Serengeti Migration Safari - Great Wildebeest Migration Guide, Tanzania Wildlife Tours & Serengeti Safari Packages.

Central Serengeti Vs Western Serengeti

If you are planning a trip to the Serengeti, visitors may find it difficult to choose where to go: the Central Serengeti or the Western Serengeti. These two regions differ in many aspects ranging from vegetation, wildlife, accommodation, and more. We have distinctive features that can help you know the differences between them.

Wildlife (Central vs. Western)

Although both regions have a dense population of wild animals, there is a difference in the concentration of some animal species. Central Serengeti, usually known as the heart of the Serengeti is characterized by abundant wildlife throughout the year. However, a large concentration of leopards is observed here. This is because of the presence of kopjes and rocky outcrops, the favorite hiding spots for these predators. It is the place where visitors go to see wild animals at any time of the year. The animals are non-migratory due to the presence of the Seronera Valley, which provides all they need for survival.

The main species of animals found in central Serengeti include lion, leopard, buffalo, eland, cheetah, serval cat, zebra, and many others. The Western Corridor hosts several wild animals throughout the year. The Nile crocodiles predominate the mighty Grumeti River. Elephants, giraffes, and rare colobus monkeys are residents of this region. Other animals include hyenas, hippos, topi, and crocodiles.

Accommodations (Central vs. West)

Central Serengeti has a wide range of lodges and camps. This is caused by the frequency of visitors coming to this region. The Seronera Airstrip also drives the number of visitors to this region very high because it is the main airstrip in Serengeti National Park. Therefore, you have a lot more options for where to stay in central Serengeti than in western Serengeti. Western Serengeti has a few options for staying compared to the central Serengeti. This is because it is not crowded compared to central Serengeti.

When to visit (Central vs. West)

Central Serengeti is an all-year-round area for authentic wildlife safaris. This is because of its richness in wild animals. Guests will enjoy wonderful views of the Seronera Valley and its abundant wildlif and birdlife.
Western Serengeti is perfect during the dry season. The wildebeest migration reaches the western corridor between June and July. Balloon safaris are a gem during this time, as the spectacular scenes of migratory herds’ transverse the Grumeti River.

Topography (Central vs. Western)

Central Serengeti is greatly affected by the Seronera Valley, which separates the northern rolling hills and the southeastern plains. This valley is dominated by riverine forests, savannahs, and woodlands, which harbor the largest concentration of wild animals throughout the year. Western Serengeti, on the other hand, is characterized by grassy plains, riverine forests, floodplains, open woodlands, valleys, and several hills. This ecosystem stretches to Lake Victoria.

Key areas in which the Western Serengeti beats the Central Serengeti

It is close to a private reserve.
Western Serengeti is bordered by a private game reserve, Grumeti Reserve. This is the perfect spot if you want luxury and wildlife exploration with fewer restrictions. In Grumeti Reserve, you are far away from crowds, a normal case in public national parks. Night game drives and nature walks are prohibited in the Serengeti. You are also not allowed to go off the trails when driving in the Serengeti. If you want to avoid all these restrictions, Grumeti Reserve is your ultimate destination. You can also see the great wildebeest migration from this private reserve since it transverses through it.

Grumeti River crossings
The wildebeest congregate on the banks of the mighty Grumeti River. This is the first threat to wildebeest migration. Brave herds cross this river and fight for their lives as the hungry crocodiles try to convert them into a meal.

Key areas in which the Central Serengeti beats the Western Serengeti

It has the main airstrip
Seronera Airstrip is the main airstrip in Serengeti National Park and is in central Serengeti. It receives several flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar.

The Big Five
Serengeti is well-known as one of a few wildlife destinations for viewing the Big Five: elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and black rhino. While the four animals are seen in various regions of Serengeti, the black rhino is rare. However, it is occasionally encountered in some parts of the Central Serengeti.

You can also drive to Moru Kopjes, which is an hour away from Seronera Airstrip, to see the rhinos under the care of rangers. Here, you will encounter black rhinos protected in a 3500-square-kilometer region.
Serengeti is far from being an ordinary wildlife destination but a travelers’ paradise for discovering the untold truths of the wildebeest migration and other wild animals. At Focus East Africa Tours, we offer unparalleled safari tours to Tanzanian destinations.

