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Imagine driving across rolling, tree-studded, grassy plains, following millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they make their way across the land while predators linger on the outskirts, waiting for their moment. Well-known for migratory herds that move through here from November to March, the Southern Serengeti is an incredible place to witness predator-prey interactions on your Tanzania safari.
Big cats – lions, leopards, and cheetahs – are easily seen here as they look for easy prey during the migration. The south is the iconic Serengeti National Park at its finest!
Top Destinations in Southern Serengeti
There are two main regions we recommend to see the migration and big cats:
Ndutu Region: Great Migration Must-Visit
Stretching from the western side of the Ngorongoro Crater to the Southern Serengeti, the Ndutu region is a vast open expanse of grass plains affording excellent game viewing. During February and March, vast herds of wildebeest stop here while on their migration route to give birth. When here, you’re able to see these babies take their first steps!
You’re not the only one watching this – cheetahs and lions are on the prowl in Ndutu during this time looking for hunting opportunities.
Gol Kopjes: A Big Cat Capital
Known as the “big cat capital” of the Serengeti and one of the best places in Africa to see cheetahs, Gol Kopjes features spectacular rock formations called kopjes, which make for great photographic opportunities. Another fantastic photographic opportunity is witnessing cheetahs dashing across the landscape in pursuit of their prey. Make a stop here on your Serengeti safari to see one of Africa’s top predators in action!
When’s the Best Time to Go on a Southern Serengeti Safari?
The dry season in the Serengeti runs from June to October. Wildlife viewing is easier as the landscape is drier and animals congregate around the few remaining rivers, lakes, and waterholes.
March to May sees the heaviest rain, while November to February is still considered to be the rainy season, but with shorter bursts of showers. While game drives are wetter and wildlife harder to spot, the lush green landscapes are stunning sights, and the birdwatching is excellent. To witness the wildebeest calving season, plan your trip for February and March.
Animals Found in the Southern Serengeti
There are thousands upon thousands of plains game – wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, and impala – that roam the southern part of the national park. Travellers can also spot elephants and buffaloes. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas are the predators that call this region home.
The woodlands and marshes in the south make the area a prime birding destination. There are well over 300 species of birds here, including types of vultures, sunbirds, raptors, rollers, and kingfishers.
How to Get to the Southern Serengeti
By Air
The closest airstrip is Ndutu Airstrip, which is served by several domestic charter flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Dar es Salaam. Regular flights are operated by Coastal Aviation, Regional Air, and Air Excel.
By Road
From Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport, you can opt for a road transfer to the Southern Serengeti, but the journey takes about eight to nine hours.
