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Safari Timing

Safari Timing·August 26, 2026

Serengeti in October, November and December: Remarkable Return-South Safari

Serengeti October, November and December mark an important transition in the annual migration as herds begin moving south from the northern Serengeti and wider Mara ecosystem towards areas with fresh grazing. For travellers who only associate the Serengeti with July and August river crossings, these months offer a useful reminder that the Great Migration is a year-round ecological cycle. The herds do not simply disappear after the Mara River crossing season. They continue moving. Rainfall changes. Fresh grass appears. Wildlife patterns shift. And the Serengeti gradually becomes greener again. October can still feel dry in many areas. November brings the possibility of short rains. December can see increasingly green landscapes as the southern plains become more productive. For flexible travellers, this period can offer a fascinating combination of migration movement, resident wildlife, changing scenery and potentially better value than the busiest months. Serengeti October: The Beginning of the Return South Serengeti October is a fascinating month because the northern migration phase begins giving way to the gradual movement south towards fresh grazing areas. The precise timing varies from year to year. Rainfall is one of the biggest influences. As conditions change, wildebeest and zebra begin responding to the availability of grass and water. Some herds can remain in the north for a while. Others begin moving south earlier. This creates a transition rather than a single dramatic event. Travellers visiting Serengeti October should therefore think in terms of movement across the ecosystem rather than expecting every herd to be in one place. Serengeti November Short Rains: What to Expect Serengeti November short rains are an important seasonal change that can begin transforming the dry landscape into greener grazing country. The short rains do not necessarily mean continuous rain. A typical day can still include: Sunshine. Cloud formations. Short showers. Heavy afternoon storms. Clear periods. Dramatic sunsets. Rainfall varies significantly from year to year. This variability affects the location of the herds. For travellers researching Serengeti November short rains, flexibility is more important than attempting to predict the exact weather. Serengeti December: Green Landscapes Return Serengeti December can bring increasingly green scenery as rainfall replenishes grasslands and the migration continues its southward movement. By December, parts of the southern Serengeti and surrounding ecosystem can become increasingly attractive to migrating herbivores. Fresh grazing encourages the herds to continue their movement. This is also an excellent time to experience the Serengeti as a living ecosystem rather than simply a backdrop for one famous migration event. Resident animals remain active. Predators continue hunting. Birdlife can become particularly interesting. And the landscape becomes progressively greener. Serengeti October to December: Where Are the Herds? Serengeti October to December generally represents the beginning and continuation of the migration’s return south, although exact herd locations depend on rainfall and grazing conditions. A broad seasonal pattern is: Northern Serengeti → Central Serengeti → Southern Serengeti But migration routes are not perfectly predictable. Different groups can be separated by considerable distances. Some animals may move south quickly. Others may remain farther north. This is why an experienced guide is valuable during shoulder-season safaris. Serengeti October: Northern and Central Areas Serengeti October can still provide excellent opportunities in northern and central areas while the migration begins transitioning south. The northern Serengeti remains home to resident wildlife. Travellers can encounter: Lions. Leopards. Cheetahs. Elephants. Buffalo. Giraffes. Hippos. Hyenas. The migration itself may be spread out. Rather than focusing exclusively on finding a massive herd, guides can combine migration tracking with searches for resident wildlife. Serengeti November: Following the Rain Serengeti November is strongly influenced by rainfall because the arrival of short rains can trigger changes in grazing conditions and encourage the herds to move south. Rainfall is one of the great drivers of the ecosystem. Fresh rain produces new grass. New grass attracts herbivores. Herbivores support predators and scavengers. The entire food chain responds. This makes Serengeti November particularly interesting for travellers who enjoy observing ecological processes rather than chasing a single famous sighting. Serengeti December: Southern Serengeti Serengeti December can be a good time to start focusing on southern Serengeti areas as migrating herds increasingly respond to fresh grazing. The southern plains become increasingly relevant as the wet season develops. This seasonal movement eventually leads towards the calving period that becomes particularly important in January and February. That makes December an interesting bridge between the northern migration season and the upcoming calving season. Serengeti October to December: Is the Migration Still Worth Seeing? Absolutely. The Great Migration is a continuous annual cycle, and October through December can provide a different but equally meaningful migration experience. The migration includes: Movement. Grazing. Resting. Predator interactions. River crossings. Births. Calf survival. Seasonal dispersal. Not every month provides the same spectacle. October to December is about movement and transition. For some travellers, that is more appealing than visiting solely for a dramatic river crossing. Serengeti October to December: Wildlife Beyond the Migration The Serengeti remains a superb wildlife destination even when the migrating herds are moving away from your particular area. You may see: Lions. Leopards. Cheetahs. Elephants. Buffalo. Giraffes. Hippos. Hyenas. Jackals. Gazelles. Zebra. Resident wildlife does not follow the migration in the same way. This makes a well-designed itinerary valuable. Serengeti October to December: Predator Viewing Predator sightings remain an important part of Serengeti October to December safaris because lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas are present throughout the ecosystem. Predators respond to prey availability. Where wildebeest and zebra concentrations are high, hunting opportunities can increase. However, predators also maintain territories independent of migration. A guide should therefore balance: Migration tracking + resident wildlife tracking + habitat knowledge This approach creates a more complete safari. Serengeti October to December: Lions Lions can be seen throughout the Serengeti during October, November and December, making them one of the most reliable big-cat targets outside specific migration events. Look for: Pride activity. Cubs. Hunting behaviour. Mating. Territorial behaviour. Feeding. The return south can create changing prey concentrations. This may influence where predators are found. Serengeti October…