Central Vs Northern Serengeti

Going on a journey to discover wonderful things is a delightful adventure, but the challenging part is selecting the perfect destination. Tanzania deserves a special place in the heart of every traveler. Seeing the Big Five, trekking the Great Migration, hiking the Kilimanjaro, discovering new cultures, exploring the wild animals, and many more are some thrilling safari experiences that bring visitors to this majestic country.
Serengeti National Park is an African safari destination that offers unforgettable wildlife experiences. If you haven’t been to this park or been there several times, we assure you won’t regret it. This majestic park has four regions, spreading across various directions. Central and Northern Serengeti are amazing regions for wildlife safaris. Central Serengeti is at the heart of Serengeti while the Northern Serengeti stretches to the Kenyan Maasai Mara.

Privacy (Central vs. North)

The Northern Serengeti is remote and is considered the perfect escape if you are interested in exploring the Serengeti away from crowds. A few visitors reach the extremity of this region, thus giving visitors privacy while crossing the breathtaking landscape of plains and woodlands. The place is quieter compared to the Seronera and southern plains. The northern Serengeti is therefore untouched and beautiful as a few visitors reach this area.
The central Serengeti on the other hand is the heart of tourist activities. The Seronera is home to a large population of wild animals, which makes it an all-year-round area for visiting. You may meet with other safari vehicles as well, as you roam through the trails in the Seronera River Valley, or when you are visiting the plains south of Seronera.

Topography (Central vs. North)

The topography of Northern Serengeti is characterized by rolling hills, which start from the Lobo Hills. The area is also covered with open savanna studded with rocky outcrops. The forests are dense as the acacia woodlands dominate in the vast plains. Visitors can try balloon safaris, which will reward them with beautiful scenes of the landscapes, vegetation, and wildlife.
Contrary to that of Northern Serengeti, the characteristic landscape of Central Serengeti is comprised of the Seronera River Valley, which harbors a large population of leopards, especially on the banks of the Seronera River. Vast plains stretch from the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area and are dotted with granite rock outcrops.

Wildlife viewing (Central vs. North)

Wildlife viewing in the northern Serengeti is difficult. It challenges to penetrate the virgin forests of the northern Serengeti on a game drive rather than driving on the flat plains south of Seronera. The Lobo area in northern Serengeti is good for spotting the elephants while the Lobo Hills hosts a significant population of leopards, lions, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, bat-eared foxes, and elegant servals.

The banks of the Seronera River harbor a large number of leopards. You can also encounter lions on the kopjes in the Seronera area. The Serengeti Plains, just south of Seronera are rich in herbivores, such as antelopes, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, buffalos, and predators like cheetahs and hyenas. The Seronera is also known as the capital of predators as it hosts a large population of predators.

The northern and central Serengeti is the perfect spot for seeing the Big Five. However, in northern Serengeti, you may see four animals among the Big Five: lion, leopard, buffalo, and elephant. The black rhino is rare in the northern Serengeti. In central Serengeti, all Big Five animals are seen. The black rhinos are spotted in the Moru Kopjes, protected by the park rangers.

Lodging options (Central vs. North)

The central Serengeti has a wide range of lodging options. Several permanent lodges and camps are available throughout the year since this region is an all-year-round destination. The presence of the Serengeti’s main airstrip also makes it the accommodation facilities more accessible. Due to its remoteness, a few safari camps and lodges are found in the northern Serengeti. Prior booking is necessary when you are on a safari to this unspoiled area. When booking accommodation in the northern Serengeti, make sure it is available during your time of travel. Some accommodations close seasonally.

Best time to visit (Central vs. North)

The northern Serengeti is best from early September to October. The wildebeests are scattered in the northern part of Serengeti during this time. They face the dangerous obstacle of the Great Migration, the Mara River. Visitors enjoy the views of the Mara River crossing. Apart from the legendary Mara River crossings, northern Serengeti is home to wildlife that will make your safari unforgettable.

Although central Serengeti is good year-round, it becomes very fascinating from March to June, as the wildebeest herds spread over the area. A balloon safari is rewarding during this time. Float gently over the Serengeti plains while viewing the groups of wildebeests and zebras.Traveling to Tanzania is more than just a trip as it teaches you a lot of things about Tanzanian culture and the natural beauty embedded within its borders. You will learn new languages, make new friends, and encounter famous attractions including Serengeti National Park. If you to experience these memorable experiences in Tanzania and other East African destinations, Focus East Africa Tours is your number one tour operator. We will get your safari tour ready before you arrive.

