The Serengeti is home to literally millions of large herbivores, with more than 35 species of plains-dwelling mammals, as well as the accompanying carnivores and prolific birdlife. The mobile nature of our Serengeti Under Canvas camps means that they are uniquely suited to give guests a close glimpse of the Great Migration, as well as the Serengeti’s numerous other wildlife riches. Each year, almost two million wildebeest, zebra, eland and Thomson’s gazelle follow the annual rains through the Serengeti and 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. Lion, and hyena, as well as the more elusive cheetah and leopard, mingle with the migrating masses, while vulture and jackal await the scraps of the more powerful predators. The Serengeti is famous for its large lion population and a number of lion prides are present in each of the areas utilised by our camps. The far lighter and faster cheetah are also present.  During the migration, the spotted 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 most other varieties. A group of vultures soaring up to 1 000 metres above the earth is not an uncommon sight on the Serengeti plains.  It is not only scavengers and predators that follow the wildebeest in their great trek across the landscape. Although able to survive without drinking water if necessary, the small and compact Thomson’s gazelle follows the wildebeest in their quest for life-giving water and grazing.

Recent Sightings from Wildwatch.com

LEOPARD - 11 November 2012
It was so wonderful to sport a leopard stalking a gazelle!
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AERIAL HUNTING - 16 January 2012
It was late in the evening coming back from our afternoon game drive. We spotted a lioness in an acacia tree watching a herd of zebras ad wildebeest drinking water. We observed the sighting for about a half an hour. Unfortunately we had to leave the...
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A REAL ZEBRA CROSSING! - 17 July 2011
Thanks, Russell! With so many wonderful sightings, it was impossible to choose, but you gave me the best zebra photos!
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