Central Serengeti

The Resident Powerhouse

Wildlife viewing in the Central Serengeti is exceptional 365 days a year, though it peaks during the dry season (June–November) when animals congregate around permanent water sources.

• The Predator Capital: This is the primary home of the “Big Four” large predators. It is one of the few places in the world where you can realistically see lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena in a single morning. There are 12 documented resident lion prides within a one-hour drive of Seronera alone, and the riverine forests boast some of the highest leopard densities in Africa.
• Year-Round Residents: Unlike the seasonal plains, the Central region supports a massive biomass of non-migratory animals. You will consistently find elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, waterbuck, and impala. The trees are alive with baboons and vervet monkeys, while the grasslands host topi and hartebeest.
• The “Nomad” Cycle: While the residents stay put, the Central region acts as a highway for migratory species. During the dry season, it hosts “refugee” concentrations of Thomson’s gazelles, cheetahs, and hyenas that have retreated from the parched southern plains.

Smaller Carnivores: The diversity extends to the “lesser” predators; it is a prime area for spotting serval cats, caracals, bat-eared foxes (the region’s namesake), and several species of mongoose.

Because of its high wildlife density and central location, this is the most popular part of the park. During peak months (July, August, and December), the Seronera game loops can become well-traveled. However, with an expert guide and a bit of patience, the sheer abundance of life ensures that the “action” remains raw and authentic. Whether you are watching a leopard haul a kill into a sausage tree or listening to the spine-tingling roar of a resident pride at night, the Central Serengeti offers the quintessential African safari experience.