This Week at Angama #436

In the Mara:

While small groups of wildebeest have already crossed directly into the Mara Triangle, the real excitement traditionally begins further south at Sand River. It is here that the vast herds first enter the Greater Maasai Mara from the Serengeti, marking the beginning of one of nature's greatest spectacles.

Over the following days and weeks, the animals spread across the plains before making their way towards the Mara River and into the Triangle. This year, however, the Migration appears to be unfolding earlier than in the past four to five seasons. The first substantial herds have already begun arriving, raising anticipation for another remarkable Migration season.

F 8.0, 1/800, IS0 200 | Robert Sayialel

The timing of the Great Migration is never dictated by a calendar but by nature itself. Rainfall across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem determines where fresh grazing emerges, and the wildebeest instinctively follow these new pastures.

Although controlled burning has already rejuvenated sections of the Mara Triangle, producing nutritious new grass, the region is still awaiting the seasonal rains that typically accelerate the movement of the larger herds. As the first arrivals settle onto the freshly burned plains, conditions are being set for the main event. Every passing day brings the possibility of thousands more wildebeest appearing over the horizon, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, all driven by an ancient instinct in search of fresh grazing.

With the landscape prepared, fresh grass beginning to regenerate, and the first herds already on the move, all eyes are now on the skies, waiting for the rains that will usher in the full spectacle of the Great Migration. For the predators of the Mara Triangle, this is a season of growing anticipation. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles all stand ready to capitalise on the seasonal abundance as the migration breathes new life into the ecosystem.

F 8.0, 1/250, ISO 100 | Guest Lisa

The rewards are already becoming evident. During a game drive, guest Lisa came across the formidable Border Pride making the most of the early arrivals. The pride had successfully brought down three wildebeest, with groups of lions spread across the plains, each feeding peacefully on their own kill.

A fascinating shift in lion dynamics is unfolding across the Mara Triangle as the formidable Lamai males continue to expand their territory northwards. These powerful males, who dominate the border region and the Border Pride, are steadily pushing deeper into areas traditionally occupied by the Nyati coalition, reshaping the balance of power in the Triangle.

The Nyati males, once firmly established across much of the region, are now scattered as far north as the northern reaches of the Triangle. Meanwhile, the Lamai coalition, believed to comprise around six males, has extended its influence from the southern border into the southeastern plains, including the territory of the Sausage Tree Pride. Their steady advance reflects the ever-changing nature of lion society, where strength, persistence and timing determine who holds the kingdom.

F 8.0, 1/800, ISO 500 | Robert Sayialel

Among the coalition, two particularly large and dominant Lamai males have now moved beyond the Mlima Mbili area. Their latest conquest is the Egyptian Pride, where they have been observed mating with two resident females—a clear sign they are asserting ownership of yet another pride. For the resident Nyati males, this represents a significant challenge to their dominance and could signal further territorial battles in the weeks ahead.

F 5.6, 1/1000, ISO 200 | Robert Sayialel

F 8.0, 1/1000, ISO 250 | Robert Sayialel

The arrival of the Migration has come at the perfect time for these ambitious males. With wildebeest beginning to stream into the Triangle, food is abundant, allowing the lions to focus their energy on defending territory, courting females and strengthening their position. During one sighting, the newly dominant males were found feeding on fresh wildebeest kills, likely brought down by the lionesses they are now accompanying.

F 8.0, 1/800, ISO 500 | Robert Sayialel

One male, distinguished by his magnificent dark mane and imposing stature, was particularly impressive. His commanding appearance leaves little doubt as to why he has been successful in securing both territory and mates.

F 8.0, 1/1000, ISO 250 | Robert Sayialel

F 8.0, 1/1000, ISO 250 | Robert Sayialel

Even in times of plenty, however, the social hierarchy within a pride remains unmistakable. As one lioness fed on the remains of a carcass, a dominant male kept close watch on the dwindling kill. Deciding that the final morsels belonged to him, he forcefully displaced the lioness before claiming the remaining ribs and skull for himself, resting his massive head on them.

F 8, 1/800, ISO 640 | Robert Sayialel

F 8.0, 1/1000, IS0 800 | Robert Sayialel

At the Main Crossing, more zebras continue to brave the Mara River as they make their way into the Mara Triangle, each crossing carrying the ever-present risk of an encounter with one of the river's most formidable predators. While many survive the dangerous journey, not all are as fortunate.

On our way back to the lodge, we came across one of the most unusual wildlife scenes of the day. A zebra had fallen victim to the crocodiles, but instead of the struggle unfolding in the water, the carcass had ended up stranded on the riverbank. Gathered around it was a cluster of enormous Nile crocodiles, awkwardly attempting to feed on dry land.

