August in the Masai Mara delivers warm, dry days, golden landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife action under clear skies. Predator visibility is at its best, and the Mara’s legendary river crossings are most dramatic. It’s an ideal time for guests seeking an authentic safari experience with reliable seasonal patterns.
Marsh Pride female, Kaleo – photo credit Dan Palmer
The prolonged dry period and decline in rainfall that took hold from mid June, has resulted in shorter grasses and almost parched plains. Receding pools of water and riverbanks attract a variety of wildlife, making game viewing a little more predictable.
Daytime temperatures ranged from 25–28 °C, while early mornings and evenings were cooler, dropping to 11–15 °C. Skies were mostly clear, offering excellent light with approximately 7–8 sunny hours per day although we did observe some dramatic and threatenings skies in the second week of the month.
Dark storm clouds gather over the plains – photo credit Dan Palmer
Rainfall was minimal, as is typical for this time of year. In August, we recorded 81mm – an almost identical amount to the total from August last year (84mm). Our rainfall records also show a consistent trend over recent years, with August receiving more rain than July.
The clear skies and dry conditions in August set the stage for some truly spectacular sunrises. While sunrises are beautiful the world over, there is something extraordinarily mesmerising about a Masai Mara sunrise that cannot be compared to any other setting. To take it in fully, guests should set out on a game drive by 06:00, as the sun takes only two to three minutes to lift completely above the horizon.
An August sunrise – photo credit Dan Palmer
Towards the end of August, we were lucky to be greeted by three of the Topi Boys who had the same idea about watching the sunrise. Just meters from Governors’ Camp, Nzuri, Moja Moja and Kiongozi were resting and facing east, their silhouettes framed by the rising sun – a magical scene and a photographer’s dream. Spotting lions this early in the day is just one of the many reasons to plan your safari with us.
3/7 Topi Boys relaxing at sunrise – photo credit Saidi Juma
Many antelopes, specifically topis and Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles gave birth in August, and towards the end of the month, warthogs too. Warthog sows often separate from their groups to give birth in individual burrows, caring for their piglets for several weeks and occasionally, even nursing the offspring of other sows.
Spotted hyenas have been extremely active and prevalent throughout July and August. With the onset of the Great Migration and the additional prey, we have noticed an increase in numbers. Highly territorial, they possess a strong degree of social intelligence, with complex social lives comparable to some primate species
Spotted hyenas around the Musiara Marsh – photo credit Elisha Kimtai
Despite a “scavenger” reputation preceding them, they are primarily active hunters, deriving most of their nourishment from hunting medium-sized ungulates such as wildebeests. While other predators such as lions, suffocate their prey first, hyenas are rather brutal and will casually feed on an animal while it is still standing.
On the 25th August we witnessed a graphic scene involving a single hyena feeding off a wildbeest, that was still very much alive (and kicking). The hyena began his attack by repeatedly targeting the soft tissues of the loin area, which is a common hunting technique for them. Within minutes, the hyena’s face was drenched in fresh bright blood, and it became evident the wildebeest would not escape. After a prolonged struggle of nearly an hour, the wildebeest eventually collapsed, and the hyena continued to feed.
Nature doesn’t forgive the slow – photo credits Elisha Kimtai
Despite their largely negative reputation, the spotted hyena is Africa’s most successful predator. They also play several key roles in maintaining the health and balance of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, from formidable hunters to “cleanup crew” (preventing disease) to regulating specific prey populations, and serving as indicators of a healthy ecosystem. Watch a hyena clean up the remains of a decaying carcass HERE.
By removing decaying carcasses from the landscape, hyenas prevent the spread of diseases like anthrax – photo credits Elisha Kimtai
Elephants moved into the riverine forests, seeking refuge from the chaos and noise that accompany the wildebeest herds. During this time of year, it is quite common to see them wandering through our Mara camps in search of Teclea nobilis trees, which they occasionally bring down entirely to feed on. Sadly, over the past four decades, the woodlands of the Masai Mara have experienced significant decline, largely due to elephant impact and fire pressure.
