Masai Mara weather and wildlife February 2025

Weather and grasslands

This February, the Maasai Mara experienced an unusually intense dry spell, with temperatures soaring as high as 33°C on some days. While February is typically hot, this year’s heat was more extreme than normal, bringing prolonged sunny days and minimal cloud cover.

Clear days in February – photo credit Felix Rome

We received just 77mm of rain in February with the majority (60mm) falling on the 1st of the month and some light showers on the 3rd, 5th and 6th. As a result, the Mara River maintained an extremely low level which meant that many animals could cross between the Mara Triangle and the Reserve. Species that typically cross the River at low levels include lions, leopards, rhinos, impalas and zebras.

The Mara River level on the 21st February – photo credit Felix Rome

The rapid drying-out of the landscape transformed the once lush grasslands into a golden expanse; these conditions are an ideal environment for predators, as the tall, sun-scorched grass provided the perfect camouflage for lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

Photo credit Felix Rome 

The Mara’s black cotton soil roads, which expand and shrink depending on moisture levels, became firm and compact once again, allowing unrestricted access to all corners of the Reserve. Safari-goers benefited from clear game-viewing conditions, making February a prime month for visiting the Masai Mara.

Photo credit Felix Rome

Cloudless mornings gave rise to stunning sunrises in February. At this early time of day, the sun is very low in the sky which means that all the sunlight we see has had to travel through a thicker amount of the Earth’s atmosphere. Photons of red and orange light are scattered through the atmosphere, creating those classic orangey-red sunrises that the Mara is famous for. Sunsets, occurring at 18:55 were equally as beautiful.

February sunrise – photo credit Felix Rome

February sunset – photo credit Felix Rome

On the plains

This February, the Maasai Mara plains took on a new dynamic, with vast groups of zebras dominating the landscape. Unlike previous months, for which buffaloes, topis, and giraffes were more common sights, the plains were filled with the bold black-and-white stripes of zebras. Their presence in large numbers created a striking contrast against the golden grasslands, signalling a shift in the ecosystem’s movements and grazing patterns.

Plains zebras near the Musiara Gate – photo credit Felix Rome

With prey species now more exposed and water sources shrinking, Big Cat activity was heightened, making for spectacular wildlife sightings. The period also marked a shift in animal behaviour, with herbivores clustering around the remaining waterholes, increasing the chances of dramatic predator-prey interactions.

Antelope populations, including Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, impalas, and elands, have flourished, particularly in areas covered with short grass. These open landscapes provide a clear field of vision, reducing the element of surprise ambushes by predators.

A herd of impalas – photo credit Felix Rome

On the 27th February, we had an epic sighting of a black rhino at Paradise Plains. This particular individual was spotted close to the main crossing point, therefore it is quite possible that he crossed over from the Mara Triangle while the River is so low.

Black rhinos are rather elusive and shy – photo credit Felix Rome

Historically, there were four subspecies of black rhino however three are extinct, leaving the critically endangered Eastern black rhino as the extant. There are between 35 – 50 individuals in the Masai Mara National Reserve although many cross back and forth into Tanzania’s Serengeti.

Photo credit Felix Rome

Elephants were spread out as large families moved back and forth between the drier open plains, the Musiara Marsh and the forest line. Crossing the Mara River almost daily, they spend early mornings in the marsh to keep cool and feed on the coarse reeds. With the Warburgia trees in fruit, some of the more habituated individuals pass directly through camp to pick up the fallen goods.

Elephants are a common sight in the Musiara Marsh – photo credit Felix Rome

As always, there are plenty of young amongst them – some as tiny as a few weeks old. The calves are full of confidence, mock charging our vehicles with flapping ears and a shrill trumpeting sound. Meanwhile, docile mothers show little interest despite the best audible efforts from the little one.

A mother elephant and her tiny calf – photo credit Felix Rome

Big Cats of the Masai Mara

A Struggle for Stability

The Marsh Pride continues to face challenges in maintaining stability within its home territory, the Musiara Marsh. This month, their movements and interactions have reflected resilience and uncertainty as they navigate the shifting dynamics. The tracking data from Kito’s collar highlights her frequent visits to the most northern end of the Musiara Marsh and beyond, and also into Mara North Conservancy throughout February.

Kito’s tracking data – courtesy of Mara Predator Conservation Programme

Venturing into Topi Pride Territory

In early February, the Marsh Pride made a brief yet bold move into the Topi Pride’s territory. This incursion, though short-lived, was marked by a significant event – a successful buffalo kill. All the Marsh Pride lionesses participated in the hunt, except for Nusurika.

On the morning of the hunt, Nusurika was spotted alone in the Bila Shaka area, separated from the rest of the pride. A surprising presence during this hunt was Oleku, who stepped up at a crucial moment to assist the lionesses in bringing down the prey.

Kito of the Marsh Pride – photo credit Felix Rome 

The Influence of the Topi Boys

The Marsh Pride’s movement into Topi territory seems to have been influenced by the Topi Boys, who had ventured across to Rhino Ridge Hills for two days. It is likely that the Marsh Pride lionesses initially followed their trail, only to realize they had entered rival territory. Recognising the risk, they quickly retreated back to the Marsh.

Kiongozi, Nzuri (M6) and Otipo (M2) – photo credit Felix Rome 

By the following morning, the Topi Boys had returned to the Marsh Pride. Their arrival, however, led to further tension within the pride and Oleku was quickly chased away. Kito, who has been hesitant to integrate with the Topi Boys fully, chose to follow Oleku, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty in an official takeover.

