EXPLORING THE SOUTHERN SERENGETI

The Southern Serengeti is one of the most exciting and beautiful places in Tanzania, especially during the calving season of the Great Migration. This area is mostly flat and open, with wide grasslands that stretch as far as the eye can see. It is best known for being the place where hundreds of thousands of wildebeests give birth between December and March, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

The Ndutu and Kusini areas are the main parts of the Southern Serengeti where most of the wildlife action happens. During this time, visitors can see dramatic scenes of life and survival, from baby animals taking their first steps to predators hunting in the open plains. It is also a great place for birdwatching, photography, and enjoying peaceful sunsets over the savannah. Because of its seasonal importance, the Southern Serengeti offers a truly special and unforgettable safari experience that shows the circle of life in one of the world’s most famous wildlife regions.

 

Where Is the Southern Serengeti?

The Southern Serengeti is found in northern Tanzania, inside Serengeti National Park. It covers areas like Ndutu and Kusini, which are located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This region is part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem, which is one of the best places in the world to see wild animals. The Southern Serengeti is not far from Ngorongoro Crater, and many safaris visit both places in one trip.

This part of the Serengeti is best known for its wide grasslands and flat open spaces, which make it easy to see animals. During the months of December to March, huge herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals move to this area to give birth. Because of the many baby animals, predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas also come here to hunt, making it a great place to watch wildlife. The Southern Serengeti is peaceful, rich in animals, and full of natural beauty, making it a favourite for safari lovers.

 

Why Is the Southern Serengeti Important?

The Southern Serengeti is very important because it plays a big role in the Great Migration, which is one of the most amazing wildlife events in the world. Every year, between December and March, around two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move to the Southern Serengeti to give birth. This is called the calving season, and it is a very special time because about 8,000 baby wildebeest are born each day. The flat, grassy plains of this area are perfect for new babies because the animals can see predators from far away and have a better chance to stay safe.

But the calving season is not only about new life. It also attracts many predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, who come to hunt the young and weak animals. This makes the Southern Serengeti a great place to see the dramatic side of nature the fight for survival. For people who love wildlife, this is one of the best places to watch exciting action and learn how animals live in the wild.

The Southern Serengeti is also important because it helps support the whole Serengeti ecosystem. The animals that are born here will later move to other parts of the park as they grow. This keeps the animal population healthy and balanced. In addition, this area is important for scientific research, tourism, and the local economy. Many people visit the Southern Serengeti to enjoy safaris, take photos, and learn about nature, which brings money to nearby communities and helps with conservation. So, the Southern Serengeti is not just beautiful – it is a key part of keeping the Serengeti wild and full of life.

 

What Animals Can You See in the Southern Serengeti?

During the calving season, the Southern Serengeti is full of wildlife. You can expect to see:

1. Wildebeest and Zebras

• Huge herds grazing across the plains.
• Thousands of babies being born.
• Wildebeest often gather in large groups during birth for safety.

2. Predators

• Lions hunt in groups and take advantage of the newborn calves.
• Cheetahs are fast and love to hunt in open plains.
• Leopards hide in trees or kopjes and ambush animals.
• Hyenas are always nearby, looking for weak or injured prey.

3. Giraffes, Elephants, and Buffaloes

These large animals are often seen around the edges of the plains or in areas with more trees.

4. Antelopes and Gazelles

Many types of antelopes live here, including:

• Thomson’s gazelle
• Grant’s gazelle
• Impala
• Eland

5. Birds

Bird lovers will enjoy this area. During the wet season, many birds come to breed and feed. Some birds to watch for:

• Flamingos at the lakes
• Secretary birds
• Kori bustards
• Eagles and vultures
• Hornbills and lovebirds

 

Attractions in the Southern Serengeti

1. The Great Migration (Calving Season)

One of the biggest attractions in the Southern Serengeti is the Great Migration, especially during the calving season from December to March. This is when over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles gather in the Southern Serengeti to give birth. During this time, you can see thousands of baby wildebeests being born every day. The newborns are incredibly vulnerable, which attracts predators like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards, who follow the herds for an easy meal.

The dramatic scenes of new life, as well as the intense predator-prey interactions, make this time a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Witnessing the Great Migration in the Southern Serengeti gives you a chance to see nature’s cycle up close, with life and death unfolding in front of you. The vast open plains and short grasslands during the calving season make it easy to spot animals, offering incredible wildlife watching and photographic opportunities.

