There are few wildlife encounters quite as unforgettable as meeting the Big Cats of Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara. These plains have a wild energy that feels ancient, and at the heart of it all are three extraordinary predators. Lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Every day, they carve out their stories across grasslands, woodlands, and riverbanks that surround our Mara camps.
Leopard, Masai Mara, Kenya
Join us as we bring you closer to their world, the family dynamics, drama, stillness, and conservation at work that keep these landscapes thriving. So, whether you’re planning your first stay or dreaming of a return, let this be your window into the wild theatre that unfolds around Governors’ Camp and Il Moran.
A lioness from the Paradise Pride
The Masai Mara is one of the best places on earth to see Big Cats in Kenya, thanks to its open grasslands, acacia woodlands, riverine forests, and thriving prey populations. This helps create year-round opportunities to observe these predators naturally, respectfully, and at close range.
A male lion called Muwaji, near Governors’ Il Moran Camp
Guests at Governors’ Camp and Il Moran, both situated along the Mara River, are well-positioned for big cat sightings. Morning light spills across the plains, lions call through the darkness, leopards melt between thickets, while cheetahs scan the grasslands from fallen trees and termite mounds.
A cheetah atop a termite mound, Masai Mara
If you’re planning your safari, our wildlife insight provides valuable insight into the changing seasons and sightings in our Best Times to Spot the Big Five guide.
For decades, Governors’ Camp has been the top choice for many of the world’s leading wildlife filmmakers. Our Mara camps sit at the heart of the Marsh Pride’s territory, a landscape so rich in predator action that it became the backdrop for celebrated series such as Big Cat Diaries, Big Cat Tales, and BBC Earth’s Dynasties. Today, a dedicated two‑person crew from WildEarth TV continues to film directly from our doorstep.
This unique relationship with global film crews is no coincidence. The combination of prime wildlife habitat, expert guiding, and consistent big‑cat sightings makes Governors’ Camp and Il Moran an unparalleled location for capturing natural history storytelling at its finest. Guests often find themselves retracing the very scenes and landscapes that millions have watched on international screens.
Marsh Pride lionesses, Kito, Lola, and Rembo all featured in Big Cat Tales
To learn more about our legacy with the Marsh Pride and natural history productions, explore our features on the Marsh Pride of Lions and why we remain a top choice for wildlife series.
There is something unmistakable about the presence of lions in the Masai Mara. They rule the plains with confidence, yet their stories are deeply tied to family and survival.
Cubs for the Marsh Pride of Lions
Around the Governors’ Mara camps, resident prides have dominated the landscape for decades. It is the females that ensure the legacy and continuity of their pride, while males fiercely compete for the right to lead. Their roaring at night echoes across the river, a territorial warning that can carry for kilometres.
Guests often ask about how many lions there are in the Masai Mara. While numbers fluctuate throughout the seasons and in different areas, the Masai Mara boasts a healthy, consistent population due to its many prey herds and regular conservation efforts. These lions in the Masai Mara Kenya, rank among the most studied and photographed lions in Kenya.
Marsh Pride female, Kaleo
Where lions dominate by sound and presence, leopards define the Mara by mystery and grace. Seeing a leopard in the Masai Mara never feels ordinary, there is a quiet thrill about the occasion, a feeling of privilege.
The riverine forest and dense thickets surrounding Governors’ Camp constitute reliable leopard country. Here, guests may view them draped across tree limbs, paused mid-stride through dense cover, or carrying a meal into the branches to get it away from hyenas.
A leopard called Siri, in Kenya’s Masai Mara
Many travellers wonder how many leopards are in the Masai Mara, but as elusive, solitary cats, they’re difficult to count precisely. What is clear is that the Masai Mara is one of the best places to see leopards in Africa, and sightings around the riverine forests near camp are frequent. A Kenya leopard sighting can only be described as a moment of pure awe. The Mara continues to offer some of the most intimate encounters with leopards in Kenya.
If lions command the plains with power, and leopards move with quiet precision, cheetahs bring speed to the landscape. Their lightness and concentration make them the fastest of any land mammal, giving the Masai Mara some of its most dramatic moments.
A common first glimpse of cheetahs in the Masai Mara might be of one on a high vantage point, like a fallen log, or even the top of a termite mound. They scan the horizon and read the wind before choosing their moment.
Curious travellers sometimes ask how many cheetahs there are in the Masai Mara. While numbers fluctuate with natural cycles, the Mara remains one of the best strongholds for the species, and sightings of Masai Mara cheetah families are frequent around the open plains.
If anyone asks if the Masai Mara is a good place to see cheetahs, the answer is a clear yes. The Mara offers some of the most reliable cheetah encounters for those seeking respectful, conservation-minded cheetah safaris in Kenya.
The Big Cats of the Masai Mara are not mere wildlife sightings, they form part of a fragile, interwoven ecosystem that needs thoughtful care.
Governors’ Camp Collection works closely with local conservancies, communities, and conservation authorities to support long-term sustainability. Our guides also maintain respectful wildlife viewing, from maintaining distance to avoiding noise during hunts. Small decisions made in the field protect these cats:
These choices, made daily by Governors’ guides, have a measurable impact on how predators can continue to thrive.
A cheetah with her cubs, Mara Triangle
Two of the Governors’ Camp Collection camps are right in the heart of big cat country.
A classic safari camp on the Mara River, famous for top-notch animal viewing from your verandah. Hippos can be seen grazing below the tents, elephants wander through the riverine forest, and lion prides patrol territory just minutes from camp. Discover more on Governors’ Camp here.
Marsh Pride lionesses at Governors’ Camp
An intimate, luxurious camp tucked under the canopy with just ten spacious tents, elegant interiors, and a front-row view of the river. Il Moran is ideal for those seeking a quiet, refined safari experience with extraordinary predator sightings nearby. Learn more about Il Moran Camp here.
Il Moran is located on the Mara River
For those interested in a big cat safari in Kenya, our Classic Mara Safari itinerary is a great place to start.
The big cats of the Masai Mara shape every sunrise, every drive, and every story that’s told around the fire. With the right light, the right guide, and a little bit of patience, the Mara reveals moments you’ll carry home for a lifetime.
If you’re ready to start planning your stay, or simply want to talk through the best time to visit, contact the Governors’ Camp Collection today. We strive to make every safari meaningful, responsible, and unforgettable.
