February 14, 2026
While some cheetahs born and raised in the Mara, establish their home ranges within the Serengeti, other cheetahs raised in the Serengeti migrate to the Mara. Since young males typically move far from their maternal territories after independence, some individuals born in Tanzania come to the Kenyan side of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. In the last quarter of 2025, a new pair of young males appeared in the Mara region on the border with Tanzania. Our colleagues – rangers of the Mara Cheetah Unit named them Osieku – The One Who Comes First and Oserian – Peaceful One (in Maa). Being very shy, they still prefer to stay mostly in dense bush and hills, away from busy tourist routes, where they feel comfortable and can hunt without being disturbed by hyenas, lions and humans. The males have adapted well to avoiding livestock on the edge of the reserve, and are gradually getting used to the activity of tourists. It will take them a few months to get their bearings, and then the guests will be able to observe all the different behaviors of this new coalition. In the meantime, we ask guides to be patient, approach them slowly, and maintain a respectful distance to help these young animals acclimate to the vehicles.