2. Ndutu Area

The Ndutu Area is one of the most popular parts of the Southern Serengeti, especially during the calving season. Located near the border of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this area is a mix of open grasslands and scattered acacia trees, providing an ideal place for wildebeest and other herbivores to give birth. The area is known for its incredible wildlife activity, including large herds of animals like wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.

You will also see a high concentration of predators like lions often hunt here, and cheetahs are seen chasing down prey in the open plains. The flat terrain makes it easy to spot animals, and the area is also great for birdwatching. Visitors can explore Ndutu by jeep, often enjoying spectacular views of the plains and animals. The unique combination of new life, predator action, and beautiful landscapes makes the Ndutu Area one of the Southern Serengeti’s biggest attractions.

 

3. Kusini Area

The Kusini Area is another remarkable part of the Southern Serengeti, known for its secluded, quieter environment. Located to the south of the main Serengeti Park, Kusini is famous for being less crowded than other parts of the Serengeti, making it a peaceful spot for wildlife viewing. The area features open plains and rocky outcrops, providing great opportunities to spot herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles during the Great Migration.

You can also see predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas here, especially around water sources where animals gather to drink. Kusini is also home to a variety of bird species, including vultures and eagles. The area is particularly known for its beautiful sunsets, where the warm colors of the sky reflect on the wide, open plains. Kusini is a great spot for visitors looking for a more private, off-the-beaten-path experience in the Southern Serengeti.

 

4. Lake Ndutu

Lake Ndutu is a seasonal soda lake located in the Southern Serengeti, and it is one of the best places to visit for wildlife lovers. During the wet season, the lake attracts large numbers of flamingos and other waterbirds, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching. The lake is also surrounded by open grasslands, which are home to large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles that come to drink from its waters.

During the calving season, predators like lions and hyenas are often seen around the lake, hunting for young animals that are still learning to move. The landscape around Lake Ndutu is picturesque, with the lake reflecting the sky and surrounded by acacia trees. The area is also great for photography, with beautiful views of animals, birds, and landscapes. Lake Ndutu is a key attraction in the Southern Serengeti, offering an exciting mix of wildlife, scenic beauty, and peaceful surroundings.

 

5. Ngorongoro Conservation Area Border

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area borders the Southern Serengeti, and its proximity adds an interesting layer to a visit. Although Ngorongoro Crater itself is not part of the Serengeti, the wildlife that moves between the two areas makes for an exciting experience. Many animals, particularly during the Great Migration, travel between the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, so you may see a mix of wildlife from both places. The Ngorongoro Crater is known for its dense population of lions, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceros, and it’s not uncommon to see these animals near the border of the Southern Serengeti. This combination of habitats, the movement of animals between the two areas, and the stunning landscapes make the Ngorongoro border a unique and interesting attraction for visitors to the Southern Serengeti.

 

Activities in the Southern Serengeti

1. Game Drives

Game drives are the most popular activity in the Southern Serengeti. A game drive is a trip in a safari vehicle that takes you across the plains to look for wild animals. These drives usually happen early in the morning and late in the afternoon when animals are most active. During the calving season (December to March), game drives are especially exciting because you can see thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles giving birth and caring for their young.

At the same time, many predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas are nearby, watching for an easy meal. Game drives give you the chance to see dramatic scenes of nature, from baby animals taking their first steps to a lioness on the hunt. Your guide helps spot animals and explains their behaviour, so you learn while you explore. You will also enjoy the beautiful scenery wide grasslands, acacia trees, and sometimes even flamingos near Lake Ndutu. A game drive in the Southern Serengeti is one of the best ways to experience African wildlife up close.

 

2. Guided Nature Walks

A guided nature walk is a slower and more peaceful way to explore the Southern Serengeti. Instead of riding in a vehicle, you walk with an expert guide and sometimes an armed ranger for safety. Nature walks usually happen in special areas like around Ndutu, just outside the main national park boundaries where walking is allowed. On foot, you get a chance to see the smaller details of the bush that you might miss during a drive like animal tracks, insects, birds, plants, and even animal bones.

The guide teaches you how to recognize signs of animals and explains how everything in the ecosystem is connected. While you may not see the big animals up close on a walk, it gives you a deeper connection to nature and helps you understand how animals survive in the wild. It’s a quiet, refreshing experience that makes you feel part of the landscape, not just a visitor.

