Wogakuria

Wogakuria is an enchanting wilderness of open plains and granite kopjes that breaks the dense woods of the North. It is home to the Serengeti’s only population of the rare oribi antelope and boasts the highest concentration of cheetahs in the northern extension.

Details

Wogakuria is a region of “unexpected wonders” tucked into the remote northern reaches of the Serengeti. It serves as a striking ecological bridge; as you travel toward the Mara River, the characteristic acacia woodlands of the north transition into unique broad-leafed Terminalia woodlands and eventually open into sweeping, rolling plains. This unique habitat is dotted with smooth granite kopjes and fed by several freshwater springs, creating a sanctuary for species that are found nowhere else in the park.

The Oribi: A Tanzanian Exclusive

The most significant biological highlight of Wogakuria is the Oribi. This elegant, dwarf antelope weighs only 30 pounds and is distinguished by a reddish-brown coat and a unique black scent gland located just below each ear.

Highest Density in Africa: A 1989 field study revealed that Wogakuria supports approximately 31 oribi per square kilometer—the highest density recorded on the continent.
Habitat Specificity: These graceful creatures are found only in the broad-leaved Terminalia woodlands of Wogakuria; they do not fare well in the acacia-dominated landscapes that cover the rest of the Serengeti.

The Cheetah Plains

While cheetahs are thinly distributed in the heavily wooded north, Wogakuria is their stronghold. The wide-open plains provide the “runway” these flashy cats need to reach top speeds and trip their prey. With fewer lions and hyenas compared to the central regions, cheetahs thrive here, frequently seen by travelers during the dry season as they pursue the local Thomson’s gazelle populations.

Topography: The Wogakuria Kopjes

The centerpiece of the region is the Wogakuria Kopjes (formerly known as Nesheshaw). These towering granite masses provide a vertical playground for the Klipspringer, which bounds between boulders with “zealous confidence.”

Legendary warden Myles Turner captured the spirit of these rocks in My Serengeti Years:

“The Wogakuria Kopje… towered 300 feet. For me this tangled mass of rocks was always a fascinating place… Klipspringer starred from its dizzy ledges and a big black mamba lived in deep cleft on the southern face. It always paid to be wary. The views from the summit were superb… On a clear evening, turning north, one saw the valleys sweeping down to the Mara.”

Turner also noted that the area was a favorite for old bachelor bull buffalo. He famously recalled an old bull that wandered into his camp to die quietly near humans rather than face the “alternative of being torn to pieces by hyena and lion.”

Seasonal Highlights

Month	Season	Weather	Wildlife Sightings	Rec.
Jan	Green Season	60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers	- - - - -	No
Feb	Green Season	60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers	- - - - -	No
Mar	Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	- - - - -	No
Apr	Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	- - - - -	No
May	Northward Migration	56 - 81 F Mostly sunny	- - - - -	No
Jun	Beginning of Dry Season	56 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Lion, Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo	Yes
Jul	Dry Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny	Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Lion, Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo	Yes
Aug	Dry Season	55 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Lion, Hyena, Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo	Yes
Sep	Dry Season	55 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Lion, Hyena, Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo	Yes
Oct	Dry Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny	Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Lion, Hyena, Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo	Yes
Nov	Southward Migration	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Lion, Hyena, Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo	Yes
Dec	Beginning of Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	- - - - -	No