Northern Serengeti

Northern Serengeti, If the central and southern Serengeti are so noisy, give Serengeti North a try. This region stretches from the Lobo Hills to the Seronera. What makes it stand out is its remoteness as it records a very few visitors per year, at least you won’t scramble for a wildlife sighting with a pack of 20 safari jeeps as in the Seronera.

Why should you visit the northern Serengeti?

1. The Mara River crossings.

You probably have watched a documentary featuring this event that motivated you to see it as very real. If so, this region is your gem. Here, you stop at a crossing point (if lucky) and witness wildebeest braving the violent torrents and hungry crocs of the Mara River.

2. It’s remote and quiet

Many travelers dream of being in the Serengeti, but they come with strict schedules, thus ending up seeing just the central Serengeti. The north of the park remains untouched and virgin, with thick forests and resident predators. So, here you can’t compete for a wildlife sighting because you may spend two days without seeing any other vehicle.

3. It has spectacular landscapes

Unlike the wide-open savannah plains of central and southern Serengeti, this region features green rolling hills, valleys, riverine forests, acacia woodlands, and plains characterize the northern Serengeti. Notable sections of this region include Lamai Triangle, Kogatende, Wogakuria, and Lobo.

4. It’s home to diverse wildlife

Apart from the wildebeest migration, the region is home to an incredible, resident animals. For instance, the Lobo area is a perfect spot for seeing elephants in the Serengeti. Lobo Hills are also hideouts for large prides of lions. Still, you can find other predators in the region, such as bat-eared foxes, cheetahs, leopards, and spotted hyenas.

What to do while you’re in the northern Serengeti?

1. Game drive.

Although wildlife seems so hidden, game drives are extremely rewarding in this region. That chance of riding alone in the middle of the jungle is once in a lifetime. Plus, on one occasion or another, you might come across an oribi, one of the rare antelopes. This slender antelope usually stands alert to scan for predators and will make a high-pitched whistle to warn others in case of danger. It prefers the open grasslands of the Wogakuria.

On the other side, you pay through the Lamai Wedge to scan for eland, topis, giraffes, warthogs, and elephants.

If you want a more relaxed place, the Loliondo Game Controlled Area is better. Being out of the Serengeti means park rules don’t apply here. So, you can drive off-road and enjoy night game drives. In addition, the Maasai graze their cattle in this area alongside wild animals.

2. Witnessing the Mara River crossings

This event draws thousands of visitors yearly. By August, the animals face the fatal challenges before them. But there’s just one option – to cross, even though a crocodile will devour some of them.

Your guide will take you to a crossing point where you’ll wait for the animals to leap into the river. If lucky, you might see these unpredictable movements of wildebeests. Sometimes they cross and recross again. Completely unpredictable.

3. Hot air balloon safari

This unique flight takes miles off the ground, suspended in a basket beneath a colorful balloon. You watch the rolling hills from another perspective. The experience starts at dawn, timing the golden sunrays at sunrise. It starts with a briefing from the pilot and ends with a champagne celebration and bush breakfast to celebrate the success.

4. Walking safari

Long walks were once prohibited in the Serengeti. Currently, you can walk with a guide and a ranger to witness nature on foot in Kogatende. Exploring the Serengeti on foot will make you notice small creatures you normally ignore on wildlife drives.

With guides who are ecology experts, you’ll learn about medicinal plants among many other lessons. You can also see rock hyrax, mice, butterflies, birds, and even large game like antelopes and buffalo.

5. Birding safari

Northern Serengeti contributes a fair share of bird species to Serengeti’s over 500 species. Its thick forests, rivers, and woodlands are home to lovebirds, rollers, turacos, kingfishers, helmet shrikes, eagles, and red-headed weavers. That means a camera should never be away from you.

When to visit the northern Serengeti?

It depends on what you’re going to see. Wildebeest migration arrives in this region between July and September. Possible river crossings are so many between mid-July and late August. However, keep in mind that it’s very difficult to predict a river crossing. We recommend that you stay there for 3-4 days to increase the chances of witnessing a river crossing.

June – October is perfect for general wildlife safaris in the northern Serengeti. Dry trails and thin vegetation make it simple to navigate. Plus, gather around water holes. The green season (November–May) comes with wet trails, thick vegetation, a high risk of malaria, and scattered wildlife. It might not be good, especially for first-timers.

How to get to the northern Serengeti?

By road

Klein’s Gate, which is the main gate of this region, is an 11-hour drive from Arusha. It’s a tough pill, but there’s a better option. You drive to the central Serengeti and spend your first day there. Then, embark on an en route drive to the north of the park. This option is more relaxed than driving for a day.

By flight

Daily flights are available from Arusha to Kogatende Airstrip. There are also other airstrips like Lobo, Lamai, and Klein’s Camp, but they always serve private charter flights or clients staying at their properties.

We’ve been there to create an unforgettable experience for our valuable customers. Serengeti is huge and more diverse. The way you see and experience depends on who your guide is. With our expert guides, we’re confident you’ll enjoy the trip. Call our expert to start your plan or chat with us.

Where do I stay in the northern Serengeti?

Here are some lodges and camps in the northern Serengeti.

Frequently Asked Questions

What animals can I see besides wildebeests?

You’ll see elephants, leopards, lions, giraffes, crocodiles, and more.

Can I visit the northern Serengeti year-round?

Yes, but July to October is the best time for river crossings. Animals are present throughout the year, though more scattered in the green season.

Is it crowded like the central Serengeti?

No, the northern Serengeti is much quieter and offers a more private safari experience, especially outside peak migration months.

Are there luxury lodges in the northern Serengeti?

Yes, the region has excellent luxury and midrange camps.