Kito – photo credit Felix Rome

With Nusurika’s isolation, Oleku’s uncertain position, and Kito’s reluctance, the Marsh Pride remains divided. The influence of the Topi Boys grows stronger, yet internal divisions persist. How the pride navigates these power shifts in the coming months will determine whether they can find stability or face further fragmentation.

Oleku – photo credit Felix Rome 

The Topi Boys continue to grow in strength, shedding their subadult status as their manes thicken and their bodies fill out. Their dominance in the Marsh territory is becoming more evident, but February presented them with a new challenge – a brief territory intrusion by the Enkoyanai males from Mara North Conservancy.

The Enkoyanai males arriving in the Marsh – photo credit Ann Aveyard

The well-known four-pack coalition consisting of Lenkoe, Enkong’u, Saningo, and Mwana, ventured into the Marsh, but their stay was short-lived. The Topi Boys stood their ground, refusing to retreat despite facing more experienced rivals. The tension was undeniable, with fierce roars echoing for three consecutive nights, marking an intense territorial standoff.

Lenkoe and Enkongu – photo credit Ann Aveyard

Despite the looming threat, the Marsh Pride lionesses demonstrated their loyalty, actively avoiding interaction with the intruders. This display of unity further solidified the Topi Boys’ claim over the pride and their growing authority in the region.

Djodjo (M7) and Kiongozi – photo credit Felix Rome 

While this was their first significant confrontation with an external coalition, their ability to hold their position against seasoned males suggests they are on the path to becoming a dominant force in the Maasai Mara.

The youngest of the Topi Boys, Kiongozi – photo credit Felix Rome 

The Bila Shaka coalition

After their dramatic expulsion from the Musiara Marsh by the Topi Boys on the 11th of December, the Bila Shakas (Chongo, Koshoke, Kiok, and Kibogoyo) have kept a good distance from their former territory. However, February saw a change in their movements, suggesting a potential new direction for the coalition.

Koshoke relaxing near Paradise Plains – photo credit Felix Rome 

They crossed the Talek River into Rekero Pride territory, where they mated with one of the lionesses – a bold move that hints at their growing ambition. Since then, they have been hunting independently near Rekero’s domain, seemingly testing the waters for a more permanent presence.

The most significant development came on the last day of February when the Bila Shaka Boys were spotted near Ashnil Camp, deep within the stronghold of the Rekero males, Kijana and Olchore. This is the furthest they have ventured from Paradise Plains in recent times, raising speculation about a possible confrontation with the dominant males of the region.

The male cheetah known as Ruka was seen regularly on our February game drives. Born in 2018 to Rosetta, Ruka and his littermate, Rafiki, were known as the majestic “Border Boys” of the Masai Mara and Serengeti. Their mother raised the two boys and their sister Risasi, before leaving them to figure out an independent life at 18 months old.

Little Governors’ Camp guests enjoying time with Ruka – photo credit Felix Rome 

Risasi eventually dispersed from her brothers and currently roams the Serengeti. Based on their early characteristics and hunting skills, they were given their names Ruka (“jump”) and Rafiki (“friend”). Sadly Rafiki passed on last year, leaving Ruka as a solitary cheetah.

Ruka – photo credit Felix Rome 

Birds of the Masai Mara

With over 500 recorded species including residents and migrants, the Maasai Mara is widely considered to be one of the best birding destinations within Kenya. Critical habitats such as grasslands, forests, marshes and the banks of the Mara River all provide feeding and breeding grounds for a magnificent array of avifauna.

A malachite kingfisher – photo credit Felix Rome 

Although February was dry, we always enjoy a great variety of wetland species that are heavily dependant on the iconic Musiara Marsh. Smaller wading birds such as terns, sandpipers, snipes, avocets, stilts, African jacanas and thick-knees are commonly-seen species at the edges of shallow pools. Busily navigating their way through thick grasses, reeds and hyacinth, they are relentless in their search for aquatic invertebrates, minuscule fish and other crustaceans.

African openbills are medium-sized, dark glossy storks that are generally not common in the Mara but will suddenly appear in good numbers if the conditions are favourable. The still shallow waters of the marsh provide an ideal catchment area for their highly specialised diet of snails, worms and frogs.

African openbills flock from the marsh – photo credit Felix Rome 

Out on the open plains, secretary birds were seen striding about in search of food. They are easily identified by their long legs and a distinctive black crest of feathers that appears to shoot out of the back of their heads. Stomping on prey and killing it with a single blow has earned the secretary bird its scientific name Sagittarius serpentarius – the “archer of snakes”. Sadly, these incredible birds are listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List due to loss of habitat.

The secretary bird is a (mostly) terrestrial bird of prey – photo credit Felix Rome

Flocks of ostriches made up of one male and about eight to ten females have been a consistent sight in February. Like many of the antelope species, they too have shifted to areas where the grass is shorter.

In such tight-knit groups, we find that one dominant or perhaps older female will incubate the eggs for some of the less experienced females, occasionally assisted by the male. Once the eggs hatch, the parents form strong family bonds with the chicks and often remain with them until they reach about seven months of age.

A herd of ostriches – photo credit Felix Rome

Thank you to Felix Rome and Ann Aveyard for the supporting imagery. If you’d like to learn more about a February safari, please visit the link below.

READ MORE