Best Places To Stay In Southern Serengeti
Grassy plains studded with granite kopjes extend endlessly across the scenically beautiful Southern Serengeti, which stretches from the bottom of the Central Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Maswa Game Reserve. It’s one of the best areas to see the animals of the Great Migration: visit between December and May to see the huge herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle arriving to calve, and then at the beginning of the dry season making their way northwards again in search of green grass. February is a particularly good month to visit the Southern Serengeti to see thousands of baby wildebeest taking their first steps on the savanna – and being targeted by hungry lions, cheetahs and hyenas, which are in abundance in the region.
Due the seasonality of game viewing in the Southern Serengeti, there are only a few permanent lodges in the region, as well as one permanent tented camp. There are several mobile camps, ranging from affordable to luxury, that are open during the months of the Great Migration. Other options include lodges situated on private concessions bordering the Southern Serengeti.Be sure to reserve far in advance for a trip to the Southern Serengeti during the Great Migration months of December to May, as the few lodging options get booked up.
The Southern Serengeti is an excellent area to base yourself in if you’d like to combine your Serengeti safari with a few days in the nearby Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Southern Serengeti Lodges
Added By OTR
Added By OTR
Added By OTR
Added By OTR
Added By OTR
Added By OTR
Most safaris to Serengeti National Park start from the town of Arusha. The best option to get there is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is situated about 50km/31mi from Arusha. It is also possible to fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and fly on to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
There are regular flights from Arusha to several airstrips inside the park, but it is also possible to drive. The trip is about 325km/200mi and will take around 8 hours*. It is a bumpy ride, but it’s scenic and you’ll see wildlife along the way.
As the drive takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a popular option is to fly one way, and drive the other way taking in an overnight stop to visit the Ngorongoro Crater. Coming from the crater, the distance to the Seronera area in the Serengeti is about 140km/90mi and the driving time is around 3 hours*.
Serengeti Safari Options
Serengeti Hotels and lodges
Beho Beho
Located in the northwestern part, this area is known for its higher altitude, hot springs, and for being the spot where famous explorer Keith Johnston and hunter Frederick Selous died.
Mtemere Airstrip
Mtemere Airstrip is the most frequently used airstrip serving guests visiting both Selous Game Reserve and Nyerere National Park in Southern Tanzania. The geographical coordinates of this airstrip are: 07 45 01S 038 12 47E. Flying Safari package to Nyerere are convenient due to the short one hour flight versus the 5 to 6 hour road journey from Dar es Salaam. Flights to Nyerere being readily available, a flying package safari is possible to book for most Camps and Lodges. Flying to Nyerere is also recommended for those who want to enjoy game drives in Open sided safari vehicles.
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) is Tanzania’s largest national park. The lifeblood of this vast wilderness is the mighty Rufiji River and a network of interconnected lakes. The abundant water supports huge numbers of crocodiles and hippos, which you’ll get scarily close to on boat trips, and also attracts plenty of elephants, buffalo and other wildlife. Early morning game drives offer the best chance to see some lion action.
Rufiji river
The Rufiji River is Tanzania’s largest river, flowing roughly 600km through the Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) to the Indian Ocean. It is known for supporting massive concentrations of wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles, and it forms the largest mangrove forest in eastern Africa.