Jambo from Mara Siria!
2026 is flying by — we’re already heading into June and the countdown to high season is on. But before the Great Migration steals the show, we wanted to look back at a May that had a few surprises up its sleeve. Because the low season in the Mara? Genuinely underrated.
The Mara in May — quiet, green, and full of life
Fewer vehicles. Half-price park fees. Tall grass that makes every sighting feel earned. May falls in what regulars call the green season — the Masai Mara at its most lush, most private, and most underrated. Our guests this month came away with lions, cheetahs, rhinos, and — for the lucky ones — the elusive leopard.
Not bad for the so-called “off season. ✨
Special Siria Guests
May was an exciting month not just out in the bush, but right here in camp. We had some unannounced arrivals: a pair of leopards passing through, a lioness who seemed in no hurry to leave, and a porcupine who has apparently decided to move in behind the kitchen. With our new trail camera network up and running, we caught some incredible footage of these nocturnal visitors going about their business after dark. You can see the clips on our Instagram Account and Mara Siria Camp Facebook Page.
A hidden gem: the Melanistic Bushbaby
Most wildlife lovers have heard of the Black Leopard — one of the most sought-after sightings in East Africa. But have you heard of a Black Bushbaby?
Both share a genetic trait called melanism: an overproduction of melanin pigment that turns their fur jet black instead of the usual grey or golden tones. In scientific terms, what lives here at Mara Siria Camp is the Greater Melanistic Galago (Otolemur crassicaudatus) — an isolated population on the Siria Escarpment, also known as the Oloololo Escarpment. They come out every night, right behind our restaurant.
Next time you’re in camp, take a look just outside the door after dinner. And keep an eye on your mashed potatoes.
Written & photographed by Oscar Fogg | @wildbyoscar