F 8.0, 1/400, ISO 125 | Robert Sayialel

It was a striking reminder of just how perfectly adapted crocodiles are to life in the water. Lift these prehistoric reptiles from their aquatic domain, and they suddenly appear almost clumsy. Their powerful hunting strategy relies on seizing prey in the water before performing the famous 'death roll' — a rapid spinning motion that tears manageable chunks of flesh from a carcass. In the river, this technique is devastatingly effective. On land, however, it was a very different story.

With several crocodiles piled on top of one another around the carcass, there was little room to manoeuvre. Each reptile struggled to gain enough leverage to perform a proper death roll, turning what would normally be a swift feeding frenzy into a slow and awkward contest. Every so often, one crocodile managed to wrench free a small piece of meat, instantly triggering renewed jostling and snapping as the others lunged for their share. The spectacle continued long after we departed. A carcass that would have been consumed in minutes beneath the water's surface was destined to take hours on land.

While the crocodiles struggled to feed on land, another of the Mara's great scavengers was enjoying a far easier meal. A nearby clan of spotted hyenas was finishing the spoils of a successful night's hunt when we came across one individual trotting purposefully across the plains, carrying the leg of a zebra firmly in its jaws.

F 7.1, 1/400, ISO 1250 | Robert Sayialel

Often misunderstood as mere scavengers, hyenas are in fact highly skilled hunters, capable of bringing down prey through remarkable teamwork, endurance and intelligence. During the Migration season, however, the abundance of wildebeest and zebras means they can take advantage of both their own kills and opportunities left behind by other predators.

As I watched the hyena disappear into the distance with its prize, I couldn't help but glance at the nearby herd of zebras grazing calmly. Did they recognise the unmistakable scent of one of their own? Could they somehow sense the fate of a fellow herd member? It is one of those intriguing questions the wild leaves unanswered.

As more herbivores arrive in the Mara Triangle, the Siligi brothers continue to patrol the plains, ever watchful for an opportunity to single out an unsuspecting gazelle, impala or young wildebeest.

Among the most familiar faces in the Triangle, these three males have become remarkably predictable in their movements, following a well-established route between the Mara Triangle in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania. Their journey takes them from the southern plains of the Serengeti, north through the Triangle, before eventually turning back south again — a cycle they have repeated over the years.

F 8.0, 1/800, ISO 320 | Robert Sayialel

In Amboseli:

The rhythm of Kimana Sanctuary has begun to change. Each day begins with a beautiful sunrise. However, the air is crisp with cool winds, and as the mornings progress, mist begins to lift, but the warmth never fully settles in. A sign that the cold season has arrived, with wildlife adapting to the cooler conditions and the landscape taking on a calm, refreshing character.

F11, 1/400, ISO500 | Arnold Omondi

F11, 1/400, ISO500 | Arnold Omondi

This week, the skies offered two faces of the same celestial companion: the glowing night moon and the soft, pale day moon.

The night moon rose with remarkable brilliance, casting a warm golden glow. Against the deep black of the night sky, every crater and shadow stood out. Beneath it, the nocturnal world stirred: hyenas called in the distance and owls hunted silently. By contrast, the day moon appeared in the cool blue morning sky, faint yet unmistakable, lingering as the sun slowly claimed the day.

Midweek, after spending some time searching for lions through Kimana, we finally found Memusi resting beneath a tree with her older cubs. Everything seemed peaceful. The older cubs lay quietly beside her, enjoying the cool afternoon while their mother remained watchful.

F4.5, 1/1000, ISO1250 | Arnold Omondi

F4.5, 1/1000, ISO640 | Arnold Omondi

About 15 minutes later, the mood changed. Memusi suddenly began calling, her deep contact calls echoing across the grassland as she searched for her younger cubs, who were nowhere to be seen. She paced through the nearby bushes, stopping often to listen for a response. At first, it appeared the youngsters had wandered off on their own, leaving us wondering where they had gone.

F4.5, 1/1000, ISO800 | Arnold Omondi

F6.3, 1/1000, ISO1250 | Arnold Omondi

F6.3, 1/1000, ISO1250 | Arnold Omondi

F6.3, 1/1000, ISO1250 | Arnold Omondi

As we continued watching, a movement deep inside the thicket caught our attention. Hidden beneath the bushes was Noltulali, fast asleep beside the younger cubs. While Memusi had been resting with the older cubs, Noltulali had quietly taken responsibility for the younger members of the pride. It was a beautiful reminder that lionesses raise their young together, sharing the duties of protection, babysitting and teaching. In a pride, motherhood is a collective effort. Once the cubs heard Memusi's calls, they emerged from the cover of the bushes and hurried towards their mother. The reunion was heartwarming.

