naturally variable and sightings can never be guaranteed. However, all of the destinations listed continue to offer rewarding safari experiences with expert guiding.
For the latest advice on specific itineraries, camps or travel dates, please contact ARP Africa Travel.
