Northern Serengeti Camps and Lodges

Central Serengeti

Lodges in Central Serengeti  : The Central Serengeti, lying at the heart of this spectacular national park, is the most popular region in the reserve for its abundant wildlife, large numbers of big cats and quintessential Serengeti landscapes of acacia-studded savanna. Resident wildlife makes this part of the Serengeti a fantastic year-round destination, but the months of April to June and October to December, when the herds of the Great Migration pass through the area, are when it’s at its peak.

The Seronera River Valley, located in the south-central region of the park, is one of the most popular areas in the entire reserve. Known as the Big Cat Capital of Africa, the Seronera is rich in lion, leopard and cheetah – and people often spot all three in one day of game drives. Look for leopards around the Seronera River, which is home to one of Africa’s densest populations of big cats, while lions can often be seen on the kopjes (rocky outcrops).

The Serengeti Plains – the open savanna south of the Seronera River – are prime cheetah territory. Other animals to spot in the area’s varied habitats of rivers, swamps, kopjes and grasslands include elephants, hippos and crocodiles in the rivers, buffaloes, impala, topi, jackals and bat-eared foxes.

While the year-round supply of water from the Seronera River means that the area is excellent for wildlife spotting throughout the year, April to June is the peak season for game viewing in the Seronera, as this is when the plains are full of migrating wildebeest, zebra and gazelle as they’re making their way up north. The central location of the Seronera means that it’s one of the best places to see the Great Migration in action, as the animals are moving through the area for months.

Hot air ballooning is a must-do when you’re visiting the Serengeti. Floating gently above the grassy plains in the golden light of dawn, spotting animals from your suspended basket is an experience you’ll never forget. If you’re staying in the Central Serengeti, you can get a transfer to and from your lodge or camp to the hot air ballooning launch site near the Maasai Kopjes. A champagne breakfast once you land is the cherry on top of an amazing activity.

Many lodges and camps offer a visit to a Maasai village so that you can learn more about the famous semi-nomadic pastoralist tribe who have long lived in the area that is now the Serengeti and the Masai Mara national parks. At the Maasai village you’ll be treated to members of the village singing and dancing, with the male warriors doing a traditional jumping dance. You’ll also be able to buy beautiful jewellery and handmade crafts, which make great souvenirs – and also support the local economy.

Eastern Serengeti

The Eastern Serengeti is one of the most beautiful regions of the park: mountains, valleys and sweeping grassy plains that are lush in the green season, dotted with granite outcrops and sliced through by meandering rivers. It’s one of the more remote regions of the park, which makes it perfect for adventurous travelers who prefer their safaris off the beaten track. The region can be visited year-round for wildlife sightings, but November to February are the best months to see the Great Migration herds passing through towards the Southern Serengeti. The green season of December to May sees the plains become lush and verdant, which attracts abundant game.

Home to the biggest concentration of cheetah on the continent, the Gol Kopjes is the most famous landmark in the Eastern Serengeti, while the area is also known for its lion and leopard sightings. Under a two-hour drive from the Central Serengeti, the Soit Le Motonyi region, which opened in 2014 after being closed for two decades for cheetah conservation, is drawing visitors for its pristine, totally undeveloped landscapes of grassy plains and acacia woodlands, completely secluded camps – and for cheetah.

Lodges / Hotels / Accommodation / tented camps in Eastern Serengeti has various accommodations located in distinct areas of the park. Select your preferred option below (sorted alphabetically) to view individual details of your tour lodge or camp. If you’re staying in the Eastern Serengeti, consider making a side trip outside of the park to visit Lake Natron, a brightly hued lake with a pinkish crust that attracts millions of flamingos between June and November. You can swim in the lake, and explore the surrounding scenery, which is remarkable – think volcanic craters, waterfalls and gorges. Close by to the southern end of the lake, the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai (“Mountain of God” in Maasai) looms over the Rift Valley. Adventurous travelers who are up for a bit of a challenge can tackle the 2962-metre ascent of Ol Doinyo Legai over three days.

Kogatende Serengeti

Kogatende is an area in the northern Serengeti facing the Mara River. Nestled in the northern reaches of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, it is a hidden gem that offers an unparalleled wildlife experience.Kogatende is an area that comes alive with the thunderous hooves of wildebeest and zebras as they journey across the Mara River, usually between July and mid-November. This dramatic crossing is a spectacle of nature that draws wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe, eager to witness one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural events. The area’s rich biodiversity doesn’t end with migration; it’s also home to many African wildlife, including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and many bird species, making every game drive an exciting adventure. Seasonal camps in this area mostly operates when the great migration is there.

Ndutu Plains

The Ndutu plains is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, on the outskirts of the Southern Serengeti plains. These plains are enriched with tremendous acacia trees, providing a panoramic view across Lake Ndutu and Masek at the other end. It is one of the best places in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to spot predators and enjoy the stunning landscapes. Standing here means you’re in the midst of a calving ground for migratory wild animals, specifically the wildebeest migration. It is typically composed of vast swaths of short grassland, soda-lake Masek, marshes, and woodland vegetation that support both residents and migratory animals.