Seronera & Southcentral Serengeti Plains Safari Area

Ready to Experience the Magic of the Serengeti?

This guide is just the beginning of your journey toward an unforgettable African adventure! If you’re dreaming of witnessing the Great Migration, spotting the Big Five, or soaking in the endless beauty of the Serengeti, now is the perfect time to start planning.

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Exploring Seronera and South-Central Serengeti

Spending time in the Seronera region—the beating heart of Serengeti National Park—requires a bit of balance. Between December and April, during the wet season, this area sees an influx of wildebeest herds, turning the southeastern plains into a prime wildlife hotspot. Seronera is famously referred to as the “predator capital of the world,” where the chances of spotting lions, leopards, and cheetahs are exceptionally high.

From March to May, the region experiences peak wildlife activity—and with that comes an increase in visitor numbers. Its mix of ecosystems, permanent water sources, and easy access make it a popular base for safari-goers. However, the flip side is heavy traffic, especially around sightings of big cats, where it’s not unusual to find a single animal surrounded by 20 or more safari vehicles. Despite the crowds, Seronera remains an unforgettable safari destination. Opting for off-peak hours or choosing camps away from high-traffic zones can significantly enhance the experience.

Wildlife Highlights Around Seronera

Most game drives naturally gravitate toward the Seronera River, and for good reason—it’s a hotspot for lions and boasts one of the world’s highest leopard densities. The region’s signature sausage trees and umbrella-shaped acacias make it easier to spot these elusive cats, especially since the area lacks dense forest cover.

Interestingly, several lion prides in Seronera have recently developed a behavior more commonly associated with leopards—climbing trees, particularly during the rainy season, which makes for a rare and memorable sight.

Scattered granite outcrops, or kopjes, also serve as favorite hangouts for big cats. The Moru Kopjes, in particular, are excellent for both cheetah and lion encounters. This region is also home to a small population of around 25 black rhinos, descendants of a pioneering group that migrated here from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

To the south of the Seronera River, the expansive grasslands—often referred to as the Serengeti Plains—are known for their cheetah sightings. These plains gradually merge into the Ndutu and Ngorongoro areas, forming a continuous stretch of savanna punctuated by rocky outcrops. Meanwhile, the rolling plains toward the Kamuyo Hills, to the west of the river, are favored by spotted hyenas, elephants, and cheetahs.

North of the Moru region, the Mbalageti River nourishes Lake Magadi, a salty lake that occasionally hosts massive flocks of flamingos when water conditions are right. Another nearby highlight is the Retima Hippo Pool, located about 15 km north of the park headquarters, where dozens of hippos can often be seen lounging and wallowing where the Seronera and Grumeti rivers meet.

Where to Stay in Seronera and Central Serengeti

Central Serengeti boasts a wide variety of places to stay, from large, well-equipped lodges to more intimate tented camps. While the bigger lodges tend to be more commercial and busier, there are also quieter, more secluded camp options—especially on the southeastern plains—offering a more private and immersive experience in nature.