If you are planning a safari and looking for where to stay, you might be wondering about the Southern Serengeti lodges. This part of Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park is one of the best places to visit, especially during the early months of the year when the Great Migration passes through. The southern plains offer wide open spaces, rich wildlife, and stunning views.
Choosing the right lodge can help you enjoy your safari even more. The right location, comfort, and service all matter. In this guide, we will explore what makes Southern Serengeti lodges special, the best times to visit, and a few popular lodges that travelers love.
Why Stay in the Southern Serengeti?
The Southern Serengeti is known for its endless grassy plains, dotted with acacia trees and scattered rocks. This area is especially famous from December to March. That’s when more than a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles gather to give birth and feed on the green grass.
This time is also perfect for seeing predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. They follow the herds and often hunt during the day. For wildlife lovers and photographers, the Southern Serengeti is a dream come true.
To enjoy all this, you’ll need a place to stay nearby. That’s where Southern Serengeti lodges come in. They let you stay close to the animals and nature while still enjoying safety, comfort, and great service.
What to Expect from Southern Serengeti Lodges
Most Southern Serengeti lodges are built with nature in mind. They are eco-friendly and blend into the landscape. Some are permanent lodges, made with stone and wood. Others are mobile tented camps that move with the migration.
No matter the style, most lodges offer:
- Comfortable beds and clean bathrooms
- Hot showers and solar-powered electricity
- Three meals a day, often included in the price
- Game drives with expert guides
- Cozy lounges or fire pits to relax in the evening
Some high-end lodges also include extras like swimming pools, massage tents, or Wi-Fi. But even the simpler camps offer an unforgettable safari experience.
Best Time to Visit Southern Serengeti Lodges
The best time to stay at Southern Serengeti lodges is from December to March. This is when the Great Migration is in the area. Wildebeest come here to give birth, and the plains are full of young calves and hungry predators.
This season is often called the calving season. It’s a great time to see dramatic moments in the animal world, from babies taking their first steps to lions on the hunt.
If you visit in other months, many of the lodges may move or close, since the animals are in different parts of the Serengeti. Always check the lodge’s season before booking.
Popular Southern Serengeti Lodges
Here are a few well-known Southern Serengeti lodges that travelers recommend. Each offers something unique.
1. Ndutu Safari Lodge
This is one of the oldest lodges in the area and has a great location near Lake Ndutu. It offers stone cottages with private verandas. Guests enjoy friendly staff, good food, and close views of wildlife. It’s open during the migration season and perfect for seeing action up close.
2. Sanctuary Kusini
This high-end camp is built on a rocky outcrop. It gives amazing views of the plains and animals below. The camp offers luxury tents with big beds and private bathrooms. It’s known for great service, expert guides, and quiet surroundings.
3. Lemala Ndutu Mobile Camp
This is a tented camp that moves with the herds. It sets up in the Southern Serengeti from December to March. Tents are large and comfortable, with hot showers and great meals. You’ll be close to the action and surrounded by nature.
4. Serengeti Safari Camp by Nomad Tanzania
This mobile camp is perfect for people who want a simple but stylish safari. The tents are cozy and the food is delicious. The camp follows the migration, but in the calving season it stays in the Southern Serengeti.
What to Pack for Your Stay
When staying in Southern Serengeti lodges, it’s good to pack light but smart. Here’s what you should bring:
- Light clothes for the day, and warm layers for the evening
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- A pair of binoculars
- A good camera with extra batteries
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- A small backpack for daily use
Most lodges offer laundry services, so you don’t need to carry too much.
Travel Tips for Booking Southern Serengeti Lodges
If you are booking a stay at one of the Southern Serengeti lodges, here are a few tips to help:
- Book early, especially for January and February
- Check if park fees are included in the price
- Ask about game drives and whether they are private or shared
- Read reviews and ask your travel agent for advice
- Let the lodge know if you have dietary needs or special requests
- Make sure your lodge is open during the time you want to travel
Many lodges offer full safari packages, which include airport transfers, meals, and guided drives. This can make your trip easier and more enjoyable.
Why Southern Serengeti Lodges Are Worth It
Staying in the Southern Serengeti lodges lets you be close to nature while still having a safe and relaxing place to sleep. You’ll hear the sounds of lions at night, watch the sunrise over the plains, and see wildlife just outside your tent.
These lodges give you a front-row seat to one of the most amazing animal events in the world the Great Migration calving season. You don’t need to drive far to find animals. They often come right to the lodge areas.
For couples, families, solo travelers, and photographers, the Southern Serengeti is a great place to stay. The lodges offer comfort, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Final Thoughts
The Southern Serengeti lodges offer a perfect mix of wild beauty and warm comfort. With easy access to the plains and experienced safari guides, they give you a chance to truly experience the Serengeti during its most active season.
If you’re looking to see the Great Migration, watch predators in action, and sleep under the stars in the heart of Tanzania, then staying at a Southern Serengeti lodge might be the best part of your safari. Plan early, pack smart, and get ready for an experience you’ll never forget.
FAQS
What are the advantages of the south in Serengeti?
The Southern Serengeti plays a key role in the annual wildebeest migration, especially during calving season when large herds gather to give birth. The area offers rich grazing grounds for herbivores and draws in predators, making it a prime location for wildlife viewing and ecological studies.
What month is the Serengeti migration?
From May to July, the wildebeest begin preparing for their 800-kilometer journey after feeding on the short green grasses of the southeastern Serengeti and giving birth to their young. The migration typically begins sometime between late April and early June.
Is Serengeti in Kenya or Tanzania?
Serengeti National Park is one of the world’s most famous and breathtaking ecosystems, located in East Africa and stretching across parts of Tanzania and Kenya.
How much does it cost to stay in Serengeti?
Accommodation prices in Serengeti National Park vary widely, usually ranging from $200 to $1,000 per person per night. Costs depend on the season and the type of lodge or camp. Traveling during the low season can offer major savings, with rates sometimes up to five times lower than peak season prices.
What are the advantages of the south in Serengeti?
The Southern Serengeti plays an essential role in the annual wildebeest migration, especially during the calving season when vast herds gather to give birth. Its rich grazing areas support herbivores and draw numerous predators, making it a prime location for wildlife viewing and ecological studies.
