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Where to Go on a Safari in Serengeti National Park

Africa's best tailor-made safaris

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Where to Go on a Safari in Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is divided into several distinct regions, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife experiences. Here’s a detailed guide to the key areas within the park and what makes them special:

1. Central Serengeti

Zebras in Seronera Valley in Serengeti National Park
Zebras in Seronera Valley in Serengeti National Park

Overview: The heart of the Serengeti, known for its abundant wildlife and large populations of big cats. This area is ideal for year-round visits, with peak game viewing during the Great Migration.

Key Highlights:

  • Seronera Valley: The central hub of the Serengeti, famous for its resident big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. This region offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.
  • Retima Hippo Pool: A popular spot to see hippos up close, along with a variety of other wildlife that frequent the area.

Unique Facts:

  • The Seronera Valley is often referred to as the “Big Cat Capital” of the Serengeti due to its high density of predators.
  • The central Serengeti is a key area for witnessing the Great Migration, particularly during the calving season in the early months of the year.

2. Northern Serengeti

Mara River in Northern Serengeti, Image Credit, Aurari Camp via Wetu
Mara River in Northern Serengeti, Image Credit, Aurari Camp via Wetu

Overview: Less crowded and renowned for the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration, the Northern Serengeti offers pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Key Highlights:

  • Mara River: Witness the thrilling spectacle of the Great Migration river crossings, where wildebeest and zebras brave the crocodile-infested waters.
  • Lobo Valley: Known for its rugged beauty and exceptional wildlife, including large elephant herds and big cats.

Unique Facts:

  • The Northern Serengeti is home to the famous Mara River crossings, a highlight of the Great Migration that occurs between July and October.
  • This region offers some of the most remote and untouched safari experiences in the Serengeti.

3. Western Corridor

Hippos spotted on a safari | Photo credit: Asanja Grumeti
Hippos spotted on a safari | Photo credit: Asanja Grumeti

Overview: Famous for the Grumeti River and its large crocodile populations, the Western Corridor is ideal for visits during the dry season from May to July.

Key Highlights:

  • Grumeti River: See the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration and the impressive concentration of crocodiles.
  • Kirawira: A luxurious safari camp offering stunning views and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Unique Facts:

  • The Grumeti River area is renowned for its dramatic wildebeest crossings, one of the highlights of the Great Migration.
  • The Western Corridor offers a mix of riverine forests, open plains, and woodlands, providing diverse habitats for a variety of wildlife.

4. Southern Serengeti & Ndutu

Massive herd of wildebeest in Ndutu, Serengeti National Park
Massive herd of wildebeest in Ndutu, Serengeti National Park

Overview: Known for the calving season of the Great Migration herds, the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region are ideal for visiting from December to April.

Key Highlights:

  • Ndutu Region: Witness the incredible calving season, where thousands of wildebeest calves are born, attracting predators and providing dramatic wildlife interactions.
  • Lake Ndutu: A hotspot for birdwatching and seeing large herds of animals gathering around the lake.

Unique Facts: 

  • The Ndutu area is notable for its ancient volcanic soil, which creates nutrient-rich grasslands, sustaining large herbivore populations. 
  • The Southern Serengeti’s unique topography includes vast plains and rocky outcrops called kopjes, which serve as vantage points for predators like lions and leopards.

5. Eastern Serengeti

Wildebeest avoiding crocodiles during a river crossing in Serengeti National Park | Photo credit: Mike Dexter
Wildebeest avoiding crocodiles during a river crossing in Serengeti National Park | Photo credit: Mike Dexter

Overview: A remote and beautiful region, home to the largest concentration of cheetahs on the continent. Best visited from November to February during the Great Migration.

Key Highlights:

  • Namiri Plains: Known for its stunning scenery and excellent cheetah sightings, this area offers a more secluded and exclusive safari experience.
  • Gol Kopjes: Famous for its large prides of lions and panoramic views, ideal for photography and wildlife enthusiasts.

Unique Facts:

  • The Eastern Serengeti is less frequented by tourists, providing a more intimate and off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
  • This region is particularly known for its cheetah population, making it a must-visit for big cat enthusiasts.

The Serengeti is expansive, and each region offers special opportunities to see Africa’s incredible wildlife. 

Whether you are interested in the dramatic river crossings, predator-rich landscapes, or the serene beauty of the remote plains, there is something for everyone in the Serengeti. 

To find out more about each area and plan your perfect safari, visit our detailed guides linked above.


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