Makoma Hill

The Idyllic Triple-Threat

The geography of Makoma is composed of three distinct scenic wonders:

1. Makoma Hill: A wooded upland providing cover for browsers like giraffe and impala.
2. Makoma Plain: Bordered by the hill to the west and the Seronera River to the east, these long-grass plains are a magnet for buffalo, gazelle, and large clans of spotted hyena.
3. Thatch Kopjes: Rising from the center of the plain, these granite boulders serve as the commanding headquarters and primary den site for the local lion pride.

The area acts as a natural bottleneck for the migration. As biologist Hans Kruuk noted:

“Makoma Plain is a small region at the northwestern edge of the Serengeti plains which is obviously a very important area of passage for ungulates and hyenas between their wet and dry season ranges.”

A Clash of Titans

Makoma is a year-round destination, but it reaches a fever pitch when the migration thunders through in May/June and again in November/December.

• The Makoma Lion Pride: This pride is legendary for its visibility, often found lounging or playing on the boulders of the Thatch Kopjes. They are highly successful hunters, utilizing the high grass of the plains to ambush the resident buffalo herds—some numbering over 100 individuals.
• The Resident Cheetahs: While most Serengeti cheetahs are migratory, Makoma is one of the few places that supports a resident population. T.M. Caro’s nine-year study identified Makoma as one of only eight permanent cheetah territories in the southern half of the park, alongside iconic spots like the Gol and Simba Kopjes.
• Small Carnivores: The plains are home to “smart-looking” black-backed jackals, who form monogamous pairs for life, and the amusing bat-eared foxes often seen sniffing around termite mounds for an insect lunch.

The Spotted Hyena and the 1966 Phenomenon

The conflict between lions and hyenas at Makoma is legendary. Hyenas here are a force to be reckoned with, possessing hearts twice the size of a lion’s and jaws capable of crushing bone. Their “whooping” calls often dominate the night air.

Makoma was also the site of one of the most unusual wildlife events ever recorded. During a violent thunderstorm in November 1966, the local hyenas engaged in a rare display of “surplus killing” that Hans Kruuk documented:

“I found scattered over an area of about 8 square kilometers 59 dead Thomson’s gazelle and 27 badly injured ones… It seemed most likely that the hyenas had eaten several gazelle completely, leaving no traces of them. The night had been very dark with thick cloud cover, very heavy rain, and strong gales… after killing a gazelle they left and walked on to the next one.”

Tucked away on the backside of Makoma Hill is a second track that leads to a hidden gem well off the beaten path. This isolated location offers a spectacular view of the grassy plains and is one of the best spots in Seronera for a private bush lunch. Here, you can enjoy a picnic in complete solitude, with giraffes browsing the slopes behind you and gazelles grazing on the flats below.