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One of the richest ecosystems, Serengeti National Park’s landscapes support a variety of animals, including the Big Five (elephants, buffalos, lions, rhinos, and leopards), as well as giraffes, cheetahs, elands, topis, and hyenas. The Central Serengeti offers fantastic game viewing opportunities all year round and a wide selection of safari lodges and camps to ensure your Serengeti safari is as comfortable as possible.
Making your safari base in the centre of the park will provide you with great access to all the wildebeest migration hotspots.
Top Destinations in the Central Serengeti
There are two main regions we recommend to see the Big Five, including rare black rhinos:
Seronera Valley: The Big Cat Capital of Africa
This is one of the best places in Tanzania for year-round wildlife viewing. Seronera Valley boasts a high density of big cats, with frequent sightings of lions, leopards, and cheetahs while out on safari, hence its moniker as the big cat capital of the continent.
The river that snakes through this valley is a lifeline for animals, attracting various species, including the Big Five. Safari goers also have the opportunity to spot smaller predators, like mongooses, servals, foxes, and jackals.
Moru Kopjes: Home to the Black Rhino
“Kopjes” refers to the stunning rock outcrops that big cats like lions and leopards use for lookout points.Moru Kopjes is also home to rare black rhinos, offering one of the few chances to see them in the Serengeti.
Besides the wildlife, this region is special due to the ancient Maasai rock art found here. At Gong Rock, you can gain an incredible insight into the culture and history of the land.
When’s the Best Time to Go on a Central Serengeti Safari?
The Central Serengeti offers year-round wildlife viewing. However, the dry season (June to October) is particularly spectacular because of the dried-out landscapes. This makes game viewing easier as animals congregate around the remaining water sources.
Animals Found in the Central Serengeti
The heart of Serengeti National Park is humming with wildlife! Safari goers can expect to see the Big Five as well as cheetahs and hyenas. This is one of the best regions to see the rare black rhino, an incredible Tanzania safari experience.
The grasslands teem with herbivores, including elands, impalas, and topis, while the woodlands house vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and bushbabies.
Since the 1990s, the wild dog has been considered extinct in the Serengeti, but thankfully these animals are making a comeback in the park, so if you’re lucky, you may just spot a pack.
How to Get to the Central Serengeti
By Air
The Seronera Airstrip in the heart of the Serengeti is the most convenient access point for this region of the national park. There are flights between Seronera Airstrip and Arusha Airport as well as Kilimanjaro International Airport, with Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Regional Air offering frequent flights.
By Road
It’s a long seven- to eight-hour drive from Arusha to central Serengeti, but it can be a scenic option, especially if you are visiting Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro Crater. Most travellers access the Central Serengeti as part of an extended Northern Tanzania safari circuit.