Safari Timing·August 25, 2026

Serengeti in August and September: Spectacular Mara River Crossing Season

Serengeti August and September are among the most sought-after months for travellers hoping to witness the Great Migration in the northern Serengeti, particularly around the Mara River crossing season. The famous images are unforgettable: thousands of wildebeest gathering on riverbanks, crocodiles waiting in the water, dust rising from the plains and animals eventually plunging into the river. But the reality is more complicated. A Mara River crossing September safari can be extraordinary, but no reputable operator can guarantee a crossing on a particular day. The herds move according to rainfall, grazing conditions and instinct. They may gather at a crossing point for hours or days. They may approach the river and turn away. They may cross when you are several kilometres away. That uncertainty is part of what makes the migration so compelling. The key is to plan intelligently, stay long enough and choose the right location. Serengeti August: Why August Is a Peak Migration Month Serengeti August is one of the most popular periods for following the migration because large herds can be concentrated in northern Serengeti and around the Mara River ecosystem. By August, the herds have generally moved north from the southern and central Serengeti. Some groups enter northern Tanzania. Others move between the northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara ecosystem. The exact location changes constantly. This makes Serengeti August especially suitable for travellers who want to experience the migration’s dramatic northern phase. Serengeti September: Continued Mara River Action Serengeti September can continue to provide opportunities for Mara River crossings, although the timing and frequency of crossings remain impossible to guarantee. The migration does not stop at the end of August. Herds can remain in the northern Serengeti and wider Mara ecosystem through September. Some may cross between Tanzania and Kenya. Others may remain on one side of the ecosystem depending on available grazing. For travellers planning a Mara River crossing September safari, staying several nights in the right area is more important than trying to predict one specific crossing date. Mara River Crossing Season: What Actually Happens? The Mara River crossing season occurs when migrating wildebeest and zebra encounter the river as they move between grazing areas in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystem. A crossing can develop in stages. First, animals gather. Then they may move towards the riverbank. They can wait for long periods. Eventually, one or several animals may enter the water. The rest of the herd may follow. The result can be spectacular. But it can also be chaotic. Some crossings involve thousands of animals. Others are much smaller. Mara River Crossing Season: Why Crossings Are Unpredictable The biggest mistake during crossing season is assuming that a migration calendar can predict the exact day and location of a river crossing. The herds respond to natural conditions. Factors include: Rainfall. Grass availability. Water levels. Temperature. Herd behaviour. Predator activity. River conditions. An itinerary can be designed around historical patterns. It cannot control the animals. This is why responsible safari planning focuses on maximising the odds rather than guaranteeing a crossing. Serengeti August and September: Where Should You Stay? Choosing the right northern Serengeti location is one of the most important decisions when planning a Serengeti August or September migration safari. Northern Serengeti accommodation can provide access to the migration route. Depending on the exact location, travellers may consider: Northern Serengeti camps. Mobile migration camps. Permanent luxury camps. Camps near the Mara River. Camps positioned along seasonal migration routes. The ideal property depends on the exact travel dates and the herd’s expected movement. Serengeti August: Northern Serengeti Northern Serengeti is particularly important during August because migrating herds can be spread across the region as they approach or move across the Mara River. The landscape differs from the southern plains. Northern Serengeti features: Rocky outcrops. Woodlands. Open grasslands. River systems. Hills. Seasonal water sources. The region also supports substantial resident wildlife. That means your safari does not depend entirely on seeing a crossing. Serengeti September: Northern Migration Serengeti September can provide continued access to the northern migration, making it an attractive month for travellers who want a chance at river crossings without visiting during the busiest part of August. The herd location can still change. Some animals may be: North of the Mara River. South of the Mara River. Near crossing points. Scattered across grazing areas. This makes a flexible itinerary essential. Mara River Crossing September: What Are the Odds? A Mara River crossing September safari can maximise your chances of seeing a crossing by putting you in the right ecosystem for several days, but no itinerary can promise the event. The best strategy is: Stay in the northern Serengeti. Allow several nights. Choose accommodation close to likely migration areas. Use experienced guides. Monitor daily herd movement. Remain flexible. Avoid treating one crossing report as a guarantee. The more time you spend in the right area, the more opportunities you create. Mara River Crossing Season: How Long Should You Stay? Three to five nights in northern Serengeti gives travellers a substantially better opportunity to experience migration behaviour than a rushed one-night visit. A longer stay allows you to experience different stages. You may see: Herd gathering. Riverbank activity. A failed crossing attempt. A successful crossing. Herd movement away from the river. Predator activity around the migration. Even without a crossing, the wildlife experience can be exceptional. Serengeti August and September: What If the Herds Do Not Cross? A missed crossing does not mean a failed safari because the northern Serengeti offers excellent wildlife beyond the river itself. You can still see: Lions. Leopards. Cheetahs. Elephants. Buffalo. Giraffes. Hippos. Hyenas. Wildebeest. Zebra. You may also witness the dramatic behaviour that happens before and after crossings. In many cases, the waiting itself becomes part of the story. Serengeti August and September: Predator Activity The concentration of migrating herbivores can create exciting opportunities for predator sightings during August and September. Northern Serengeti predators include: Lions. Leopards. Cheetahs. Hyenas. Jackals. Predators may follow the herds. They can…