F6.3, 1/1000, ISO1250 | Arnold Omondi

F6.3, 1/1000, ISO1250 | Arnold Omondi

F6.3, 1/1000, ISO1250 | Arnold Omondi

The younger cubs immediately began suckling while the older cubs welcomed them into playful chases and gentle wrestling matches.

F6.3, 1/1000, ISO1250 | Arnold Omondi

F6.3, 1/1000, ISO1600 | Arnold Omondi

F5.6, 1/1000, ISO1000 | Arnold Omondi

F5.0, 1/1000, ISO1000 | Arnold Omondi

The cubs gathered in a tight bundle beside their mothers, using each other's body heat to stay warm. Memusi and Noltulali watched over them, relaxed and alert, knowing that every cub was safely accounted for.

As evening settled over the Sanctuary, two of its dominant males, Osunash and Male 263, were once again on patrol. With slow, confident strides, they moved through the grasslands, scent-marking bushes and scanning the horizon, reminding every rival that this territory was still under their control.

F4.5, 1/1000, ISO3200 | Arnold Omondi Osunash

F4.5, 1/1000, ISO3200 | Arnold Omondi Male 263

Their patrol seemed calm, but a closer look at Male 263 told a different story. Fresh cuts and deep wounds marked the left side of his face. One injury, stretching across his cheek, was particularly severe — these were fresh battle wounds, likely earned in a recent confrontation with rival males attempting to challenge the coalition.

F6.3, 1/1000, ISO3200 | Arnold Omondi

F6.3, 1/1000, ISO3200 | Arnold Omondi

For male lions, territory is everything. It provides access to pride females, food and the opportunity to pass on their genes. But holding that territory comes at a cost — every patrol carries the possibility of conflict, and every fight can mean serious injury or even death.

Despite his wounds, Male 263 showed remarkable resilience. He walked beside Osunash without hesitation, alert and determined, continuing his duties.

F4.5, 1/1000, ISO3200 | Arnold Omondi

F4.5, 1/1000, ISO3200 | Arnold Omondi

As the week came to a close, we were treated to a mini Migration. Small herds of wildebeest streamed through the wildlife corridor and into the Sanctuary, following paths that have connected these landscapes for generations.

F5.6, 1/1000, ISO200 | Arnold Omondi

This movement is a powerful reminder of why the Kimana Wildlife Corridor is so important. It allows wildlife to move freely between Amboseli and the surrounding ecosystems, ensuring access to food, water and breeding areas while maintaining healthy wildlife populations.

Watching the wildebeest arrive is always a sign that the Sanctuary remains a vital refuge for migratory species. Every crossing tells a story of survival, resilience and the enduring connection between wildlife and the landscapes.

F7.1, 1/1000, ISO200 | Arnold Omondi

F7.1, 1/1000, ISO200 | Arnold Omondi

As the week came to an end, we were faced with heartbreaking news from the Amboseli ecosystem. A young elephant was found critically ill in the grasslands, showing the same worrying symptoms that claimed the lives of two other young elephants just last week. The situation quickly brought together a dedicated wildlife response team from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Big Life Foundation. Their shared mission was to do everything possible to save the calf's life.

F8.0, 1/800, ISO160 | Arnold Omondi

F11, 1/800, ISO400 | Arnold Omondi

The veterinary team worked carefully and professionally, collecting blood samples and conducting a thorough examination while the elephant lay under close observation.

The samples will now undergo laboratory analysis in the hope of identifying the cause of this mysterious illness. The loss of two young elephants in such a short period is deeply concerning — calves are among the most vulnerable members of the herd, and an unknown disease spreading through the population could have devastating consequences if left unchecked.

Identifying the cause is the first step toward effective treatment and preventing more losses. Every elephant saved is another step toward securing the future of one of Africa's most iconic species.

F8.0, 1/800, ISO250 | Arnold Omondi

Filed under: This Week at Angama

Tagged with:

Great Migration , Kimana Pride , Kimana Sanctaury , Lions of the Mara , Maasai Mara , Migration , This Week At Angama , Wildlife , Wildlife Photography

About: The Photographic Studios

The team in both Angama Mara's and Angama Amboseli's Photographic Studio spend their days capturing our guests' memories and reporting on the fantastic sightings seen out on safari.

Browse all articles by The Photographic Studios Meet the angama team

This Week at Angama #436

In the Mara:

In Amboseli:

Keep Reading

Leave a Comment: