Southern Serengeti Safari

The Southern Serengeti is a region within Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park known for its vast, short-grass plains and the start of the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration. It’s particularly notable for being the calving ground for the wildebeest, where thousands of calves are born during the green season, typically from December to March. The area also features a diverse ecosystem with various wildlife, including predators like lions and leopards.

Location:
Southern Serengeti is situated at the southern end of the Serengeti National Park, extending into the northern section of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Landscape:
The region is dominated by extensive plains with short, nutritious grasses, making it ideal for the wildebeest and other migratory animals.
Great Migration:
The wildebeest migration begins in the south, with herds gathering and calving in this area during the green season.
Wildlife:
The Southern Serengeti is home to a variety of wildlife, including wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, and various predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the Southern Serengeti is from December to March, during the green season when the wildebeest migration is at its peak and the plains are lush and green.
Safari Highlights:
Visitors can witness the calving season, see vast herds of wildebeest on the move, and potentially observe other wildlife, including predators, on game drives.
Walking Safaris:
The Southern Serengeti is one of the few areas in Serengeti where walking safaris are available.

Why Choose a Southern Serengeti Safari?

The Southern Serengeti, particularly the Ndutu Plains, is one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations. Famous for the Great Migration, this region offers:
✅ Unmatched wildlife sightings (lions, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras)
✅ Calving season (January-March) – Thousands of wildebeest give birth
✅ Fewer crowds compared to Central Serengeti
✅ Stunning landscapes – Vast grasslands, acacia woodlands, and seasonal lakes

Best Time to Visit Southern Serengeti

Season	Wildlife Highlights
Jan-Mar	Calving season – Predator action at its peak
Apr-May	Green season – Lush scenery, fewer tourists
Jun-Oct	Dry season – Great for general game viewing
Nov-Dec	Short rains – Migratory birds arrive

Pro Tip: January to March is prime time for seeing cheetahs and lions hunting newborn wildebeest.

Top Safari Activities in Southern Serengeti

Great Migration Safaris – Witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras.
Game Drives in Ndutu – Spot lions, leopards, and hyenas.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris – Aerial views of the Serengeti at sunrise.
Photography Safaris – Perfect for capturing predator-prey drama.
Bird Watching – Over 500 bird species, including flamingos at Lake Ndutu.

The Heart of the Serengeti Wildebeest Calving Season

December to March: A Wildlife Spectacle

The southeastern plains, particularly the Ndutu region, come alive during the calving season of the Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration. This is when over 400,000 wildebeests give birth within a few weeks, transforming the plains into a bustling nursery. The sight of thousands of calves taking their first steps is both heartwarming and dramatic.

Predator-Prey Dynamics: The abundance of vulnerable newborns attracts predators like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards. Cheetahs, in particular, thrive in the open plains, using their speed to hunt gazelles.
Why Visit: Witness the raw beauty of nature’s life cycle and intense predator-prey interactions.

Sweeping Plains and Scenic Beauty

The southeastern plains are a photographer’s dream, offering endless golden grasslands dotted with acacia trees and seasonal water sources. The vast, open landscapes provide unparalleled game viewing opportunities, even when the Great Migration herds have moved north.

Scenic Highlights:
- Golden Grasslands: Perfect for epic wildlife photography.
- Soda Lakes: Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek attract flamingos and other wildlife.
- Koppies (Rock Outcrops): Shelter for animals like rock hyrax, klipspringer, and leopards.

Wildlife Viewing and Unique Features

The southeastern plains are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and various antelope species. The region’s unique volcanic soil creates a treeless landscape, making it easier to spot animals from a distance.

Simba Koppies: Known for frequent lion sightings.
Gol Koppies: A hotspot for cheetah sightings.
Lake Ndutu: A tranquil soda lake that attracts wildlife, especially during the dry season.

Lake Ndutu: A Hidden Gem

Lake Ndutu is a serene soda lake that adds a unique charm to the region. During the dry season, it becomes a vital water source for wildlife, drawing in flamingos, predators, and herbivores.

Why It Stands Out:
- Tranquil and less crowded.
- Excellent for lion and leopard sightings.
- A peaceful setting for wildlife photography.

Fewer Crowds, More Intimate Experiences

One of the biggest draws of the southeastern plains and Ndutu is the seclusion. Unlike the busier central and northern Serengeti, this region offers a more intimate safari experience with fewer vehicles and tourists.

Perfect For:
- Wildlife photographers seeking undisturbed moments.
- Nature enthusiasts looking for authentic encounters.

When to Visit the Southeastern Plains & Ndutu Serengeti

Best Time to Visit:

December to March: Calving season, lush green landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
June to November: dry season, golden landscapes, and excellent resident wildlife sightings.

A Serengeti Safari Experience Like No Other

The southeastern plains and Ndutu region offer a safari experience that is both unique and unforgettable. From the dramatic Serengeti Wildebeest Calving Season to the serene beauty of Lake Ndutu, this area provides a raw and intimate connection with nature. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or simply seeking solitude in the wild, Ndutu is a must-visit destination in the Serengeti.

Best Southern Serengeti Camps & Lodges

Ndutu Safari Lodge – Prime location for migration viewing.
Serengeti Serena Lodge – Luxury with stunning savanna views.
Lemala Ndutu Tented Camp – Mobile camp following the migration.
Kusini Tented Camp – Exclusive and remote for intimate safaris.

How to Get to Southern Serengeti

By Air: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), then take a charter flight to Ndutu Airstrip.
By Road: A 6-8 hour drive from Arusha through Ngorongoro Conservation Area.