If you want to live a life beyond your wildest dream, Central Serengeti is the place for a fabulous ever holiday. Central region here is the home to the Seronera Valley that offers support to a wide range of wildlife with main species including elephant, impala, giraffe, reedbuck, hippo, baboon and buffalo. Along with herds of these animals residing here throughout the year, all the large and small predators can be seen here waiting to be lucky. So whether the season is wet or dry, you will find concentration of lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, hyenas, and bat-earned fox at their highest.
Observe the large carnivores of Seronera Valley
Home to numerous rocky granite kopjes with network of water streams flowing round the year, the Seronera Valley offers persistent support for wildlife creatures in all seasons. There can be places seen without vegetation but there is a constant source of water in this area that makes way for higher chances of spotting wildlife even when the Great Migration is not happening. Highest number of tourists visit and stay in this valley but roads never seem to be congested as the area is huge. The many dotted areas with kopjes here are the popular points for spotting lions, cheetahs and other big cats waiting or in search of a prey. Apart from plains, there are sedimentary hills and savannah making this valley ideal living place for animals residing in the savannah as well as for those which prefer rocky areas.
Spot Lions or Leopards along the Seronera River
Seronera River is truly a highlight here with lions and leopards spotted along the bank of river or on the branches of sausage trees along the river. These wild creatures spot a safe place as they wait for their prey. The seasonal swamps here and deep water is ideal for them as well as for the huge Nile crocodiles who await for their catch coming here to soothe your thirst. For birdwatchers, there will be too many to count in every direction you see and you can spot egrets, Egyptian goose, kingfishers, turaco, rollers, hoopoes and others.
View Happy Hippos at the Retina Hippo Pool
At many different places around water holes, you will find hippos but the sight at the Retina Hippo pool with hundreds of hippos duelling, grunting and playing is truly incomparable. The Retina Hippo Pool in the Central Serengeti has deep puddle of water and this pool is located at the convergence of Seronera and Orangi Rivers. Some visitors may restrict themselves from this place because of the smell but if you really want to see hippos and some wild Nile crocodiles and herons; this is the place where you can see them. This place offers good opportunities for photography as here you will be allowed to view creatures on foot. Make sure you maintain your distance as these are dangerous creatures. This region is free to visit and it has a picnic area with parking space and restrooms too.
Mingle with Rhinos at the Moru Kopjes
The Moru Kopjes is home to the black rhino population of Serengeti. Conservation strategies have been employed to keep the small herd of endangered animal and you can learn more about these strategies and armed anti-poaching rangers at the visitor’s centre here. These solitary animals still reside in this region and are being closely monitored. You can get a look as they remain at this place round the year. Along with that another attraction here are the series of Maasai paintings that are lined close to the Gong Rock. A picturesque spot for capturing pink flamingos is the Lake Magadi that lies to the east.
Discover Wildlife at the Maasai Kopjes
The smooth granite crests of the Maasai Kopjes are home to one of the most legendary lion prides. With a swamp nearby, you will find some rare Bohor reedbucks. The ecosystem here is supported with its own range of vegetation and species commonly seen here include mongoose, birds, hyrax and lizards.
View the Scenic Wonder at the Makoma Hill
A beautiful spot with many wildlife viewing opportunities, the Makoma Hill borders Makoma Plain to the west and towards the east is the Seronera River. This wooded hill is a pretty rich hunting spot for big cats and you will be able to see these lions, hyenas and cheetahs fighting for their hunts. This hills forms a great spot to view elephants, buffalos and giraffes. In front of the hill is the long grass Makoma Plains where you can find hyenas and cheetahs while in the centre of this plain is the den site for Makoma Lion Pride, the beautiful Thatch Kopjes.
Experience tranquillity at the Myles Turners Spring
Named after the chief game warden (1956 to 1972), Myles Turner who is known for his great efforts for anti-poaching; the Turners Spring is an excellent spot for viewing lions and leopards. It is because of the efforts of this great warden that wild life still roams freely around this region. In a 10-mile radius of this place, three lion prides reside.
The tallest Simba Kopjes
The tallest Kopjes in the Serengeti are the Simba Kopjes and are a great spot to witness lions. On the open plains, there are giant sentinels and the highest lopje here is the long-necked stone, called the Soit Naado Murt. To the south is a small hippo pool and to the west is the glass-like water of Lake Magadi where pink flamingos gather.
Stretched Long Grass Plains
A place where great crowd of zebras could be seen as these long grass plains have coarser grass that zebras prefer. The tall grass is grown here because the soil base is deep and it is less alkaline too. This quality of grass is too poor to support wildebeest and gazelle. Although, zebras are able to eat them. A highlight of this region are the towering clay castles/mounds constructed by termites (the smallest creatures).
View the Great Migration of Southern Serengeti
From December to early April, this region can give you the chance to view the finest seasonal Migration of wildebeest. In the Southern Serengeti region, you can view thousands of wildebeest feeding on its luxuriant green land. A full day drive to this region would be the best way to explore stunningly beautiful landscape.
Move to the Western Corridor with movements of Migration
With seasonal changes in a region affecting the Great Migration movement, wildebeest migration moves towards the Western Corridor through end of May and beginning of July. Thus, with a full day safari in the Western Corridor; you can be lucky to spot several creatures scattered through the woodland during a migration. The herds move to the grassier plains here. The mating season unfolds here too and the first obstacle for herds is the Grumeti River. Especially during rainy season, it can be really deep and there is danger of many wildebeest to drown or get caught by plenty of crocodiles camouflaged under water. This region offers unparalleled opportunities of viewing wildlife creatures including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and more.
