The Gol Kopjes on the eastern Serengeti plains host some of the highest concentrations of cheetahs in Africa during the green season. Many of the Serengeti’s cheetahs are migratory, following the Thomson’s gazelle migration to the eastern short grass plains during the wet months before returning to the central Serengeti plains and woodland areas in the dry season. This makes the eastern plains the premier destination for cheetah sightings in both the Serengeti and across Africa. On a full-day game drive in this region, you are likely to see multiple cheetah groups. As diurnal hunters, cheetahs are active during the day, offering excellent chances to witness the world’s fastest land animal in action.

The eastern plains are also home to large hyena clans during the green season, often seen from Naabi Hill through the Gol Kopjes and Lemuta Hill. Hyenas are the most numerous predators in the ecosystem and travel to the eastern plains during the wet season from their dens in the central Serengeti. Lion sightings are plentiful in the eastern plains as well. While most lions are resident, about 20 percent are nomadic and follow migratory herds each wet season. Lions are more commonly observed around the Gol Kopjes area rather than further east beyond Lemuta Hill.

The eastern plains play a key role in the migration patterns of Thomson’s gazelles and elands. Unlike wildebeest and zebras, these species heavily utilize the eastern plains rather than the southern plains. During the green season, visitors can expect to encounter thousands of gazelles and hundreds of elands across this thriving ecosystem.