A visit to East Africa is incomplete without taking a trip to the Serengeti, the magical and spectacular region which can be considered one of the best spots in all of Tanzania. Serengeti National Park is a splendid location, with mesmerising views and unique safari experiences. As we hope for the coronavirus pandemic to end, we can plan a great trip to the Serengeti, visiting its top 10 best places!
- Seronera River Valley (Central Serengeti)
One of the best places is this vast valley in Central Serengeti which provides the best wildlife viewing opportunities as it is home to zebras, gazelles, wildebeests, giraffes, and elephants, and visitors may also be able to spot lions that roam the area. The golden vegetation and watering holes are a gathering spot for these animals, so predators such as leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs also tend to arrive. This spot is excellent for game viewing, and has luxurious lodges.
- Naabi Hill (Eastern Serengeti)
Another must-see is this gorgeous and free to visit spot, located at the eastern part of the Serengeti. Perfect for a safari, this acacia covered hill allows guests to spot creatures such as lions, gazelles, and zebras, and is an amazing location for witnessing the Great Migration of thousands of majestic wildebeests!
- Lobo Valley (Northern Serengeti)
If you take a trip to the Northern areas of the Serengeti, you reach the beautiful Lobo Valley, where visitors can see the three big cats: lions, leopards, cheetahs, as well as giraffes, baboons, elephants, and gazelles. This valley is yet another great location for watching the Great Migration of wildebeests, which is inarguably one of the most popular features of the Serengeti. This region is cheaper, private as it is less crowded, and best visited in the dry season.
- Retina Hippo Pool (Central Serengeti)
The deep Retina Hippo Pool is one of the many watering holes in the Serengeti, but is unique as it has 200 hippos! The giant animals can be seen swimming and playing in the water, but visitors are expected to maintain a safe distance as they might also be dangerous. Nile crocodiles and herons may also be spotted. The best time to visit is the dry season (July to November) when the hippos are easily visible due to less water. Hippopotamus are magnificent creatures and seeing them in such large numbers is an extraordinary experience!
- Maasai village
Another amazing spot is the boma, the village of semi-nomadic Maasai people. A visit to these people can be enriching, as their vibrant attire provides an insight into their culture, and their dedication to traditional practices is inspiring. One can see local dances and traditional handicrafts. Cultural tours are suggested, as locals are friendly and can teach about their culture, lifestyle, and heritage.
- Olduvai Gorge
Another one of the top ten places is the Olduvai Gorge in the eastern part of the Serengeti plains. This location is where human fossils and ancient tools from over two million years ago were found in the early 1900s. More than 60 fossil remains were found during thorough excavations! Tourists can go a little south to find Laetoli, where ancient footprints can be seen preserved in ash! This unique spot is different from other places at the Serengeti and must be seen!
- Grumeti River
The Grumeti River near the Western Corridor’s Kirawira region is known for its lush vegetation and breathtaking flora and fauna. The river crocodiles which must be avoided, but it must be visited during the Great Migration as this is an excellent observing spot, providing a great view of the huge number of zebras and wildebeests that migrate across regions annually. Many animals gather at the river, including monkeys, hippos, elephants, and many local and exotic birds.
- Moru Kopjes
Moru Kopjes, located in Central Serengeti, is unique and a memorable addition to any trip as it has the Serengeti National Park’s only black rhinos. A small herd of the endangered animal is monitored by anti-poaching rangers. Lions, leopards, zebras, wildebeests are majestic creatures which can be seen anywhere. One can also go to Gong Rock to see famous Masai rock paintings.
- Bologonja Springs
In northeast Serengeti, the Bologonja Springs are a gathering spot for animals and birds. The area does not have many tourists so visitors can relax and unwind in a high level of privacy. One can spot monkeys, giraffes, elephants, gazelles, mountain reedbucks, antelopes, steenbooks, and many exotic and local birds.
- Larelemangri
The unique Larelemangri salt lick is best for wildlife watching, game viewing, or a safari experience. A few miles downstream, visitors can find the salty deposits that animals love to lick. The area is an open swamp, which provides an amazing and unobstructed view of the animals in their own natural habitat.
These locations must be seen as they offer it all: scenic views, wildlife and game viewing, bird watching, cultural interaction, and unique experiences such as seeing a salt lick, or finding ancient human footprints! We hope that this guide can help people plan their trip for the Serengeti region of Tanzania!
