The Northern Serengeti serves as a crucial corridor for the great wildebeest migration, connecting the southern green season short grass plains with the dry season areas up north. Despite being less frequented by tourists compared to other parts of the Serengeti National Park, this area offers unspoiled, breathtaking beauty and tranquility, making it a captivating safari destination. Picture yourself traversing this expanse of open grasslands, occasionally adorned with pockets of dense woodlands, all in serene privacy, with nothing but the songs of birds and the rustling of trees in the wind.
Travelers who venture to this region are treated to stunning landscapes, including acacia woodlands scattered across the Savannah, as well as incredible wildlife sightings, including the majestic big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, along with a variety of herbivores like buffalo, antelopes, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, elands, zebras, and more. Serengeti North is particularly renowned for wildebeest calving, making it a must-visit for those interested in witnessing the birth of new life. However, even if you are not specifically seeking this spectacle, do not miss the extraordinary experience of witnessing the massive herds of wildebeests and zebras undertaking the perilous crossing of the crocodile-infested Mara River in June and July.
Accommodations in Northern Serengeti range from basic to high-end luxury, including Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp, Africa Safari Serengeti, Muthu Keekorok, Serengeti Simba Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, all known for their welcoming staff, delectable fresh cuisine, and exceptional game viewing opportunities.
The Lobo area, also situated in the northern part of the Serengeti National Park, boasts scenic landscapes that differ from the southern Serengeti plains. As you explore this region in your safari vehicle, you’ll encounter the Lobo area’s distinctive features, including huge hills and rock outcrops known as kopjes, which are favored spots for lion prides. Continuing further north, you’ll reach the Mara River, marking the border between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. The Lobo area is particularly known for its elephant population, with more sightings than other parts of the Serengeti. It’s also home to several large lion prides, cheetahs, leopards, spotted hyenas, bat-eared foxes, and the graceful serval, a small spotted cat often seen roaming wide fields in the early morning.
Visitors to the Lobo area enjoy the advantage of proximity to the recreation area’s boundaries, allowing for night drives and walking safaris in addition to traditional wildlife viewing. Accommodation options in the Lobo area include Lobo Wildlife Lodge, Selous River Camp, AndBeyond Ngorongoro, and AndBeyond Klein’s Camp, each offering unique services to cater to the needs of tourists.
The Loliondo Game Controlled Area, although not part of the Serengeti National Park, plays a critical role in the great migration’s route through the broader Serengeti ecosystem. Accessible through Klein’s Gate, 20 kilometers north of Lobo, this area extends over approximately 4,000 kilometers along the northeastern border of Serengeti National Park and the northern border of the Ngorongoro Crater area. Regardless of your chosen mode of transportation, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking vistas.
The Loliondo area serves as a grazing area for the Maasai people, where they coexist alongside wildlife, grazing their cattle alongside wild animals. Within Loliondo, several safari lodges and camps, including Leonell Villas Lodge, Dodoma Shine Lodge, Sun Bright Lodge, and Njia Panda Tented Lodge, are situated on concessions ranging from a few dozen to a few hectares in size. The largest and most outstanding of these concessions is Klein’s Camp, where visitors can embark on extraordinary adventure safaris, including nature walks and camping experiences with African Adventure Vacations.
Immerse yourself in an extraordinary adventure by exploring Northern Serengeti, Lobo, and Loliondo.