Serengeti is one of the largest national parks in Africa. Its ecosystem is also so diverse. Given that on average that most people spend 3-5 days in Serengeti, it is impossible to cover the entire park on such a short timeframe. It would take weeks to transverse the whole park. This means you will most likely explore a fraction of Serengeti National Park during your trip. And the amount of area you cover during your safari in Serengeti depends on the duration of your safari, travel goals, and personal preference.
For the purpose of safaris, Serengeti National Park is broadly classified into four areas, namely Southern Serengeti, Central (Seronera) Serengeti, Northern Serengeti and Western Corridor. While all the regions are amazing, each of them has unique highlights. Also, each area varies in terms of landscape, wildlife concentration at different times of the year, and tourist traffic.
So, how do you decide on where to go on a safari in Serengeti? The best area/s of Serengeti to visit will be guided by your specific interests, length of your safari, personal choice and timing of your safari. Let us take a look at what makes each region to stand out, including the best season to visit each area and their pros and cons.
Where to Go on a Safari in Serengeti
1. Southern Serengeti
This encompasses both the southern and eastern plains of Serengeti. This area borders Ndutu Region of Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Southern Serengeti is characterized by extensive open grasslands. In particular, this is one of the best areas to go on a safari in Serengeti during the calving season, which happens between January to March. During this time of the year, the area attracts lots of tourists. In terms of tourist traffic, this area is less crowded compared to Central Serengeti. There are limited number of lodges in this area of Serengeti. In fact, the few that are there are mainly located in the Ndutu Region and neighboring private conservancies. Most of the accommodations in this area are seasonal. It is the perfect region to see new born Wildebeest calves, the largest concentration of Wildebeests and predators hunting. The eastern section of the park is equally good for big cats’ sightings, especially the thriving population of Cheetahs.
Pros
- Great for Wildebeest Migration sightings
- Secluded and less crowded
- Great place to see “the African Big Cats”
- Places are so green and more spectacular between mid – December and early May.
- Great place for African Wildlife Photography
Cons
- Limited / Seasonal accommodation
2. Central (Seronera) Serengeti
Central Serengeti encompasses the area around Seronera River and the region between the Southern Serengeti and Western Serengeti. This is where most of the game drive safaris in Serengeti take place, making it one of the busiest areas in the park. The landscape is a mix of grassy plains and acacia woodlands. Central Serengeti has abundant wildlife throughout the year. It is frequented by visitors throughout the year, with most people visiting during the high season (June-October). Hot air balloons safaris are mostly conducted here. Most outfitters combine the game drives in this area with northern Serengeti.
Central Serengeti has the highest number of camps and lodges in Serengeti. There is also a wide range of accommodation in this area. Besides its abundant wildlife, other attractions in this area include Moru Kopjes, Serengeti Visitor’s Center and Retina Hippo Pool.
Pros
- All year-round game viewing
- Variety of accommodation
- Great place to spot the elusive rhinos (around the Moru Kopjes)
- Hot-air balloon safaris
- Can be accessed via flight (Seronera Airstrip) all year round.
Cons
- Busy place
3. Northern Serengeti
This is the region that borders the Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The Mara River acts as a natural boundary between the two regions. This region of the park is dotted with plains, kopjes, riverine forests and hills. It is the perfect area to go on a safari in Serengeti if you are looking for seclusion and intimate game drives. Just like in Central Serengeti, game viewing is excellent all year round. July to October is the best time to visit Northern Serengeti, as tens of thousands of migrating wildebeest are grazing in the area. It is also an excellent place to witness the Wildebeests and Zebras crossing the Mara River. Though not as many as in Central Serengeti, there is a fair number of accommodation properties in this area, including luxury camps.
Best places to visit in Northern Serengeti include Kogatende, Lamai Wedge, Lobo Area, and Bologonja Springs.
Pros
- Fewer tourists
- Great views of the migration
- Abundant wildlife throughout the year
- Serviced by three airstrips (Lobo Airstrip, Lamai Airstrip and Kogatende Airstrip)
- Remote untouched wilderness giving visiting off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
Cons
- Most camps are seasonal
4. Western Serengeti
Sometimes referred to as the Western Corridor, this is the remotest part in Serengeti National Park. It is the least visited area of Serengeti. It encompasses the areas bordering the Grumeti Nature Reserve. Western Serengeti is a great area to visit if you want to experience the untouched wilderness and game drives without crowds of people. The terrain features riverine forests, rocky hills, rivers and acacia woodlands.
There is plenty of wildlife in this area. The months from May to July are particularly good for watching migration and Grumeti River crossing in this area. It is also a great place for watching birds and crocodiles. This is also the perfect place to see the rare antelopes such as Reedbucks, Topi and Coke’s hartebeests. There are different species of apes in this area, such as Colobus monkeys, Patas monkeys, Vervet monkeys and the Olive Baboons.
Pros
- Less tourist traffics
- Good wildlife sightings all year round
Cons
- Far
- Not easily accessible from rest of the areas
5. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Although this is not in Serengeti National Park per se, many visitors love doing it as a day trip when visiting the park. Located on the southeast border of the park, this wild-rich area is one of the best places to spot black rhinos and wild dogs in Tanzania. Other activities to do here include hiking the Ngorongoro crater, visiting the Olduvai Gorge and birding.
6. Adjacent Private Conservancies
When visiting Serengeti National Park, you can also choose to explore or stay in private reserves bordering the park. If you want a secluded safari, private reserves are tranquil and have fewer visitors. In addition, they allow night game drives, giving visitors an opportunity to see the nocturnal animals easily. 126,000 acres Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, 340,000 acres Grumeti Reserve and the 350,000 acres Maswa Game Reserve are some of the best private reserves to go on a safari. They also offer authentic safari lodges.
Finally,
Whichever area you decide to visit in Serengeti, you’ll be treated with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Exploring multiple areas of Serengeti during the safari is possible, and it gives visitors an immersive safari experience. If you’re still unsure of the area you want to visit, get in touch with us and we will help you choose a region that suits your travel goals and interests.
