The Southern Serengeti is one of Tanzania’s most remarkable safari destinations, offering vast open plains, exceptional wildlife encounters, and front-row access to the Great Migration’s calving season. While North Serengeti is widely known for its dramatic Mara River crossings, the Southern Serengeti provides a different yet equally spectacular safari experience defined by predator action and newborn wildlife.
1. The Great Migration Calving Season
The Southern Serengeti becomes the heart of the Great Migration between December and March. During this period, over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras gather on the nutrient-rich plains. Unlike North Serengeti, which hosts the migration later in the year for river crossings, the southern plains are crucial for grazing and birthing.
2. Wildlife in Southern Serengeti
The region is rich in wildlife year-round, but especially during migration season, Key Animals to See: Wildebeest (calving season highlight), Zebras, Gazelles, Lions, Cheetahs (very common in open plains), Hyenas, Leopards, African elephants, Bat-eared foxes, Jackals
Southern Serengeti is particularly renowned for:
A safari in North Serengeti offers diverse and unforgettable experiences:
Guided 4×4 drives across the plains to spot predators, migration herds, and diverse wildlife, especially active in early morning and late afternoon.
Experience the Serengeti from above with a sunrise balloon safari, followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Specialized drives focused on capturing high-quality wildlife images in the open Southern Serengeti landscapes.
Extended game drives following wildebeest and zebra herds for the best chance to witness predator action during migration season.
Guided nature walks with armed rangers to explore tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife up close.
Southern Serengeti is accessible via Ndutu Airstrip for fly-in safaris or by road from Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, or Central Serengeti. Many safari itineraries combine Southern Serengeti with Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti, Tarangire National Park, and North Serengeti for a complete Tanzania safari experience.
Careful planning around the migration calendar ensures the best safari experience. Whether you choose Southern Serengeti for calving season or North Serengeti for river crossings, both regions deliver unforgettable wildlife encounters and showcase the beauty of Tanzania’s iconic Serengeti ecosystem.
Contact our safari experts today to begin planning your personalized North Serengeti safari adventure.
