The Serengeti is home to literally millions of large herbivores, as well as the accompanying carnivores and prolific birdlife. The Park boasts more than 35 species of plains-dwelling mammals and is renowned for its annual wildebeest migration. Almost two million wildebeest, zebra, eland and Thomson’s gazelle follow the annual rains through the Serengeti to the adjacent Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya in search of prime grazing. As the dense herds of herbivores move across the plains, they are shadowed by predators and scavengers.

The Serengeti is famous for its large lion population and a number of lion prides inhabit the Grumeti area. While largely nocturnal, spotted hyena are yet another species that makes the most of the passing annual migration. At such times, the hyena may be spotted wandering among the herds in the plain light of day. Another scavenger typically encountered on the outskirts of the Migration is the vulture, with the African white-backed vulture and the Rüppell’s vulture outnumbering the other species. A group of vultures soaring up to 1 000 metres above the earth is not an uncommon sight. 

The spectacular black and white colobus monkey is endemic to the area. Uniquely among monkeys, the colobus lack a thumb and are forced to feed solely on leaves by browsing them directly off the trees. Another resident that is an integral part of life at Grumeti River Camp is the hippo. The lettuce-covered pan in front of the camp is the perfect habitat for the amphibious animals, providing much-needed shelter from the blazing sun. Families of grunting hippo cavort in the river during the day and only venture on feeding forays under cover of darkness.

Recent Sightings from Wildwatch.com

Shake it up! - 15 May 2007
Female cheetah has a shake before stalking wildebeest!
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Crowned Crane at Sunset! - 13 May 2007
Crowned Crane at Sunset!
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What a Show - 21 November 2006
Early in the morning at 6:45am we departed the camp for game drive. Just few metres from the lodge we found seven Lions. And among them was the famous grumeti three-legged male Lion, all of them relaxing in the morning sunrise.
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