Reasons to Visit Serengeti
1.
Wildebeest migration
The number one reason for heading into this Serengeti North area is in order to track down the wildebeest migration herds, which tend to pass through this area both on their way north in June/July and on their way south in October/December.
But in our experience wildebeest migration viewing in this area is not often as spectacular as it can be in other areas at other times of the year. We have never seen the herds moving through here in impressive columns, they always seem to be much more fragmented. So whilst it may be worth heading into the area in search of the migration, on the whole we would not let our thoughts become too preoccupied by it.
Although if you are staying in any of the smaller camps when the herds actually come through it can be pretty amazing. This is particularly true of Migration Camp, usually during the first part of July.
2.Lower visitor traffic
Another particularly good reason to venture into Serengeti North is that experiences much lower visitor traffic.
Only around 5% of the total vehicle traffic into the Serengeti makes it this far north. Head only around 10km out Seronera in the direction of Lobo and you will find that the road is very much smaller and different in character from the main dirt road that passes through the southern Serengeti. And with the border to Kenya being closed to most traffic, the main road through this area experiences virtually no transit traffic.
There is no doubt that a safari that heads this far north does feel markedly more adventurous
3.Access to the Natron return route
One of the biggest reasons for us to include this area in a safari is in order to gain access to the remote, arduous but fabulous return route to Arusha via Natron. Usually this will involve at least one night at Lobo Lodge, allowing the best part of a day gameviewing the local loops.
4.Different landscapes
Those who do venture this far north are rewarded by a landscape which is very different in character that those parts of the Serengeti to the south. It is characterised by rolling uplands, largely covered in bush and sparse woodland, with the occasional open plain and with ranges of hills. The Lobo valley is the heart of the place in terms of gameviewing and is a truly beautiful area of open grasslands and riverine forest, dominated by some impressive granite kopjes, not least the massive outcrop that plays host to Lobo Lodge.
5.Good resident game
The areas around Lobo in particular contain some excellent resident game. Most notable are the large breeding herds of elephant, which are otherwise not so very common in the Serengeti. Buffalo, lion, cheetah and leopard are also notable residents.
The game here may not be of the same prodigious quantities that can so often be found in central areas, but the Lobo loops are particularly attractive and can be surprisingly quiet even during high seasons.
6.Walking safari and Maasai interaction
Those lodges located in the Loliondo Game Controlled area outside the reserve are able offer walking safari, with guests being guided by local Maasai morani (Massai warriors). The camps work closely with the villages and so guests are often welcomed in by the local people in a very genuine and authentic fashion.