Where to go in Serengeti National Park?
Where to go in Serengeti National Park? Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Africa and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. The park fits well into most people’s dream of an African safari with its abundant wildlife, vast golden plains dotted with thorny umbrella acacia trees, kopjes, and sausage trees, and its crocodile and hippos.
The Serengeti name derives from the Maasai phrase “siringet” which translates to “endless plains”. The Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania and is truly vast, covering an area of about 5,700 square miles (14,763 sq km).
To make the most of your Serengeti National Park visit, consider exploring Seronera valley, the lobo valley, the Grumeti river area, the Moru kopjes, all known for diverse wildlife viewing opportunities including the great migrations. Here’s are some detailed looks at some of the best places to visit in Serengeti National Park.
Seronera Valley
African safaris to Serengeti are in complete if you don’t visit the Seronera Valley in central Serengeti where large herds of wildlife are spotted feeding in the greener pastures provided by the river. This area is renowned for its abundance of resident wildlife, including Wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, elephants, waterbucks, mongoose, and many other animals can be easily spotted in this part of Serengeti. It’s the simplest predator viewing section or destination in Africa. The valley’s unique landscape, dotted with acacia trees and open plains, offers excellent opportunities for game drives. Visitors can enjoy thrilling early-morning and late-afternoon safaris, catching the animals during their most active times. Birdwatching is also spectacular here, with colorful species flitting between the trees. Whether you’re capturing photos or simply soaking in the sights, Seronera Valley is a highlight of any Tanzania safari.
Lobo Valley
Lobo Valley, located in the northern Serengeti, is famous for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The area is particularly popular during the Great Migration when huge herds of wildebeest and zebras pass through. Game drives here offer a chance to see these magnificent animals up close, along with predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards waiting for their opportunity. In fact, the Lobo Valley is considered to have the best cat viewing opportunities in the Serengeti. Apart from the big cats, you can easily spot impalas, giraffes, warthogs, buffalos, baboons, vervet monkeys, topi, hartebeests, dik-diks, rocky hyraxes and elephants among other animals in here. The scenic hills and valleys provide a perfect backdrop for photography. Birdwatching enthusiasts will also find Lobo Valley rewarding, with numerous species thriving in the region’s varied habitats. This hidden gem is a fantastic spot for a thrilling adventure.
The Serengeti Hippo Pool
The Serengeti Hippo Pool, situated near the Seronera River, is an incredible place for animal encounters. Visitors can observe large groups of hippos basking in the sun, often fighting for space in the water. This area is great for families and photographers alike, as the hippos are visible up close. Additionally, you might spot crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks or birds scouting for their next meal. A visit here not only offers a fascinating view of these massive creatures but also provides a peaceful picnic spot to enjoy the surrounding wildlife and scenery.
Grumeti River
The Grumeti River is a river in Mara Region, Tanzania, situated almost entirely within the western corridor of Serengeti National Park. It flows westward and mouths into the Speke Gulf of Lake Victoria. It is a prime location for witnessing the dramatic moments of the Great Migration. As wildebeest and zebras attempt to cross its waters, predators often lie in wait, providing thrilling viewing opportunities. Other wildlife that you may also spot while on a Serengeti wildlife safari in these sections of the park includes giraffe, hippo, cheetah, elephant, large Nile Crocodiles and good leopard and lion populations. Visitors can enjoy exciting boat safaris or guided fishing trips along the river, offering a unique perspective of the landscape and its inhabitants. The lush riverbanks are also rich in birdlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The Grumeti River’s dramatic scenery and wildlife interactions make it a highlight of any Serengeti adventure.
The Great Migration
The Great Migration, one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles, occurs annually in the Serengeti. Millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing, accompanied by their predators. Watching the wildebeest is the key and a top thing to do in Serengeti National Park. The wildebeest are concentrated in the northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area and southern Serengeti area grazing and calving. The best time to witness this event is from June to September, as the herds move towards the Mara River.
Naabi Hill area
Naabi Hill, located at the eastern entrance of Serengeti National Park, serves as an excellent starting point for your safari adventure. Its elevated viewpoint provides breathtaking panoramas of the plains below, making it ideal for photography and relaxation. It is home to many prides of lions and also welcomes migratory hooves sometime between December and early June. While there, visitors can enjoy a picnic and learn about the park’s ecology from informative displays. Naabi Hill is also a great spot for spotting wildlife, as it offers a vantage point to observe herds grazing in the distance. The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity, giving nature lovers the chance to appreciate Serengeti’s stunning scenery.
Local Maasai culture
Experiencing the local Maasai culture is a highlight while visiting Serengeti. These vibrant people offer guided cultural visits, where you can learn about their traditions, lifestyle, and vibrant customs. Take a visit to the Masai land where you will be welcomed by the local Masai and learn about their customs, traditions, and lifestyle. You will be taken through different activities and these include a brief dancing ceremony, a visit to the village school, and the opportunity to purchase handicrafts produced by members of the village. A cultural visit adds depth to your Tanzania safari, connecting you to the land and its people in a meaningful way.
Moru Kopjes Area
The Moru Kopjes, a series of rocky outcrops in central Serengeti, are stunning natural formations that provide both spectacular views and a rich wildlife experience. Located in the southwestern plains of the Central Serengeti, Moru Kopjes feature miniature mountains, bushes, trees and enormous rock formations – like a mini–Lion King setting. It also features small pools of water which attract an incredible amount of wildlife, which is why predators like lions and cheetahs usually position themselves up in the kopjes so they could see the activities of their target prey. Visitors can enjoy game drives through the lush surroundings, where you might also spot elephants, giraffes, and various bird species. The historical rock paintings on some kopjes add an intriguing layer to your visit, combining natural beauty with cultural heritage, making Moru Kopjes a unique safari destination.
Olduvai Gorge area
Olduvai Gorge, often referred to as the “Cradle of Humanity,” is a must-visit site for history buffs and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Located near the Serengeti, this archaeological site offers insight into human evolution, featuring fossil remains dating back millions of years. Guided tours provide fascinating information about early humans and their connection to the area. Besides its historical significance, visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the gorge and its surroundings. Exploring Olduvai Gorge adds depth to your Serengeti experience, showcasing the rich tapestry of life, both past and present.
Bologonja Springs
Bologonja Springs, in the northern Serengeti, is an oasis known for its serene landscapes and diverse wildlife. Bologonja is a lush and idyllic spot hidden away in the remote reaches of the North Serengeti. Many varieties of colorful birds can be found here including kingfishers, hoopoes and rollers. Bologonja’s flourishing resources support some unusual antelope species including the mountain reedbuck and steenbok, making it an excellent spot for game viewing. Visitors can enjoy soothing picnics by the water while watching elephants, buffalo, and various birds come to drink. The area is also a great place for photographers, as the lush vegetation contrasts beautifully with the open savanna. Bologonja Springs is a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure on your Tanzania safari, offering unforgettable encounters with nature.
