Seronera Valley Facts, Safari Tours, Central Serengeti, Airstrip Flights
Among the reserve’s most visited spots is the Seronera River Valley, which is in the park’s southeastern corner. Game drives in the Seronera often reveal all three of these big cats—lions, leopards, and cheetahs—which contribute to the region’s reputation as Africa’s Big Cat Capital. One of the densest populations of big cats in Africa lives along the Seronera River, so keep an eye out for leopards there. The kopjes, or rocky outcrops, are good places to observe lions as well. The Serengeti Plains, an expansive savanna located to the south of the Seronera River, are an ideal habitat for cheetahs. Along with elephants, hippos, and crocodiles in the rivers, buffalo, impala, topi, jackals, and bat-eared foxes can be seen in the area’s diverse habitats of swamps, rivers, kopjes, and grasslands.
Although wildlife viewing is superb all year round thanks to the Seronera River’s perennial water supply, the best time to visit is from April to June, when the plains are teeming with migrating gazelles, zebras, and wildebeests on their way north. Because of its central location, the Seronera is a great spot to witness the Great Migration, which takes place over the course of several months and passes through the area.
Seronera
The Central Serengeti Highlights
Located in the very center of this breathtaking national park, the Central Serengeti is the most visited area of the reserve due to its plethora of species, high concentration of big cats, and characteristic acacia-studded savanna landscapes. While the Serengeti’s resident wildlife makes this region a must-visit at any time of year, the best time to see it is from April to June and from October to December, when the Great Migration herds pass through.
Great Migration viewing is at its best in the Central Serengeti, where the herds pass through in April and June on their way north, and again in October and December on their way south. Moru Kopjes, Simba Kopje, Maasai Kopje, Seronera Valley, and the Seronera River are among the prime spots in the Central Serengeti to spot the herds.
Big Cat Lovers, look no farther than the Seronera area of the Central Serengeti. This area is famous for its exciting hunts involving predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
The Central Serengeti
To spot lions and cheetahs, head to the Central Serengeti, which is dotted with several kopjes, or rocky granite outcrops. Some kopjes stand out more than others; for example, Simba Rocks, also known as Simba Kopje, served as inspiration for Pride Rock in Disney’s The Lion King. This pile of granite boulders is worth a visit for more than just the film link; it’s also a good place to observe lions, which often sunbathe on the rocks. Moru Kopjes, located south of the Seronera River, is home to some of the reserve’s oldest rock art paintings and a potential sighting of the reserve’s final black rhinos. In addition, the Serengeti Rhino Project has a visitor center where people may find out about the crucial efforts being made to preserve this endangered species. You can also do multi-day walking safaris in Moru Kopjes, which is one of the few sites in the park that does this.
Travel Tips: Seronera Valley Facts
- The Seronera region is home to some of the park’s finest high-end properties and offers a wide range of lodging alternatives, from budget-friendly to mid-range and even all-out luxury. It is also the most popular sector of the park. Travelers on a tighter budget can pitch a tent at the rustic Seronera Campsite, while those in the middle of the price range can choose from a variety of reasonably priced lodges and campers, many of which are suitable for families and provide modern conveniences like WiFi. There is a dizzying array of options when it comes to high-end camping: some follow the Great Migration herds and are fully furnished with comfortable beds, hot bucket showers, and personal butlers; others are exquisitely appointed lodges with private infinity pools and offer activities like bush picnics, stargazing, and guided meditation sessions in the bush.
- In Seronera, near the airfield, you’ll also find the park headquarters, as well as a café, a curio shop, and an information center for visitors.
- During the peak tourist months of June and July, as well as October to April, the Seronera can get overcrowded with sightings. Consider reserving a room in a different section of the park if you want to avoid the crowds during your visit during these months.
- The Seronera area of the park can be reached by car after a six-hour drive from Arusha or Mwanza. However, if you prefer an easier way to get here, you can fly into the Seronera airstrip and stay at a lodge that accepts fly-in guests; they will even pick you up from the airport and take you on game drives in their vehicles.
- Short two- or four-hour bushwalks with Maasai guides are available at several camps and lodges; these excursions will educate you about the flora and fauna of the area, including the lesser-known species that aren’t seen on game drives. Look for resorts that have walking tours if it sounds like something you’d be interested in.
Seronera Valley Airstrips
Tanzania- Flight to Seronera Airstrip
Among the many airstrips in Serengeti National Park, Seronera is among the most well-known and frequently utilized.
The airstrip is situated within the small hamlet of Seronera, approximately one kilometer south of the Seronera tourist information centre, in the northern Tanzanian Serengeti National Park. A resort, a tourist information center, two gas stations, a village with stores, pubs, and a pharmacy are all in close proximity to the area, as are several public and private campgrounds. View the map below for further details regarding its location.
Many visitors to Tanzania who are taking advantage of fly-in safaris utilize the Seronera Airstrip as a connecting point to other parks in the East African Region or to cut down on travel time.
A combined African safari with easy air travel to a national park allows for a more efficient use of time. If your safari itinerary involves a stop in the Serengeti, this airstrip is a great place to land; your safari guide will be waiting to take you to your lodge as you arrive.
We are 1600 meters above sea level.
Small regional flights (some as far away as Dar es Salaam) and a few of international flights (some as far away as Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya) that go straight to the park or those with private planes use it the most as of this writing (2017).
Additionally, the airport’s administrative offices and lobby are located in a single structure.
How to get there?
You can drive there from anywhere in the park if you’re going there to catch a flight. The drive from Naabi Hill and Ndabaka Gates takes almost two hours.
