The second quarter of the year – April, May and June – saw the Masai Mara transition from the greener, rain-soaked landscapes of the Green Season to the drier and golden grasslands that signify the arrival of the Great Migration.
The Marsh Pride in June – photo credit Ann Aveyard
Following an exceptionally wet February and March, April continued the trend with around 140mm of rainfall. There were a few scattered showers on the 4th, 5th, and 6th of the month, then consistent rainfall between the 25th and the 30th, with a significant amount on the 28th, when 40mm was recorded. This transformed the Reserve into a vibrant mosaic of wetlands and fresh grazing.
Shallow pools across the landscape – photo credit Ann Aveyard
Birdlife was outstanding, with seasonal pools attracting an abundance of waterbirds, while raptors could often be seen perched atop high trees, drying their wings between heavy downpours.
In contrast, May was unusually dry, with just 21mm of rain recorded – it was as though the Mara had rained itself out and the high season had come early. Although traditionally one of the wetter months, warm temperatures and only occasional showers allowed the plains to dry quickly, signalling an earlier-than-expected transition towards the Dry Season.
May in the Masai Mara – photo credit Ann Aveyard
By June, the Mara had taken on its familiar “high season” appearance. Long grasses rippled across the plains, visibility was superb, and with only 9.4mm of rainfall recorded throughout the month, conditions were perfect for wildlife viewing.
Guests on safari in June – photo credit Alisa Karstad
Before the arrival of the wildebeest, thousands of zebras began descending from the northern conservancies and possibly from as far as the Loitas, spreading out around Topi Plains, Paradise Plains and the forest edges surrounding our camps.
Zebras congregate in the forest surrounding our camps – photo credit Elisha Kimtai
This is often referred to as the mini migration, although the proliferation of fencing individual land parcels in recent years has disrupted their historical migration routes. The arrival of these zebras is usually one of the earliest signs that the wildebeest herds from the south are drawing near.
Thousands of zebras at Topi Plains – photo credit Ann Aveyard
We had a special sighting of a newborn giraffe over at the Double Crossing in May. It was clearly very new – in fact, the remains of the amniotic sac could be seen on its lower back. It stayed close to its mother at all times, wobbly on its legs and somehow very aware of the dangers of the wild despite being only a few hours old.
A newborn giraffe – photo credit Ann Aveyard
As the ground dried, sightings of the Marsh Pride became increasingly consistent. During the wetter months, the pride had remained deep within the inaccessible floodplains of the Musiara Marsh, and hiding from the rain within the thicket along the intermittent watercourse at Bilashaka, but by June they were frequently seen out in the open, enjoying the dry weather and relaxing on elevated termite mounds, using the long grass both as cover and as a vantage point for hunting.
Nusurika and Enkerai – photo credit Ann Aveyard
Lola and Kito – photo credit Ann Aveyard
The quarter also marked an important milestone for Kaleo’s two cubs, born in October 2025. Now eight months old, they have become fully integrated into the pride and spend much of their time play-fighting, stalking one another and developing the coordination and social skills that will prepare them for adulthood. Kaleo has been teaching them how to behave within the pride’s social structure and has done an exceptional job of raising them this far.
Kaleo and cub – photo credit Ann Aveyard
In June, our guiding team named the cubs Musiara and Olonyori – both names paying tribute to the Musiara Marsh, the territory into which they were born. We don’t usually name lions at such a young age due to the high mortality rates of cubs in the wild. However, names were requested ahead of the BBC’s release of the highly anticipated LION series.
Musiara and Olonyori – photo credit Ann Aveyard
Earlier in May, we noticed that both cubs had developed a mild case of mange, most likely linked to the prolonged wet conditions experienced from February through April. Following assessments by local vets, it was agreed that intervention was unnecessary at this stage, as both cubs remained healthy, active, and otherwise in good condition. With the drier weather now prevailing and a good diet provided by the rest of the pride, their condition is expected to continue improving, and they remain under close observation.
Musiara – photo credit Ann Aveyard
Olonyori – photo credit Ann Aveyard
Kito with a buffalo calf – photo credit Ann Aveyard
Towards the end of May, Lola began showing the first signs that she was expecting cubs. During a sighting at Bilashaka, a herd of elephants flushed the pride from the bushes, revealing her noticeably rounded belly and enlarged teats – clear indicators that she was heavily pregnant. At the time of writing this report, Lola has successfully emerged from her den with three healthy young cubs.
Lola appeared pregnant at the end of May – photo credit Ann Aveyard
Lola and her adult daughter, Nsusurika, escape the elephants – photo credit Ann Aveyard
One of the quarter’s most exciting sightings was the return of Oleku, a young male lion born in April 2021 to Rembo and the Halftail–Logol coalition within the Marsh Pride. When the Topi Boys took over the Marsh Pride territory in December 2024, Oleku was initially tolerated – largely thanks to his close bond with Marsh Pride matriarch, Kito, who appeared determined to keep him around for as long as possible. As the new coalition consolidated their dominance, however, he was eventually forced to disperse.
Oleku – photo credits MaryAnn Ngo
Over the past year, reports of Oleku have been few and far between, making his recent reappearance in the Mara Triangle particularly special. He was found east of Salt Lick in excellent condition, happily feeding on a wildebeest carcass believed to have been stolen from two younger lions nearby – a promising sign that he is adapting well to life as a nomadic male.