Central Vs Southern Serengeti

Everyone loves to travel. Traveling makes us discover many things that we haven’t even dreamed of seeing. The world is full of travel destinations worth knowing, but have you thought about how a safari to Tanzania would be? No idea? Sit back and see. We have you covered.
Tanzania is an East African country known for its richness of tourist attractions, and of course, world-famous destinations are situated in this fabulous country. They include the iconic Kilimanjaro Mountain, the highest peak in Africa; Ngorongoro Crater, the largest unbroken caldera in the world; the home of the Great Migration; the Serengeti National Park; and other captivating destinations.
Serengeti National Park is a must-go safari destination if you want authentic wildlife safaris. This park is the home of the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration, which, at its best, remains the biggest mammal migration on earth. This greatest mammal migration, the Big Five, and many other attractions make Serengeti a fascinating park to visit.
When visiting Serengeti National Park, you will discover the wonders situated in its four famous regions: Central Serengeti, Southern Serengeti, Northern Serengeti, and Western Serengeti. All the regions have amazing natural features, vegetation, and wildlife. Let’s look at the two most common regions: Central Serengeti and Southern Serengeti.

Predators: Big Cats

Central Serengeti carries many unique features. This region is inhabited by a high population of predators, especially the Big Cats—lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, serval cats, hyenas, and others. In the Seronera area of central Serengeti, sightings of predators are guaranteed. These predators are concentrated in this region throughout the year, especially in the kopjes, where they prefer other areas.
The Seronera River is spectacularly beautiful. It serves as a source of water for wildlife. Its banks are known for encounters with leopards on game drives, while the kopjes close to Seronera are fantastic for lion sightings. If you are to spot leopards, keep an eye out for sausage trees and umbrella thorns since they are hiding places for these elusive predators. On the south side of the Seronera River are the verdant plains, the Serengeti Plains, where you can see cheetahs, the fastest land animals in the world.
The concentration of Big Cats in the Southern Serengeti is high during the calving season, from January to February. The calving season results in thousands of calves. As a result, the predators migrate to the southern Serengeti to take advantage of newly born calves.

The peak season

The Central Serengeti is busy with tourist activities from March to June. This is because the region is crowded with wild animals at this time as the wildebeests arrive from the southern Serengeti. Visitors pilgrimage to the heart of this majestic national park to see wildebeest herds and other wild animals. Therefore, you will meet with other safari vehicles. However, our guides are experts at finding remote places that no one knows about. We also advise you to select accommodations that are less-visited to avoid crowds.
The Southern Serengeti never becomes crowded, as it is closely neighbored by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and private concessions. Visitors have many options for where to go compared to central Serengeti, which is at the heart of Serengeti. The cycle of the Great Migration starts here and ends here. Witness the calving season as a half million calves are born. Seeing a baby wildebeest being born, rise, and start to walk is something you won’t forget. In December, the wildebeest return to the greener pastures of Southern Serengeti. You can witness thousands of wildebeests returning to the southern plains in the low season.

Accommodations

When it comes to places to stay, central Serengeti offers many options. The facilities are large, beautiful, and comfortable. They are fitted with state-of-the-art facilities just to make their stay luxurious in the heart of the African wilderness. The park headquarters are also situated in central Serengeti, not far from the Seronera Airstrip.
In Southern Serengeti, accommodation options are enough but decrease during the low season in the long rains, when a few visitors come to this region. A few permanent camps or lodges are open at this time. Prior booking is highly recommended when booking a trip to southern Serengeti, due to the limited lodging options available

Topography

The Central Serengeti is mainly comprised of vast plains studded with a lot of granite rocky outcrops (kopjes), such as Simba Kopjes and Moru Kopjes, south of the Seronera River. Look for lions and leopards in the kopjes. At Moru Kopjes, you can try to see the rare black rhinos, protected by rangers.
The Central Serengeti is also home to the majestic Seronera River Valley, an ecosystem that distinguishes it from the northern and southern Serengeti. The riverine forests attract many wildlife and colorful birds.
The Southern Serengeti, on the other hand, is characterized by grassy plains dotted with rocky outcrops, and it stretches from central Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Maswa Game Reserve.
Ready to explore Serengeti National Park? At Focus East Africa Tours, we offer unforgettable tours to Serengeti and other wildlife destinations. We are open to inquiries at any time.