 

3. Birdwatching

The Southern Serengeti is a great place for bird lovers. The mix of grasslands, woodlands, and seasonal lakes like Lake Ndutu creates a home for many different bird species. You can see colorful birds like the lilac-breasted roller, kori bustard (the heaviest flying bird), secretary bird, and various species of hornbills and bee-eaters. During the wet season, you may also see flamingos and storks near the water. Birdwatching can be done during game drives, but many lodges also offer early morning or late afternoon bird walks with a guide. The guide helps you spot and identify birds by their colours, shapes, and calls. Birdwatching in the Serengeti is not just about ticking birds off a list it’s about noticing how birds interact with the environment and learning how important they are in nature. It’s a peaceful activity that can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike.

 

4. Photography

The Southern Serengeti is a dream come true for wildlife photographers. The open plains and golden light, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, make for perfect photo conditions. Whether you’re using a phone or a big camera, you’ll have many chances to take stunning pictures of animals, landscapes, and sunsets. During the calving season, you can capture rare moments like a baby wildebeest being born, predators on the hunt, or herds moving across the horizon. The area around Ndutu is also great for low-angle photography because off-road driving is allowed there, giving you better angles and closer shots.

 

Best Time to Visit the Southern Serengeti

The best time to visit the Southern Serengeti is during the calving season, which runs from late December to March. This is when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, gather on the open plains to give birth. Around 8,000 baby wildebeest are born each day, making it a great time to see new life and exciting predator action. During this season, you can also see many lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards hunting in the area.

The weather during this time is usually warm and dry, especially in January and February, making it easier to move around and enjoy game drives. The grass is short, so animals are easier to see, and the light is perfect for photography. Ndutu and Kusini are the best places to stay during this period, as they are right in the middle of the action.

While the Southern Serengeti is mainly popular in the green season (December to March), other parts of the Serengeti become more active later in the year as the migration moves north. So, if you want to see the calving season, predator hunts, and baby animals, visiting the Southern Serengeti between late December and early March is the perfect time.

 

Where to Stay in the Southern Serengeti

There are many places to stay in Ndutu and Kusini, from mobile camps to permanent lodges.

• Ndutu Safari Lodge
• Kusini Camp
• Serengeti Pioneer Camp
• Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge
• Sanctuary Kusini Camp

Mobile Migration Camps: These move with the herds and are open during the migration season (Dec–Mar). Examples include:

• Lemala Ndutu Camp
• Serengeti Safari Camp (Nomad Tanzania)
• Ubuntu Migration Camp

 

How to Get to the Southern Serengeti

By Road:

1. From Arusha (Main Gateway):
   • The most common way to reach the Southern Serengeti by road is from Arusha, a city located in northern Tanzania.
   • The drive takes about 5 to 7 hours and covers a distance of around 300 to 350 kilometres (about 186 to 217 miles).
   • You will travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and enter the Serengeti through one of its southern gates, such as the Ndutu Gate.
   • The road is a mix of paved and dirt roads, and while the paved parts are good, the dirt roads in the Serengeti can be bumpy, so a 4×4 vehicle is recommended for a smooth journey.
2. From Other Locations:
   • If you are traveling from other places in Tanzania, like Moshi or Kilimanjaro, the journey will be similar, with a road trip that can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on where you are coming from.
   • The routes are scenic, passing through villages, farmland, and other wildlife areas, so it’s a good opportunity to see local life along the way.

 

By Air:

1. Scheduled Flights:
   • The easiest way to reach the Southern Serengeti by air is by taking a scheduled flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
   • You can fly into Seronera Airstrip, the main airstrip in the Serengeti, but for the Southern Serengeti specifically, you might fly to smaller airstrips like Ndutu Airstrip or Kusini Airstrip.
   • The flight takes about 1 hour from Arusha to the Serengeti and offers stunning views of the landscape below.
2. Charter Flights:
   • If you prefer a more direct and private option, you can also arrange for a charter flight that will take you directly to the Southern Serengeti airstrips.
   • This is a more expensive option but offers convenience and flexibility, especially if you’re staying in more remote areas of the Southern Serengeti.

 

Conclusion

The Southern Serengeti, with its Ndutu and Kusini areas, is a magical place, especially during the calving season. It is where the Great Migration begins new life, and it offers incredible wildlife viewing, beautiful landscapes, and fewer tourists. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari traveller, the Southern Serengeti is a place that will touch your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories.