This Week at Angama #384

As we set out for a late afternoon game drive in the Mara, a guest mentioned spotting something orange in a tree just below the North Camp deck. Curiosity piqued, we went to investigate — and to our surprise, found a tower of giraffes intently gazing in the same direction. High up in the branches, Nala and her cubs were resting, likely recovering from the morning’s failed attempt at taking down a buffalo.

While the giraffes were keeping a close eye on the lions, we turned our gaze to them. Watching the giraffes silhouetted against a moody, stormy blue sky was breathtaking — just as rewarding to witness as it was to photograph. 

In another remarkable encounter, the Salt Lick male leopard made a dramatic appearance for Guide Fred and his guest, Steve. Without warning, he effortlessly scaled a balanite tree, displaying his strength and agility. For nearly ten minutes, he perched with poise, scanning the savannah with piercing focus in search of breakfast.

Guide Jeremy was also at the sighting, he captured the leopard calmly scanning around for prey as he seemed empty-bellied, while Guest Steve captured him perfectly descending from the tree. Leopards are known for their affinity for trees, using them as resting spots and strategic vantage points to observe their surroundings or safeguard a fresh kill. Interestingly, this behaviour is increasingly seen in other big cats of the Mara Triangle, a sign of their ability to adapt in this dynamic ecosystem. 

The lone remaining female of the Owino Pride and her four cubs appeared to be in poor health — a clear indication of her immense burden. Raising and providing for four growing cubs on her own is no small feat, especially when large prey demands strength and strategy. Each hunt consumes a significant amount of her energy, and as a devoted mother, she often allows her cubs to feed first, sacrificing her nourishment for their survival. 

Despite the toll, the cubs seem to be learning by quietly observing her, absorbing the skills they'll need to contribute to the pride’s success. There’s hope that as they grow stronger and more confident, they’ll soon be able to assist in hunts, giving her a much-needed reprieve to rebuild her strength. Encouragingly, their playful interactions remain — a sign that their familial bond is still solid. In this unforgiving landscape, such resilience and unity are their greatest chances for survival. 

The formidable Taliban males have resurfaced, though only three of the five were seen this time. Guide Johnny spotted them moments before the drama began. The trio had already locked their sights on a vulnerable target — a buffalo cow and her calf, who had strayed from the herd's safety. The lions began their strategic approach without hesitation, fanning out in different directions to encircle the pair from multiple angles.

A newly identified male leopard was spotted near the main crossing along the Mara River, a section of the Mara Triangle that falls well within Shujaa’s vast territory, which spans multiple crossing points across both the Triangle and the Greater Reserve. This could be an early sign that Shujaa, now ageing, may soon face pressure from younger rivals seeking to stake their claim.

With the Great Migration just around the corner, tensions are likely to rise as the influx of prey draws in an even higher concentration of predators. The balance of power among the big cats may soon shift — all eyes are on this unfolding dynamic.

As the cold season sets in, midday heat remains intense — a challenge for many animals. These impalas, turning their heads away from the blazing sun, seek relief from the searing conditions. After all, no creature enjoys a pounding headache under a blazing sky.

Hyenas practise communal care when raising their pups. While some venture out searching for food, one or two members remain behind to guard the den and look after the young. In moments of heightened threat, they may carry pups in their mouths to relocate them to safety, especially if it is unsafe for the cubs to move on their own. 

Guest Steve had the rare chance to capture a legendary standoff. A massive bull elephant came striding down the track, only to meet a male lion approaching from the opposite direction. For nearly five minutes, the two giants of the savannah stood still, locked in an intense stare, each assessing the other. Steve had the perfect window to frame and capture an unforgettable image that speaks volumes about power and presence in the wild. 

Ultimately, the lion decided to step aside, veering off the main road to allow the elephant to pass. In a silent but clear gesture, he acknowledged the sheer force of nature that stood before him — after all, challenging such a formidable opponent would not have ended in his favour.

The trio of male cheetahs, now gradually earning the nickname 'The Oloololo Coalition' due to their frequent presence around the iconic Out of Africa lookout, appear to be thriving. Their bonds remain strong, seen in gentle interactions and cooperative hunting. Guest Yuvraj spotted them just five minutes after leaving the lodge, right beneath the iconic tree, moments before they brought down an impala as dusk set in, securing their evening meal. - Japheth Supeyo

As the sun rises over the Amboseli plains, its golden hues ignite the landscape, stirring excitement in safari-goers and photographers. The sunrise set the tone for an action-filled day in Amboseli National Park. 

Not long into the drive, we came across a pride of more than ten lions, their bellies round and full — unmistakable evidence of a recent feast. Though the carcass lay too far off to photograph, they had taken down a buffalo. For a pride this size, a meal like this can last a couple of days — if they can defend it from the ever-watchful scavengers nearby.

We watched as they fed in turns and noticed that one of the lionesses had a wound on her forelimb, likely a few days old — a reminder that a successful kill doesn’t come without a struggle — even for lions.

The video below captures the onset of the courtship frenzy for the eastern white-bearded wildebeest. This vibrant period is characterised by intense mating activity, as males stake out temporary territories and compete with one another through fierce clashes to attract receptive females. 

Two distinct types of regional antelopes are the gerenuk and the lesser kudu. The name 'gerenuk' derives from the Somali word 'giraffe-necked,' which perfectly describes this antelope’s most striking feature — its elongated neck. Remarkably, it can stand upright on its hind legs to browse on high shrubs, feeding where others can’t. Even more fascinating, it can survive without drinking water, relying solely on moisture from leaves, flowers, and fruits. This adaptation allows it to thrive in arid, dry environments where water is scarce. 

In contrast, the lesser kudu is a master of camouflage. Shy and elusive, it prefers the dappled light of dense bushland and woodlands. With its striking white body stripes, it blends into the shadows, moving quietly and cautiously to avoid predators. 

Though they rarely cross paths, these two antelopes are perfect examples of how different species have evolved unique survival strategies to thrive in diverse and dramatic landscapes. 

This region is home to an impressive variety of birdlife — from the vividly coloured to the more understated, each species is captivating in its own way. Among them is the grey-headed kingfisher, often spotted near swamps and along the Kimana stream in the Sanctuary. Unlike most of its relatives, this kingfisher is non-aquatic. It does not eat fish; instead, it hunts swiftly on land, feeding on insects and small lizards.

A more flamboyant resident of Kimana is the red-and-yellow barbet, pictured here perched on a termite mound — a favourite hunting spot. Feeding on termites, seeds, and fruits, these birds are as bold in behaviour as they are in colour.

The Ashe’s spitting cobra (Naja ashei) is one of Africa’s largest venomous cobras. It is native to the East African region and well-adapted to this ecosystem, where grasslands meet scattered woodlands and seasonal swamps. The mix of rodent populations, birdlife, and reptile species offers abundant feeding opportunities for the cobra. 

Sightings are rare due to the snake’s elusive nature and crepuscular habits, but it remains an important predator within the food web. Its ability to spit venom makes it a notable species in human-wildlife conflict zones, especially near park boundaries and Maasai settlements. — Sammy Njoroge