Safari Timing·August 25, 2026

Serengeti in June and July: Excellent Migration Action as the Herds Move North

Serengeti June and July mark an exciting transition in the Great Migration as large herds generally begin moving north and west from the southern and central Serengeti towards areas including the Western Corridor and eventually the northern Serengeti. These months are particularly attractive to travellers who want to experience the migration during the dry season without necessarily planning the entire safari around the famous Mara River crossings. The landscape becomes progressively drier. Wildlife becomes easier to spot in many areas. The weather is generally more settled than during the wetter months. And the movement of thousands of wildebeest and zebra creates a constantly changing safari experience. For travellers researching Serengeti June, the biggest consideration is location. A camp in the wrong part of the ecosystem can leave you far from the herds. A well-planned itinerary can instead place you close to the migration route while also providing excellent opportunities for resident wildlife. Serengeti June: Why June Is an Exciting Safari Month Serengeti June offers a strong combination of dry-season weather, improving wildlife visibility and the northward movement of the Great Migration. June is often considered a transition month. The southern plains have generally become drier after the green season. The herds begin responding to changing grazing conditions. Large groups can move through central areas and towards the Western Corridor. This makes Serengeti June particularly interesting for travellers who want to follow the migration rather than visit the same location throughout the year. The exact timing varies according to rainfall. Serengeti July: The Migration Moves Further North Serengeti July is associated with continued northward movement of the herds and can provide some of the most exciting migration encounters of the dry season. By July, the migration can involve large concentrations of wildebeest and zebra moving towards the northern Serengeti. Some groups may be approaching or crossing rivers. Others may still be moving through central or western areas. This variation is important. There is no single location where every migrating animal will be found on a particular date. For travellers planning a Serengeti July migration safari, flexibility remains essential. Serengeti June and July: Where Are the Herds? During Serengeti June and July, the migration generally progresses northwards, with the Western Corridor and northern Serengeti becoming increasingly important depending on rainfall and herd movement. The broad seasonal pattern can be described as: Southern Serengeti → Central Serengeti → Western Corridor → Northern Serengeti However, nature does not follow a railway timetable. The herds can spread across enormous distances. Different groups may move at different speeds. Some may remain behind because food is still available. Others may move quickly towards fresh grazing. This is why experienced guides avoid making absolute guarantees. Serengeti June: The Western Corridor The Western Corridor becomes particularly relevant during the mid-year migration, especially as herds move towards the Grumeti River and surrounding areas. The Western Corridor is visually different from the open southern plains. It includes: Open grasslands. Woodlands. Riverine vegetation. Seasonal water sources. The Grumeti River ecosystem. The region can be quieter than the most famous central Serengeti areas. For travellers interested in following the migration, this can make a June itinerary particularly rewarding. Grumeti Crossing: What Happens at the River? The Grumeti crossing is one of the dramatic events associated with the western migration route, although the timing and scale of crossings vary considerably from year to year. The Grumeti River presents a natural obstacle for migrating animals. Wildebeest and zebra may gather along the river before attempting to cross. This can create tense wildlife scenes. Animals must contend with: Strong currents. Steep riverbanks. Crowding. Crocodiles. Uncertainty about where to cross. However, travellers should not book a safari based on a guarantee that a crossing will happen during their exact dates. Crossings are unpredictable. Grumeti Crossing: Why It Is Different From the Mara River The Grumeti crossing and Mara River crossings are both associated with the migration, but they occur in different areas and at different stages of the annual movement. The Grumeti River is associated with the Western Corridor. The Mara River is further north around the northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara ecosystem. This means a traveller visiting in June may have a different migration experience from someone visiting in August. The famous images of thousands of wildebeest plunging into the Mara River should not be treated as representative of every migration month. Serengeti July Migration: The Northern Movement The Serengeti July migration can bring large herds into northern areas as the animals continue searching for fresh grazing and water. Northern Serengeti becomes increasingly important as the dry season progresses. The region provides: River systems. Grasslands. Woodland. Hills. Wildlife corridors. This area can also provide access to the broader Mara ecosystem. That makes July a strategically interesting month for travellers considering a northern Tanzania safari. Serengeti June and July: Is the Migration Guaranteed? No migration location is guaranteed because rainfall, grazing conditions and animal behaviour determine where the herds are at any given time. This is one of the most important things to understand before booking a migration safari. An itinerary can be designed around the historical seasonal pattern. But the following can change: Herd location. River crossings. Timing. Herd concentration. Road conditions. Predator activity. Good safari planning works with these natural uncertainties rather than pretending they do not exist. Serengeti June: Weather and Conditions Serengeti June generally brings cooler, drier conditions, particularly in the early mornings and evenings, making warm layers useful for game drives. Travellers should expect: Cool mornings. Mild to warm afternoons. Dry conditions. Strong sunshine. Cooler evenings. The temperature can change significantly during a game drive. A vehicle leaving camp before sunrise may feel cold. By late morning, the same traveller may be experiencing strong sunshine. Layering is therefore the best approach. Serengeti July: Weather and Conditions Serengeti July is typically dry and cool in the mornings, with comfortable daytime conditions and excellent visibility for game viewing. July is part of the dry season. Rainfall is generally less significant than during…