Throughout April, May and June, the Topi Boys continued to strengthen their hold over the Marsh Pride and much of Paradise Plains. Having established themselves as one of the Mara’s most formidable coalitions, they continue to patrol, hunt and defend an expanding territory.
Djodjo and Ukingo – photo credit Ann Aveyard
Among them, Ukingo has recovered well from injuries sustained earlier in the year. True to his name, meaning “the dominant one”, he remains one of the coalition’s leading males, although leadership is becoming increasingly shared as his brothers mature and grow in confidence.
Ukingo – photo credit Ann Aveyard
Each member of the coalition is beginning to carve out a distinct role. Vuli is the coalition’s explorer with the greatest range, often roaming as far as Paradise Plains, while Kiongozi frequently joins him but always remains within easy reach of his more dominant brothers.
Kiongozi – photo credit Ann Aveyard
Moja Moja has emerged as an increasingly influential male, taking a more active role in patrols, hunting and mating opportunities. Previously considered one of the coalition’s more subordinate males, Moja Moja has grown noticeably more confident in recent months and is increasingly asserting himself among his brothers.
Moja Moja – photo credit Ann Aveyard
While not the dominant male, he has become an important member of the coalition and is certainly a lion to watch as the Topi Boys continue to mature and expand their dominance.
Nzuri, widely regarded as one of the most striking male lions in the Masai Mara for his magnificent, flowing mane, continues to attract attention. Although slightly smaller in stature than Ukingo and Djodjo, he has been seen mating with Marsh Pride’s youngest lioness, Nusurika, reinforcing his growing status within the coalition.
Nzuri and Nusurika – photo credit Ann Aveyard
As expected in a coalition of seven maturing males, rivalry is never far beneath the surface. Competition for mating rights has led to occasional disputes – including a notable confrontation between Djodjo and Otipo – yet the brothers continue to collaborate remarkably well, ensuring the Marsh Pride and its new generation remain under their protection.
Djodjo is one of the largest in the coalition – photo credit Ann Aveyard
Between April and June each year, the significant seasonal transition which the region undergoes affects the plethora of birdlife that call the Masai Mara home.
Photo credit Ann Aveyard
The long rains of April initially sustained lush, green grasslands across the Reserve. However, as we progressed through May, these grasses gradually dried out, turning pale yellow by the end of June. Despite the drying plains, the marshlands retained pockets of water throughout this period, continuing to act as a vital refuge for resident birdlife.
The remaining water in the marsh areas provided excellent conditions for wetland species. A notable highlight this quarter was observing Grey crowned cranes successfully rearing their chicks. These birds, which are classified as Endangered, rely heavily on wetland margins for foraging and protection, making successful breeding records particularly encouraging.
Grey crowned cranes with a chick – photo credit Ann Aveyard
As the grasses transitioned from green to gold, ground-dwelling and low-perching species became increasingly visible. The Yellow-throated Longclaw was frequently spotted using prominent mounds or low bushes as vantage points, its bright yellow breast contrasting with the drying vegetation, while its closely related cousin, the less common but equally striking the Rosy-throated (Rosy-breasted) longclaw, was typically observed foraging within the remaining areas of long grass.
Yellow-throated longclaw – photo credit Alisa Karstad
Rosy-throated (Rosy-breasted) longclaw- photo credit Alisa Karstad
Flocks of tiny Common Waxbills took advantage of the abundance of seeding grasses, frequently seen clinging to tall stalks.
Common waxbill – photo credit Alisa Karstad
Small groups of Yellow-fronted Canaries were also noted, actively foraging across the open scrub and grassy margins.
Yellow-fronted canary- photo credit Alisa Karstad
The Sooty Chat, a characteristic bird of the open savannah, was a common sight alongside them, darting from the top of low bushes to catch insects, spiders and other arthropods.
Sooty chat – photo credit Alisa Karstad
The dense riverine forest bordering the Mara River offers a distinct, shaded habitat. Within the grounds of Governors’ Camp itself, a highly vocal Fork-tailed Drongo was a constant presence, actively hawking for flying insects from the lower canopy above the lunch tables.
Fork-tailed Drongo – photo credit Alisa Karstad
The thick, shrubby undergrowth of the forest margins is the preferred habitat of the White-browed Coucal, a species often identified by its descending, bubbling call before it is seen navigating the dense vegetation on heavy wings.
A White-browed Coucal – photo credit Ann Aveyard
Along the banks of the Mara River, Grey-headed Kingfishers were regularly observed. Unlike their exclusively fish-eating relatives, this species is largely insectivorous and often perched quietly on overhanging branches, scanning the riverbanks and surrounding foliage rather than diving into the water below.
Grey-headed kingfisher – photo credit Ann Aveyard
Increasing thermal activity above the drying plains supported excellent soaring conditions for the region’s scavenger populations. Both Hooded Vultures and White-backed Vultures were regularly recorded soaring through the skies. Both of these raptor species are currently classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Their continued presence is crucial to the health of the Mara ecosystem, as they rapidly consume carcasses and prevent the spread of disease.
Hooded vultures – photo credit Ann Aveyard
The white-backed vulture is an Old World vulture – photo credit Ann Aveyard
By Jess Savage and Alisa Karstad with imagery contributed by Ann Aveyard Photography, Alisa Karstad and Governors’ Camp guides. If you’d like to learn more about a safari with us, please visit the Times of Year section under the Travel Planning section on our website.
