Exploring the Southeastern Plains and Ndutu 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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Southeastern Plains & Ndutu: A Wildlife Haven

The southeastern region of the Serengeti is a year-round hotspot for wildlife, but it truly comes alive between December and April, when wildlife density peaks. During this period, massive herds of wildebeest and zebra are drawn to the area by the seasonal rains. The area around Lake Ndutu, located in the heart of the wildebeest gathering, offers one of the best opportunities to witness the Great Migration. 

Here, female wildebeest give birth to numerous calves, making it an extraordinary scene. These newborns, still vulnerable, attract a range of predators, transforming southeastern Serengeti into a dramatic stage of life and death. The surrounding vachellia woodlands offer shelter to a variety of bird species, including the brilliantly colored Fischer’s lovebird, which is rarely found elsewhere in the Serengeti. With so much activity concentrated in this area, it’s important to note that the influx of wildlife also attracts a large number of visitors, which can result in high vehicle traffic. Additionally, from December to March, rainfall can be significant.

Low Season: A Peaceful Escape

Once the migration shifts to other areas in search of greener pastures, the southeastern plains and Ndutu enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere, particularly between April and November. This is a wonderful time to visit, as the crowds are thinner, yet wildlife remains plentiful. During these months, the plains dry out and transform into a more sparsely vegetated landscape. Two lakes, Masek Lake in the Ngorongoro Crater Area and the seasonal Ndutu Lake, continue to support abundant wildlife, making the region an ideal spot for wildlife viewing.

Wildlife Viewing in the Southeastern Plains

The southeastern plains feature several koppies (rocky outcrops) scattered across the landscape. These koppies create unique microhabitats, providing shelter for species that are not commonly found in the open plains, such as rock hyrax, klipspringer, leopards, and cliff-nesting birds of prey. Lions often use these koppies as shelters or vantage points to survey the surrounding plains. 

Simba Koppies, located on the main road between Seronera and the Ngorongoro Crater Area, is particularly good for lion sightings. Meanwhile, the grasslands near Gol Koppies to the east are prime spots for both cheetah and lion. While trees are common around the koppies, the plains themselves are largely treeless. This is due to the hard volcanic soil, which prevents roots from penetrating deep enough to support tree growth.