Photo credit Dan Palmer
Throughout August, thousands of wildebeests continued to cross the Mara River. On 12th, large herds were observed charging through the fast-moving waters with impressive momentum. Watch our August migration video filmed by our Resident Photographer, Dan Palmer.
Wildebeests plunge into the Mara River – photo credit Dan Palmer
Herd movements are closely influenced by grazing conditions, which in turn depend on rainfall patterns. On the 17th and 21st, a notable shift in direction was recorded; herds at Crossing Points No. 7 and No. 10 were seen moving south back into the Serengeti instead of pressing further into the Mara. The lack of short but consistent rainfall in August has certainly contributed to this reversal.
What a month for the Big Cats of the Mara! After spending most of July close to Rhino Ridge, the Marsh Pride returned to their core territory of the Musiara Marsh and we were able to spot them almost daily. After months and months of mating with the Topi Boys, but no cubs, it seems as though the females are still testing the young males.
Kito and Kaleo – photo credit Elisha Kimtai
So far – or as far as we know – the only female to have birthed cubs under the cover of the Topi Boys, is Lola. Sadly, she was later seen without them and had resumed mating with the males less than a month after our first sighting. In November, it will be one year since the Topi coalition chased the predecessors – the notable Bila Shaka males – out of the territory and an official takeover began.
Lola – photo credit Saidi Juma
It is possible that the Marsh Pride females are exercising extreme caution after three years of unsuccessful litters. They may be exhibiting a diversion tactic known as pseudo-oestrus. This behavior is not believed to be consciously controlled but rather an involuntary response, driven by hormonal changes triggered by circumstances and social dynamics. In pseudo-oestrus, the lionesses appear receptive to mating, effectively fooling the males and keeping them amicable, yet do not conceive.
Several of the females have shown signs of pregnancy or lactation at different times over the past year, yet no cubs (other than Lola’s) have been seen. We suspect that the presence and pressures of a larger coalition (seven highly charged males) is influencing the pride’s dynamics, and the females may simply be taking longer than expected to adjust.
It is thought that Kaleo could be pregnant – photo credit Elisha Kimtai
Meanwhile, the Topi Boys are displaying all the hallmarks of dedicated, dominant males. They have certainly played their part in keeping intruders at bay and remaining available to mate with the females. Occasionally, minor disputes flare up among them, and it is possible that, in time, this coalition may split to relieve some of the pressures that larger coalitions often face.
Moja Moja, Kiongozi and Nzuri – photo credit Elisha Kimtai
The “poster boy” of the group, Nzuri, seems to have settled down a bit and put his differences with Vuli to the side, at least for the time being. With the sudden availability of food in the area, Nzuri has thrown all his energies into collaborating with the others to take down wildebeests and buffalos.
Nzuri watches intently as his brothers approach – photo credit Saidi Juma
Nzuri – photo credits Elisha Kimtai
Ukingo, which means “leader” in Kiswahili, is the son of Topi Pride female, Dunia and his father is widely considered to be Olepolos, one of the legendary Sala’s males. No one can ever be sure as to who the father really is, since females mate with multiple males, and these seven young boys were all conceived and born during the 2021 lockdown, making precise information scarce. Powerful and prominent, he is still well regarded as the most dominant male of this coalition.
Ukingo (M1) – photo credits Saidi Juma
On the 26th of August, Kaleo made an impressive solo hunt, bringing down a wildebeest with skill and precision. Unfortunately her triumph was short-lived as it wasn’t long before Ukingo appeared and took over the kill. Apparently unfazed by his own bullish behaviour, he proceeded dine alone, right in front of Kito and the rest of the pride. Watch the video.
Kaleo with her wildebeest – photo credit Naserian Barbrah
Ukingo takes over the kill – photo credit Naserian Barbrah
Kiongozi, the youngest of the Topi Boys, is shaping up to be one of the biggest males in this crew. With his endearing, deeply set amber eyes, he is still affectionately regarded as “the baby of the group”, often seen engaging in – and sometimes initiating – playful interactions with his brothers, especially Ukingo and Moja Moja.