Southern Serengeti Vs Northern Serengeti

Serengeti National Park is the most well-known animal sanctuary in the world. It's no wonder! Everyone is familiar with this African safari spot. It is well-known as the home of the wildebeest migration. This spectacular event in the world happens annually as over 1.5 million wildebeest migrate from the south of Serengeti to the north.
When planning a trip to the Serengeti, visitors find it difficult to choose where to go: Northern Serengeti or Southern Serengeti. These two regions differ in many aspects ranging from vegetation, wildlife, accommodation, and more. We have some clear distinctive features that can help you know the differences between them. Here are some key points.

Landscape and vegetation (South vs North)

Southern Serengeti is characterized by vast plains, seasonal lakes, woodlands, and a few kopjes. The plains are rich in grass and they host a large population of herbivores, such as wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, impalas, and many others. A large seasonal lake found in the Southern Serengeti is Lake Ndutu which is shared with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Northern Serengeti on the other hand, is characterized by rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and untouched woodlands. The woodlands are inhabited by African elephants while the kopjes are inhabited by the Big Cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, and reptiles like hyraxes and lizards

Remoteness (South vs North)

Many visitors frequently visit the Southern Serengeti. You will likely have to explore the wilderness with other visitors as well. Northern Serengeti on the other hand, is remote and less visited. If you want to explore the wonders of Serengeti with no crowd, you are advised to visit this area. However, Nothern Serengeti becomes crowded between August and October as visitors travel to see the Mara River crossings.

Highlights of the wildebeest migration (South vs North)

Speaking of the wildebeest migration, Southern Serengeti is where this wonderful event begins. The major highlight of the Great Migration in Southern Serengeti is the calving season. It begins in January when the wildebeests are getting enough pasture in the plains in Ndutu, which favors calving. Calving continues until late February or early March. Therefore, if you want to see wildebeest migration in the southern Serengeti, you will start with the calving season. The herd starts to move when the plains dry out between April and May.
The major highlight of the great wildebeest migration that happens in the northern Serengeti is the crossing of the mighty Mara River. Thousands of wildebeests gather close to the banks of this river. Crossing the Mara River is a matter of life or death. Some survive while others don’t due to predation by the hungry Nile crocodiles and other predators. Massive trekking is also observed as the animals enter the Maasai Mara

Time to visit (South vs North)

Southern Serengeti is a gem during the low season. Southern Serengeti offers unique wildlife experiences in the wet season, especially from December to February. The vast plains of southern Serengeti become grazing grounds for the wildebeests when they arrive from the north. They give birth to about 500,000 calves. The calves attract several predators that look for easy prey. Come and see the predator-prey dynamics as the wildebeest fight to protect their calves.
Northern Serengeti is the best during the high season. Visitors in their hundreds drive to the north to see the crossings of the Mara River. The Mara River is a fatal challenge for the migrating animals. Many animals lose their lives there as the Nile crocodiles hunt them for food. Opportunistic feeders like hyenas and lions take advantage of tired animals to obtain food. If you want to witness the Mara River crossing, visit the Northern Serengeti between July and September.

Accommodations (North vs South)

Regarding accommodations, Northern Serengeti and Southern Serengeti don’t differ much. However, due to the presence of several airstrips, the camps in Northern Serengeti are more accessible. The accommodations in Southern Serengeti are accessible from its Kusini Airstrip.

Accessibility (South vs North)

Southern Serengeti is a little bit far from Arusha compared to Northern Serengeti. A drive from Arusha to North Serengeti usually takes 11 hours. The journey is filled with scenic views on the way through Lake Natron, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Central Serengeti, and finally to the Northern Serengeti. It takes 5 hours with an en-route game drive to arrive at Northern Serengeti. Both regions have airstrips, making it easier to arrive by flight. Northern Serengeti is served by several airstrips such as Lobo Airstrip, Kogatende Airstrip, and other airstrips including Seronera. Southern Serengeti can be accessed by flying to Seronera Airstrip, the largest airstrip in Serengeti National Park. Serengeti Kusini Airstrip receives flights. You can also drive from Arusha to Southern Serengeti, taking about 12 hours.