Safari Timing·August 25, 2026

Serengeti Green Season: Amazing Value in March, April and May

The Serengeti green season from March through May offers a different safari experience, combining lush scenery, dramatic skies, changing wildlife patterns and potentially better value than the busiest travel periods. Many travellers automatically associate the Serengeti with dry weather, dusty plains and huge migration gatherings. But March, April and May reveal another side of Tanzania’s most famous safari ecosystem. The grass becomes greener. The skies become more dramatic. Rain can transform the landscape. Visitor numbers can be lower. And accommodation may offer better value during selected periods. The trade-off is that weather becomes less predictable, some roads can become challenging, and certain camps operate seasonally. For travellers willing to accept those compromises, the Serengeti green season can be an excellent time to explore Tanzania. Serengeti Green Season: What Does It Mean? The Serengeti green season refers broadly to the wetter period when rainfall produces fresh vegetation, greener landscapes and changing wildlife conditions across the ecosystem. The phrase “green season” does not mean that it rains continuously every day. Instead, weather can include: Short rain showers. Heavy afternoon storms. Cloudy periods. Sunny intervals. Dramatic thunderstorms. Clear mornings. Conditions vary by location and year. This variability is part of what makes the Serengeti green season different from the more predictable dry-season months. Serengeti in March: A Transition Into the Green Season Serengeti in March can offer a beautiful combination of green landscapes, wildlife concentrations and continued opportunities to see the migration ecosystem. March sits between the main calving period and the wetter months that can become more pronounced later in the season. The southern Serengeti and surrounding ecosystem can still be productive for wildlife. Travellers may encounter: Wildebeest. Zebra. Gazelles. Lions. Cheetahs. Leopards. Hyenas. Elephants. Giraffes. The exact distribution of wildlife depends on rainfall and grazing conditions. Serengeti in April: Rain, Green Landscapes and Fewer Vehicles Serengeti April rains are the defining consideration for travellers visiting during this month, but the rain can also create some of the most spectacular landscapes and photographic conditions of the year. April is traditionally part of the wetter season. This means travellers should be prepared for changing conditions. However, rain is not necessarily an all-day event. A morning can begin with sunshine, followed by clouds and a heavy afternoon shower. The next day can be completely different. For photographers, these changing skies can be a major advantage. Serengeti in May: A Quieter Safari Experience Serengeti in May can appeal to travellers who prioritise tranquillity, dramatic landscapes and potentially lower-season rates over guaranteed dry weather. By May, rainfall patterns can remain significant. Some roads may become muddy. Some seasonal properties may close. However, the reduced demand can create a more private atmosphere in certain areas. A traveller may find themselves sharing a wildlife sighting with far fewer vehicles than during peak periods. For people who value solitude, this can be a significant benefit. Serengeti Green Season: Why the Landscape Looks Different The biggest visual advantage