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Naabi Hill

As the gateway to the Serengeti, Naabi Hill offers the park’s finest land-based viewpoint. During the green season, this acacia-clad landmark becomes the epicenter of the Great Migration, with the surrounding plains blanketed black by millions of wildebeest.

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Naabi Hill is much more than just the official entry point to the Serengeti National Park; it is a vital navigation landmark that can be seen from almost anywhere on the southern plains. This tree-covered hill provides a lush contrast to the surrounding sea of grass, functioning as a sanctuary for wildlife and a strategic hub for park administration. Whether you are stopping to secure permits for the remote Gol region or simply stretching your legs, Naabi serves as the dramatic threshold where the “endless plains” truly begin.

The hill is a prominent, acacia-covered island rising sharply from the flat, short-grass plains. It features some of the most beautiful umbrella acacia woodlands in the region, which provide iconic silhouettes against the vibrant Serengeti sunrises and sunsets. A highlight for visitors is the self-guided hiking trail that leads to the summit. From this elevated vantage point, guests are treated to a panoramic 360-degree view that rivals the perspective of a hot air balloon, stretching across the infinite horizon to include the distant, shimmering Gol Kopjes.

Naabi Hill is a year-round refuge that truly explodes with life during the green season (December to May).

  • The Epicenter of the Migration: When the rains arrive, the plains surrounding Naabi are “choked black” with hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra. The sight of these massive herds from the hill’s summit is one of the most spectacular wildlife visions on earth.
  • The Naabi Hill Pride: A resident lion pride claims the hill and its surrounding woodlands as their territory. During the green season, they are easily spotted as they feast on the migratory herds. In the dry season, they remain in the area but wander further afield in search of the few remaining water sources.
  • Browsers and Giants: The acacia thickets on the hill provide essential shade and food for “friendly” resident giraffes and the occasional transient elephant herd. Families of elephants are often seen gliding along the base of the hill, while giraffe delicately nibble on the high canopy of the umbrella trees.
  • Cheetah Den Sites: The rocky outcrops and tall grasses around the base of Naabi serve as preferred denning sites for cheetahs, who use the hill’s elevation to scout for prey across the flats.
  • Birdlife: Look for the iridescently hued lovebirds that flit through the sunlight, often visiting the open-air rest areas, adding a splash of vibrant color to the scrubland.

Seasonal Highlights

Month Season Weather Wildlife Sightings Rec.
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