Extraordinary Tanzania safaris to Serengeti are incomplete without exploring the Seronera valley in central Serengeti where large herds of wildlife are spotted feeding in the greener pastures provided by the river.

The Seronera Valley, located in the south-central region of the park, is one of the most popular areas in the entire reserve being a major source of water provided by the Seronera River, a lot of wildlife will frequent the valley in search of water and green pasture. The area is famous for big cats in the entire Serengeti ecosystem; the Seronera is rich in lion, leopard, and cheetah – and people often spot all three in one day of a perfect safari game drive. Look for leopards around the Seronera River, which is home to one of Africa’s densest populations of big cats, while lions can often be seen on the kopjes (rocky outcrops). The Serengeti Plains – the open savannah south of the Seronera River – are prime cheetah territory. Other animals to spot in the area’s varied habitats of rivers, swamps, kopjes, and grasslands include elephants, hippos, and crocodiles in the rivers, buffaloes, impala, topi, jackals, and bat-eared foxes.

While the year-round supply of water from the Seronera River means that the area is excellent for wildlife spotting throughout the year, April to June is the peak season for game viewing in the Seronera, as this is when the plains are full of migrating wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle as they’re making their way up north. The central location of the Seronera means that it’s one of the best places to see the Great Migration in action, as the animals are moving through the area for months.

All you need to know about Seronera Valley in central Serengeti Tanzania

Encompassing a sizable portion of Central Serengeti, this vast valley teems with wildlife. The valley’s river keeps the vegetation plentiful, supporting herbivores throughout the year. Wildebeest, zebras, elephants, giraffes, gazelles, and many other species can be spotted here on any given day. A large amount of prey also draws the highest population of predators. The golden grassland rustles with the movement of roaming lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. This is also one of the best places to find the park’s elusive leopards.

Because of the area’s prime wildlife-viewing opportunities, the Seronera River Valley also contains many of the park’s permanent lodges. While that’s good for those who prefer their excursions with a side of luxury, it’s also a drawback for travelers who’d rather watch the animals without the company of other tourists.

You can reach the Seronera River Valley, which sits less than 15 miles south of the Retina hippo pool, from Arusha by plane via the Seronera airstrip or by driving through the Ngorongoro conservation area and Naabi hell’s gate in Eastern Serengeti.

When to go to the Seronera valley

The presence of the Seronera River makes the area really awesome any time of the day but for the predator sightings the hotter hours of the day may be avoided meaning visits early morning and later in the afternoon are pretty classic with high chances of sighting incredible wildlife during your safari in Serengeti national park.

How to get to Seronera valley

By Car

Most visitors traveling by road enter the Serengeti through Naabi Hill Gate, which lies in the south-eastern part of the park. Were you to drive straight through from Arusha (not recommended), the 325km (202-mile) drive would take 7 to 8 hours; the flight takes just more than an hour. Naabi Gate is about 2 hours from Ngorongoro, 4 hours from Lake Manyara, and 6 1/2 hours from Tarangire.

By Plane

There are airstrips throughout the park, allowing visitors to fly within easy reach of whichever camp or lodge they have booked. Kusini and Ndutu airstrips are located in the south; Seronera airstrip is in the center; Lobo, Kleins, and Kogatende serve the north; and Grumeti and Sasakwa airstrips serve the Western Corridor. You can fly in from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, or Ngorongoro, or fly within the park for relatively little money (a round-trip from Arusha to Kogatende, near the Mara River, will run you around

Best time to visit Seronera valley in Central Serengeti Tanzania

While the year-round supply of water from the Seronera River means that the area is excellent for wildlife spotting throughout the year, April to June is the peak season for game viewing in the Seronera, as this is when the plains are full of migrating wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle as they’re making their way up north.