of the Serengeti green season is the transformation of the landscape after rainfall. Grass becomes more vibrant. Trees and shrubs appear fresher. Water collects in temporary pools. Cloud formations become more dramatic. Sunlight can break through storms and create strong contrasts across the plains. This makes March, April and May particularly attractive for landscape photographers. The Serengeti is not simply a dry golden wilderness. During the green season, it can become intensely colourful. Serengeti Green Season: Wildlife Viewing Wildlife remains excellent during the green season, although animal distribution can become more dispersed as water and food become available across a wider area. The Serengeti supports wildlife throughout the year. During wetter periods, animals do not necessarily need to congregate around permanent water sources. That can change the nature of game viewing. Instead of finding large concentrations around a few waterholes, your guide may need to cover more ground. The reward can be a more natural and less predictable safari. Serengeti Green Season: Predator Viewing The Serengeti green season can still produce excellent predator encounters, particularly for travellers who allow enough time for patient game drives. The ecosystem supports: Lions. Leopards. Cheetahs. Hyenas. Jackals. Predators do not disappear when the rains arrive. However, the experience can differ from the dry season. Vegetation may be taller. Prey may be more widely distributed. Tracking can become more challenging. This makes the guide’s knowledge particularly important. Serengeti Green Season: Is the Migration Still Happening? Yes, the Great Migration continues through the year because it is a continuous ecological movement rather than a single annual event. The location of the herds changes with: Rainfall. Grass quality. Water availability. Breeding cycles. Local environmental conditions. Travellers should therefore avoid thinking of the migration as an event that begins and ends in a particular month. March, April and May can form part of the wider migration cycle. However, the experience will be different from the famous northern river-crossing period. Serengeti April Rains: What Should You Expect? Serengeti April rains can be unpredictable, ranging from short showers to heavier periods that affect roads and travel times. The most important point is to prepare for wet conditions without assuming that rain will dominate every day. Pack: Waterproof jacket. Waterproof bag for electronics. Comfortable shoes. Light layers. Camera rain cover. Quick-drying clothing. Extra socks. A good safari vehicle should also be prepared for changing weather. Serengeti April Rains: Do They Ruin a Safari? No, rain does not automatically ruin a Serengeti safari, and many travellers find the weather creates a more dramatic and memorable landscape. Rain can produce: Fresh green grass. Dramatic clouds. Beautiful reflections. Rainbows. Exceptional sunsets. Fresh wildlife tracks. Fewer vehicles. The main disadvantage is logistical. Heavy rain can affect some roads and make certain areas more difficult to access. Your itinerary should therefore allow flexibility. Low Season Safari Value: Why March to May Can Cost Less Low season safari value is one of the strongest reasons to consider March, April and May, although the exact discount depends on the property, dates and accommodation category. Demand is generally lower during…

