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

GREAT RECEPTION - 27 August 2010
Driving by the open plain is a lot of fun at the moment as the area is becoming very busy with the resident wildebeest and zebra. It is also agood time for the cats, such as the lions, to show why they are called so. They are not leaving the kanyanja...
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LOOK AT THESE HANDSOME MALES! - 21 August 2010
Look at these males enjoying their territory in Grumeti. We spotted them in an open area close to Masira Hill, whilst driving past. It's so nice to see the way that they stand.
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Three kills within a single minute - 19 August 2010
It was a full day game drive and we had started early in the morning. Whilst on on the drive, in the middle of the Serengeti, we spot a lioness, one which we observe frequently. All of a sudden, on the other side, we saw about 4 Thomson gazelles and an...
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