Lemuta Hill & Waterhole

The landscape is a classic example of the eastern short-grass plains, punctuated by granite kopjes and seasonal waterholes. The hill itself is a wooded acacia outcrop that provides a rare vertical break in the flat terrain. The nearby Lemuta Waterhole acts as a crucial magnet for wildlife in this semi-arid environment. During the green season, these volcanic-rich plains transform into a lush carpet of grass, while the scattered kopjes provide essential shade and scouting points for the area’s high concentration of predators.

Lemuta is a specialist’s paradise, particularly from November through May:

• The Hyena “Commute”: During the green season, Lemuta hosts some of the largest concentrations of spotted hyenas in Africa. These semi-nomadic predators “commute” from their dens in the Central Serengeti to follow the herds, forming massive clans of up to 30 individuals.
• Gazelle and Eland Stronghold: Unlike the wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles and elands (Africa’s largest antelope) prefer the eastern plains. Guests can witness thousands of gazelles and hundreds of eland gathered around the hill and waterhole.
• Rare African Wild Dogs: Lemuta is one of the few places where you might spot the elusive African Hunting Dog. These “tie-dye” patterned predators run in packs of 6 to 20 and are among the most efficient and determined hunters in the bush.
• Cheetahs and Golden Jackals: The open, flat terrain is ideal for cheetahs, who follow the gazelle migration here. It is also a prime location to spot the Golden Jackal, honey badgers, and the African hare darting through the short grass.
• Nomadic Lions: While most lions are resident, roughly 20% are nomadic and follow the migration to Lemuta each year. However, they remain elusive, making a sighting here a true prize for any safari-goer.