Game Reports Kenya Masai Mara

Masai Mara Weather and Wildlife January 2026

Weather and grasslands

This January, the iconic Musiara Marsh and its surrounding habitats remained impressively green and saturated, continuing to attract a wide range of water-dependent wildlife.

The Musiara Marsh in January – photo credit Sam Whitton

Buffalo and elephant herds were frequently seen drawn to the marsh, along with an outstanding diversity of birdlife, reaffirming the area’s reputation as one of the Mara’s most reliable wildlife hotspots during dry periods.

We recorded just 33.7mm of rainfall, making it the driest January since 2017 (when 37mm was received). By comparison, January last year brought 253mm. While the Masai Mara is generally more likely to receive rain than many other parts of Kenya, largely due to its proximity to the high-precipitation areas near Lake Victoria, the month was marked by prolonged dry conditions.

The escarpment functions as a natural, small-scale catchment area – photo credit Ann Aveyard

Meanwhile, the Mara River dropped considerably in level, exposing extensive sandbanks along its edges. This created perfect conditions for the resident Nile crocodiles, who were often seen basking motionless in the sun, expertly camouflaged as though even the smallest movement might betray their presence.

A yellow–billed stork basks alongside Nile crocodiles – photo credit Ann Aveyard

Sharing these newly exposed banks were the river’s heavyweight residents – the hippos – competing not only with crocodiles, but also with one another for the best sunbathing spots.

In some wider sections of the river, exposed rocks have created a natural dam-like effect, slowing the current and allowing sand to accumulate into firm extensions that reach far into the river. These expanded sandbanks provide ideal resting areas for hippos to gather tightly together, while still remaining close enough to slip back into the water at the first sign of disturbance.

Hippos sleeping and sunbathing on the riverbank – photo credit Ann Aveyard

Even within the safety of the pod, tensions run high. Dominant males clash over territory, the best resting spots, and mating rights. When a fight erupts, it’s one of the wild’s most dramatic spectacles – 7,000 pounds of flesh and 1.2-foot-long incisors colliding in a violent explosion of water spray and thunderous, guttural calls – often amplified against the steep banks of the Mara River.

Two dominant males go head to head – photo credit Ann Aveyard

As a result, it is often easy to spot individuals caught up in a clash. They carry fresh battle scars and are frequently seen sitting apart from the rest of the pod, subdued and isolated after the confrontation. For the same reason, mothers with very young calves – especially those under three months old – are often found keeping their distance, as these tiny hippos can easily be injured or swept into the chaos when tensions unfold.

A hippo bears its battle scars – photo credit Ann Aveyard

On the plains

At the beginning of the month, the plains around Musiara remained green – mostly due to the end of December rainfall that fell from the 24th onwards.

Photo credit Sam Whitton

As the month progressed and the rains eased, the plains began to dry and take on a warmer, golden hue. Small habitual breeding herds of elephants – with some of the Mara’s tiniest calves – were a common sight throughout January.

A baby elephant follows its mother – photo credit Ann Aveyard

The calves stay safely in the centre of the herd, protected by the towering presence of aunts and older sisters, their small trunks swinging as they work hard to keep pace with the adults. One of the best places to sit and watch them is on the open grasslands just beyond our camps, where they graze for hours in the soft golden light of sunrise.

Photo credit Ann Aveyard

The Marsh Pride of Lions

Around the middle of the month, a lone lioness was spotted moving through the long grass with haste, carrying a newborn cub in her mouth. Given the location, she was initially thought to be Lola, but later reports confirmed it was Amara – an elusive, solitary lioness that frequents Bila Shaka and Rhino Ridge, though confident enough to pass directly through Marsh territory.

Amara was Spot’s daughter, and her aunt was Little Red. Together, they formed the Marsh Pride satellite group until Amara lost them both in 2022. Little Red was originally part of the Marsh Pride before she and Spot eventually broke away to establish their own smaller grouping.

Meanwhile, the core Marsh Pride females continued to hold their ground in the Musiara Marsh, and we enjoyed excellent sightings of them throughout the month.

