Southern Serengeti
The Southern Serengeti stretches from the bottom of Seronera to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on the east and the Maswa Game Reserve. Unlike Seronera, the southern Serengeti is peaceful and quiet. Here, you enjoy wildlife in abundance on yourself or with just a few companions.
What is so special about the southern Serengeti?
- It’s home to the calving season
The wildebeest migration starts here. The southeastern plains and Ndutu receive rainfall from November, making them greener. As a result, wildebeest and zebra mothers rush to these plains to enjoy the green pasture and water.
From late December to March, the whole region turns into calving grounds. About half a million calves are born, with some days witnessing up to 8,000 births. The calves are everywhere in these plains.
- Predators in action
As baby wildebeest spread across the south and the Ndutu area, predators shift their camp close. You have better chances of seeing a lion on the hunt. A leopard stalks its prey for a while, then chases it. What a scene!
Hyenas patrol the fringes longing for any opportunity. They would devour confused baby wildebeest with a second. Wild dogs, the most successful hunters plan their hunt very careful. Pack hunting works so well for them and they are said to succeed (almost) 9 out of 10 ten hunts. Incredible!
- Beautiful landscapes
There’s much to see in this region. Its habitats vary from short-grass plains stretching farther than the eye could see, to the stunning seasonal Lake Ndutu and perennial Lake Masek. Also, granite kopjes are spread across the plains. The landscape is spectacular, especially when viewed from atop a heart-pounding balloon safari.
- It’s home to a diverse wildlife
A common stereotype among some guests about this region is that there’s nothing left after the wildebeest move northwards. Not true because so many resident species are found here year-round.
You can see giraffes, buffalo, lions, elephants, elands, topi, and cheetahs. In addition, there’s no fence between the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, allowing a smooth movement of animals between the two protected areas. So, you can see wildlife year-round.
What can I do while in the southern Serengeti?
Here are some activities to do in Ndutu and Kusini Plains, depending on the time of your visit.
- Game drive.
A game drive is a must-do thing in the Serengeti. Enjoy a bumpy ride as you scan for the big cats in the kopjes near Ndutu. Choose morning drives if you anticipate seeing a leopard, as they’re very active in early mornings when it’s cool.
Our pro tip to spot leopards during the afternoon is to keep an eye out for acacia and sausage trees where they take their afternoon nap. Lions, on the other hand, stay near a rock outcrop. If you locate a cheetah, grab your camera and take some shots. You can contribute to the Serengeti Cheetah Project by showing them the photo you just took.
There’s much to expect from a game drive in the southern Serengeti. On one side, you see a secretary bird strolling the expansive plains; on the other, a graceful giraffe glides across the savannah with its long legs moving in a perfect sync – both legs on one side stepping forward. Which side do you choose? That’s just one of the many incredible sights you’ll see in the southern Serengeti.
Plus, It’s much easier to combine Serengeti with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area from here. You can drive into this World Heritage Site, or venture into the Ngorongoro Crater to search the big 5 animals.
- Hot air balloon safaris
As humans, we have an innate fear of heights. But at least not with a balloon flight over the Ndutu and southern plains. This aerial safari comes with panoramic views of the amber-rose plains at sunrise. You glide swiftly for an hour and slowly land at the site. A much-needed champagne celebration is made, and you’ll enjoy a bush breakfast.
Maybe one thing to note is that; this experience comes with an extra cost (approx. $600 per head). And it starts at 5:00 a.m.
- Watching the wildebeest migration
Wildebeest come to the southern and Ndutu plains in search of food and water, and stay there for almost 4-5 months (December-May). And there is a good reason for that.
The wind carried the ashes produced by the volcanic eruptions of the Ngorongoro Mountains to Ndutu and the southern plains millions of years ago, making them fertile. As a result, the grass growing here is nutritious for the growth of the calves. So, about 500,000 calves are born on these grounds.
Here, you watch thousands of grazers storming the plains. The predators also compete to catch the easy prey, the newly born calves.
The region dries out in late May through June. And we start to see herds leaving the plains as the Great Migration enters another stage – massive trekking.
When should I visit the southern Serengeti?
Southern Serengeti will make a good trip any time you visit. Wildlife is present year-round. But January through March is the best time if you want to witness the calving season. It’s at this time that wildlife congregates there, including predators, herbivores, and birds.
How do I get to the southern Serengeti?
By flight
The most convenient way to catch a flight from Arusha Airport (ARK) to Ndutu Airstrip in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Flight takes 1 hour, followed by a 90-minute drive to the southern Serengeti.
By road
The drive route from Arusha to the southern Serengeti is too long, taking almost 10 hours. Most guests choose to drive to Seronera first, enjoy lunch, and then finish the remaining distance. Others prefer a day trip to Tarangire or Lake Manyara with an overnight in Karatu. Then, drive to Kusini Plains the next day.
Where should I stay in the southern Serengeti?
See the table below showing some of the accommodations to stay in Ndutu and the southern Serengeti. Be sure to check the availability of the lodge before booking.
Lodge Name | Approx. Rate (p.p./night) | Category | Availability |
Olakira Migration Camp | $920 | Luxury | June – November |
Mwiba Lodge | $1,939 | Luxury (Ultra) | Year-round |
Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp | $745 | Midrange-Luxury | December – March |
&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas | $1,005 | Luxury | December – March |
Kusini Safari Camp (Serian) | $945 | Luxury | Mid-December to April |
Esirai Camp | $374 | Midrange-Luxury | December – March |
Sanctuary Kusini Tented Camp | $550 | Luxury | Mid-December – March |
Serian Serengeti South | $1,245 | Luxury | Mid-December – April |
Our tours
We organize safaris to the southern Serengeti. Be it a migration safari or a photographic adventure, we turn your trip into an epic tale. Wondering how you should start planning. Call our expert safari planners.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What do I have to bring for my calving season?
- Pack light, quick-drying clothes
- Heavy layers
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirts to avoid bugs.
- Mosquito repellent
- A good camera and binoculars
- Do I have to book early?
Yes, because a few lodges operate in this region and may sell out earlier. Secure your spot early.
- Do I need a travel visa?
Yes. You need a travel visa to enter Tanzania. Apply here https://visa.immigration.go.tz to avoid the queue at the airport.
