Sametu Marsh and Kopjes

Highlights

  • Best Known For

    • Largest lion pride in the Serengeti
    • Subject of books & research projects
    • Frequent lion hunts near the marsh
    • Top game viewing destination in Serengeti

  • Size

    5 square miles

  • Topography

    Granite Kopjes, Marsh & Waterhole, Short Grass Plains, Small Depressions & Hills

  • Main Species

    Lion, Cheetah, Hartebeest, Honey Badger, Grant's & Thomson's Gazelle, Warthog, Jackal

Sametu Marsh and Kopjes

Sametu Kopjes is one of top 3 highlights of the entire Serengeti Ecosystem. Home to cheetahs, the park's largest lion pride and subject of a charming book entitled 'Lions Share', Sametu Kopjes is a hidden gem on the remote edge of the Serengeti. The marsh, which lies directly in front of the kopjes, is fed by underground springs and is a magnet for plains game as it holds the only source of water in the area. The mothers of the Sametu lion pride often leave their cubs in the thick reeds that surround the marsh while off hunting.

View East Serengeti Map Lodging Options Seasonal Highlights Nearby Attractions

Lodging Near Sametu Marsh and Kopjes

Seasonal Highlights

For the Sametu Marsh and Kopjes

Recommended Month to Visit

Month Season Recommended Weather Wildlife Sightings
Jan Green Season YES 60 - 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo
Feb Green Season YES 60 - 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo
Mar Green Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration
Apr Green Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration
May Northward Migration YES 56 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration
Jun Beginning of Dry Season YES 56 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration (early to mid June only)
Jul Dry Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny
Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo
Aug Dry Season YES 55 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo
Sep Dry Season YES 55 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo
Oct Dry Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny
Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo
Nov Southward Migration YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo
Dec Beginning of Green Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo

Attractions Near Sametu Marsh and Kopjes