Enkerai, Lola and Nusurika – photo credit Ann Aveyard

Lola and Enkerai – photo credit Ann Aveyard

On the morning of 13th January, they were seen at first light moving with intent from Bila Shaka towards the centre of the marsh, clearly drawn by a scent and the distant sounds of hyenas on a carcass. They broke into a determined pace, easily covering a couple of kilometres before reaching the scene, where a large clan of hyenas quickly scattered on their arrival.

Unfortunately, the hyenas had already made quick work of the carcass, leaving very little behind. If a lioness could look disappointed, this was it. They slowed considerably as they approached the site, and there was barely any confrontation at all – almost as though both species knew there was nothing worth fighting over.

Photo credit Ann Aveyard

Instead, the lionesses moved cautiously around the remains, stepping carefully through the darkened ground, stained and saturated with fluids beneath and around what was left of the kill.

Kaleo’s cubs are now four months old – both males, with one slightly darker than the other. They are full of character, energy, and mischief – everything a young lion should be. As they gain confidence and strength, Kaleo has begun leaving them for longer periods to hunt or to rejoin her companions.

Photo credit Ann Aveyard

On several occasions, we have even found the cubs on their own, rolling around in the long grass and play-fighting while their mother remains out of sight for a few hours.

Photo credit Ann Aveyard

It seems Kaleo is gradually relaxing her vigilance, perhaps reassured by the presence of the “Topi Boys”, who are actively patrolling and securing the territory. The cubs are learning quickly, too – navigating the ways of the wild, responding to calls, and instinctively staying close to cover and safety. It is always wonderful to spend time with this beautiful little family.

Photo credit Ann Aveyard

Meanwhile, Kito, the matriarch of the Marsh Pride, continues to play an important role in supporting Kaleo and her young cubs. Having successfully raised her own cubs, Naserian and Enkerai, to adulthood, Kito remains a steady presence in the pride, a skilled huntress, and an experienced mother.

Kito, Kaleo and cubs – photo credit Ann Aveyard

The Topi Boys: New Expansion

January was defined by the continued dominance – and growing ambition – of the legendary Topi Boys, a powerful coalition of seven males now reaching the height of their influence in Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Kiongozi, Nzuri and Moja – photo credit Ann Aveyard

Among the coalition, Otipo continues to stand out as one of the most recognisable, thanks to his darker mane and the distinct growth on his right eye. Often regarded as one of the most well-rounded members of the group, he has repeatedly shown both intelligence and restraint during interactions with his brothers.

Otipo – photo credit Ann Aveyard

While several of the Topi Boys were focused on their expansion into the Mara Triangle throughout December, the second-youngest and somewhat “lone ranger” of the group, Vuli, was quietly laying the groundwork for a potential takeover of the neighbouring Paradise Pride.

An “incognito” Vuli at Paradise Plains – photo credit Ann Aveyard

During a series of discreet forays to Paradise Plains, he took advantage when the Bila Shaka males were away, reportedly preoccupied with the Rekero females. He was often seen calling for his brothers and returning to the Marsh time and time again, vocalising the promise of more females, more territory, and the possibility of further expansion.

Vuli calls for his brothers to cross into Paradise Plains – photo credit Ann Aveyard

Djodjo looking very relaxed at Paradise Plains – photo credit Ann Aveyard

The Topi Boys quickly abandoned their attempts in the Triangle and redirected their focus to the opportunity Vuli had uncovered. By early January, Nzuri, Otipo, Ukingo, and Kiongozi were seen repeatedly over at Paradise Plains, actively courting and mating with five of the younger females.

Nzuri and Paradise Pride female, Sidai – photo credit Ann Aveyard

By the end of the month, three Paradise Pride females had already fled the territory with their young cubs – a natural and well-documented survival strategy during times of takeover and uncertainty. Meanwhile, the younger females who remained behind were seen mating and feeding alongside the Topi Boys, signalling a clear acceptance of what was to come.