After losing his mother, Summer, to human-wildlife conflict in March 2004, Kiongozi’s future was uncertain. Being a whole year younger than others, it was unclear whether he would stay with the females in his natal pride or venture out with the older males. By the end of 2024, he had made the decision to join the coalition, supporting them in their takeover of the Marsh Pride. Nearly a year later, Kiongozi has firmly established himself within the hierarchy of the Topi Boys.
Kiongozi is now three years old – photo credit Naserian Barbrah
Kiongozi pounces on Moja Moja – photo credit Naserian Barbrah
Over on Paradise Plains, the females and their offspring are thriving. The young cubs are full of energy and curiosity, growing up with confidence under the vigilant care of their protective mothers. Meanwhile, the three young males are healthy and have begun showing the first hints of a mane, signalling the start of their journey toward adulthood.
Paradise Pride females and cubs – photo credits Elisha Kimtai
Cheetah sightings included females Nagol and her mother Neema, although sighted on separate occasions. We also caught up with Ruka who has been on his own since losing his brother Rafiki mid last year. Born in September of 2018, Ruka is now seven years old and the last remaining male offspring of the late Rosetta. Follow Cheetah Enthusiast for frequent updates on the cheetahs of the Mara-Serengeti cheetahs.
Nagol – photo credit Dan Palmer
Neema in August – photo credit Elisha Kimtai
Ruka – photo credit Mike Mbungua
On the 1st August, Siligi’s boys (Osiligi, Olopono, and Oldanyet) worked as a team to isolate a young zebra from its mother and quickly began tearing into its flesh as it bleated with the intense pain of being eaten alive. Cheetahs must eat quickly to regain energy after an exhausting high-speed chase and to avoid losing their kill to stronger predators such as lions and hyenas.
The three boys eat a young zebra – photo credit Mike Mbungua
Leopards are always elusive, but if you have a good guide who is familiar with certain individuals and their known territories, then you have a chance of seeing one. August brought us wonderful sightings of Bella2, a particularly graceful leopard that frequents the Double-Crossing area. Word on the Mara is that she has two young cubs although we are yet to see them.
Bella2 – photo credit Saidi Juma
We were lucky to catch Luluka (also known as the “Queen of Rongai”), who is another of the Mara’s most celebrated leopards. Renowned for her striking beauty and calm, habituated nature, she often sits upright on her hind legs to survey her surroundings – a pose that allows for stunning photographic opportunities – before continuing on her way.
Luluka – photo credit Saidi Juma
August proved to be an exceptional month for raptor enthusiasts in the Mara. Tawny eagles (Aquila rapax), year-round residents of the Masai Mara, were frequently seen soaring on thermals in search of prey. During the migration season, however, they take full advantage of the abundance of carrion left behind on the plains.
With their broad wingspan and remarkable hunting ability, tawny eagles thrive in open habitats across the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Much of their time is spent at high altitude, scanning the landscape for the slightest movement below. These eagles form long-term monogamous pairs and construct large, sturdy nests -often on treetops, cliff ledges, or occasionally even on the ground.
A tawny eagle – photo credit Dan Palmer
The black-chested snake eagle (Circaetus pectoralis) is one of Africa’s iconic birds of prey and, while a resident of the Masai Mara, it is not commonly encountered. As its name suggests, this species specializes in hunting and eating snakes, though its diet also includes lizards, frogs, small mammals, and birds.
From high above, black-chested eagles scan for movement before swooping down, talons first, to seize their prey – often consuming smaller catches while still in flight. When tackling large, venomous snakes, it is well protected by its heavily scaled legs, which are resistant to bites. This “naked leg” adaptation is a distinctive trait of snake eagles, setting them apart from “true eagles”, whose legs are feathered.
A black-chested snake eagle – photo credits Dan Palmer
A bateleur – photo credits Dan Palmer
Quinine trees have lost their leaves resulting in a rapid bloom with fruit and flowers, which has in turn, attracted silvery-cheeked hornbills in notable numbers. Their trumpeting calls can be heard through the forests, announcing their presence long before they come into view. These striking birds appear in pairs or small groups, skilfully plucking and swallowing the dark berries with their powerful beaks.
By Jess Savage. If you’d like to learn more about a safari in August please visit the link below.
A SAFARI IN AUGUST