If you are looking for authentic Tanzania safari through the Serengeti, Focus East Africa Tours is for you. We offer memorable safaris to Serengeti according to what our client needs. We also organize various safaris to iconic destinations in East Africa. You can book a trip with us. We would be glad to help you discover the wonders of East Africa.

The Great Wildebeest Migration

The Great Wildebeest Migration is the ultimate highlight of any Tanzania safari, a year-round pilgrimage that defines the raw rhythm of Serengeti National Park. This natural phenomenon is not a singular event but a continuous quest for survival, shifting across the vast ecosystem in response to seasonal rains. The cycle typically begins in the south, within the lush Ndutu Area, where the famous calving season takes place between December and March. During this time, the plains are carpeted with life as thousands of newborns take their first steps, closely trailed by opportunistic predators like lions and cheetahs. Discover the best time to witness the herds in our guide.

Wildebeest Migration Map

The Great Migration Breakdown in detail

The massive annual migration of wildebeest and zebra is a year round phenomenon dictated by the rains which sees the herds moving in a constant clockwise motion throughout the Serengeti national park and Maasai Mara national reserve. Here is a monthly breakdown of the migration.

January, February & March

Over a million wildebeests also called the Gnu, zebras and gazelles spend the first month of the year in the plains of Serengeti National Park feeding on the short grass and preparing for migration. The majority of wildebeest calves have just been born in February with around half a million new calves in that month, as the Southern plains become picked over, the herds begin to spread west and prepare for their migration north in the Spring. This makes for an incredible sight during game drives, expect to see newborn calves and you if you are lucky, you might witness a birth and also see plenty of predator action.

The wildebeest encourage their newborns to get on their feet immediately and join the herds where their safety is guaranteed. Predators like lions, leopards, spotted hyenas and rare wild dogs wait in the surrounding areas ready to prey the weak and vulnerable members of the herd. An easy kill isn’t always guaranteed as the female wildebeest instinctively head to the short grass plains so that they can see predators approaching and they form a barricade around birthing mothers to protect them and their young ones thus ensuring the majority of the newborn calves survive. Towards the end of the short dry season (usually the end of March), the short – grass plains in the Southern Serengeti begin to dry out and the wildebeest and zebras start to head towards the western woodlands.

April & May

Usually April brings the first signs of migration with hundreds of thousands of wildebeest beginning their arduous journey across the western plains and finally north. The herds move through the Ndoha and Dutwa plains adjacent to the Mbalagweti River, they may begin to pile up near the Mbalagweti and Grumeti Rivers awaiting the crossing, a dangerous obstacle for animals.

June & July

Usually the rutting season starts in June and you expect to see fierce fighting between competitive males as they vie for the attention of females and it’s around this time that the dry season starts with large concentrations of wildebeest in the Western Serengeti and on the southern banks of the Grumeti River.

Each migrating animal must face the challenge of crossing the crocodile-infested river and this dramatic river crossing is one of the most exciting events of the Great Migration In early July, the hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra continue to head north along the western edge of the park toward an even riskier barrier, the Mara River in northern Serengeti and this river crossing is a memorable and exciting wildlife encounter on Earth. The Crossings usually start in July but the precise timing depends on the rains. The migration herds will typically be found in the Northern Serengeti during the month of July and a small portion will have successfully made it to the Masai Mara with continuous daily river crossings being seen at the Mara and Talek rivers.

August, September & October

At the start of August, the migration herds have encountered the challenge of crossing the Mara River and are spread across the Northern part the Masai Mara Reserve with many remaining in the northern part of the Serengeti National Park. One should note that there is no single crossing. At some spots, there are just a few individuals while others have a mass of animals moving without break for hours.

Later in early October, the migration herds are all Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve in search for fresh grass to gaze. This is also a wonderful time to have your safari in Masai Mara national reserve. As the long rains begin in October, the herds begin their long journey south back to the Serengeti following the new grass but this does not mean that life becomes easy as there is always danger lurking around in form of hunting prides of lions and packs of hyenas.

November & December

At the end of October or early November, the wildebeest move down from Kenya into the eastern region of the Serengeti past Namiri Plains. By December, the wildebeest herds are spread across the eastern and southern regions and the cycle continues as the calving season starts once again.

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