Paradise females fled with their cubs – photo credit Ann Aveyard

Throughout January, Nzuri and Kiongozi, in particular, were frequently observed moving between the eastern fringes of the Marsh Pride territory and the northwestern reaches of the Paradise Plains. While it is inevitable that younger coalitions rise to replace older, battle-worn males, this transition is rarely without tension.

The Bila Shaka male named Kiok – photo credit Ann Aveyard

The Bila Shaka males may be ageing and visibly worn, but they are still a force to be reckoned with, and whether the Topi Boys are ready to challenge them head-on again so soon remains to be seen.

The Bila Shaka male named Chongo – photo credit Ann Aveyard

Moja Moja (son of Topi Pride lioness, Longneck) remains one of the most distinctive members of the coalition and is consistently present in key moments. He was involved in several major sightings this month, including stealing food from hyenas and even babysitting Kaleo’s cubs, reinforcing his role as an integral member of the pride. On the 12th January, Moja Moja was seen mating with Marsh Pride female, Enkerai.

Moja Moja – photo credit Ann Aveyard

Moja Moja and Enkerai – photo credit Ann Aveyard

We were pleased to see that Ukingo has recovered well from the injuries he sustained during a serious confrontation with other males in December. Aside from a slight limp, he appears to be back in full force and has once again been observed mating with numerous females from different prides.

Ukingo – photo credit Ann Aveyard

Birds of the Masai Mara

As the early year brings warmer days to the Mara, the riverine forests surrounding our camps become the daytime refuge for the Verreaux’s eagle-owl, the largest owl species in Africa. January is an excellent time to spot them roosting high in the leafy shade of the Warburgia and Fig trees that line the Mara River.

A Verreaux’s eagle-owl rests high in the canopy – photo credit Sam Whitton

While they are primarily nocturnal hunters (preying on anything from hedgehogs to vervet monkeys), guests often spot their distinct pink eyelids and massive talons during daylight hours.

Photo credit Sam Whitton

We had a particularly special encounter near Il Moran Camp, where guests were lucky enough to find both an adult and its chick perched in a nearby tree after hearing the young owl calling. If you are planning a visit to our camps soon, do keep an ear out at dusk, as this is often when monogamous pairs begin their deep, grunting duets to mark territory, a hauntingly beautiful sound that signals the start of the night’s hunt.

A Verreaux’s Eagle-owl chick – photo credit Sam Whitton

While the Mara is renowned year-round for its terrestrial giants, the wetlands and the Mara River attracted visiting avian giants this month – Great White Pelicans.

A great white pelican – photo credit Ann Aveyard

As water levels in the marsh areas began to recede during the dry spell, these massive birds arrived in cooperative hunting flocks to take advantage of the concentrated fish stocks. It was not uncommon to see them soaring in synchronised V-formations high above the escarpment, utilising thermal currents to travel between the Rift Valley lakes and the Mara’s water sources.

An unusual sighting in the Mara – photo credit Ann Aveyard

Striding across the open plains, the secretary bird certainly attracts attention from our guests with its unique, terrestrial hunting style. With the short grass plains turning golden and drying out under the January sun, the month offered exceptional visibility of these raptors as they stomped through the vegetation in search of snakes, lizards, and small mammals.

A secretary bird – photo credit Sam Whitton

Unlike most birds of prey that hunted from the air, Secretary birds must cover immense distances on foot. Some lucky guests were treated to displays of their rapid-fire “stomping” technique, a powerful kick used to stun prey, which proved highly effective given the high reptile activity typical of the warm, dry weather.

A Secretary bird – photo credit Sam Whitton

The kori bustard, famed as the world’s heaviest flying bird, was another highlight of the open savannahs this month. January sat within their breeding season, and we were fortunate to witness their captivating courtship displays.

The males, transforming their necks into massive white balloons with tails cocked upwards, strutted prominently to attract females. Reluctant fliers, they spend the majority of their time walking amongst the herds of grazing herbivores, catching insects disturbed by their movement.

A Kori bustard- photo credit Sam Whitton

By Jess Savage and Alisa Karstad with imagery contributed by Ann Aveyard Photography and Sam Whitton. If you’d like to learn more about a January safari, please visit the link below.

A SAFARI IN JANUARY

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