Safari Timing·August 25, 2026

Serengeti in January and February: The Spectacular Calving Season on the Southern Plains

Serengeti January and February are among the most exciting months for travellers interested in the Great Migration, particularly the annual wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area. Rather than focusing on river crossings, these months are about newborn wildebeest, abundant grazing, predator activity and dramatic photographic opportunities. The exact location of the herds varies with rainfall and pasture conditions, but the southern Serengeti and wider Ndutu ecosystem are traditionally important areas during the calving period. For travellers planning a Serengeti January safari, the attraction is not simply the number of animals. It is the behaviour. Thousands of wildebeest gather in open grasslands. Calves are born in large numbers. Predators take advantage of the abundance. And the landscape can be greener and more vibrant than during the dry-season months. Serengeti January: Why January Is a Special Safari Month Serengeti January offers a compelling combination of green landscapes, large herbivore concentrations and the beginning of the annual calving period in the southern ecosystem. January falls within the period when the wildebeest herds are generally associated with the southern Serengeti and Ndutu ecosystem, although their precise position changes according to rainfall. This makes January attractive for travellers who want to experience the migration without making river crossings the centre of their safari. The landscape can also be visually spectacular. Recent rains can transform dry grasslands into greener plains, while clouds and changing light create excellent conditions for photography. Serengeti February: The Heart of the Calving Season Serengeti February is particularly famous for calving, with large numbers of wildebeest calves born across the southern plains and Ndutu area during favourable conditions. The exact timing varies from year to year. Rainfall is one of the major influences. When the rains produce fresh grass, the herds have an important reason to remain in the southern ecosystem. This creates one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles in Tanzania. A morning game drive can involve thousands of wildebeest spread across the plains, while predators patrol the same landscape. For travellers interested in wildlife behaviour, Serengeti February calving can be an exceptional experience. Serengeti January and February: Where Are the Herds? During Serengeti January and February, the migration is commonly associated with the southern Serengeti and Ndutu ecosystem, but the herds do not follow a fixed calendar. This distinction is important. The Great Migration is not an event that happens at exactly the same location every year. The animals respond to: Rainfall. Fresh grass. Water availability. Local conditions. Herd behaviour. Predator pressure. The southern plains can therefore be a strong choice for January and February, but experienced safari planners avoid guaranteeing an exact herd position months in advance. The best approach is to plan around the seasonal pattern while allowing for natural variation. Serengeti January and February: Understanding Ndutu Ndutu is one of the most important areas associated with the southern Serengeti calving season and can be an excellent base for travellers targeting newborn wildebeest and predator action. Ndutu sits within the wider ecosystem spanning the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Its location makes it particularly interesting during the calving period. The surrounding plains can attract: Wildebeest. Zebra. Gazelles. Lions. Cheetahs. Leopards. Hyenas. Jackals. Numerous bird species. The experience is about the entire ecosystem rather than one individual species. Serengeti January and February: The Wildebeest Calving Season The defining attraction of the Serengeti February calving season is the birth of large numbers of wildebeest calves across the southern plains. Calving usually occurs over a relatively concentrated period, although births continue throughout the season. For visitors, this creates unusual wildlife behaviour. Adult wildebeest become highly protective of their young. Newborn calves must become mobile quickly because predators are nearby. The result is an ecosystem in constant motion. A game drive may shift from observing a large herd to watching a predator stalking the edge of the group. Serengeti January and February: Why Predators Follow the Herds The concentration of young animals creates excellent conditions for predators, making January and February particularly rewarding for travellers interested in predator-prey behaviour. Lions are among the most obvious predators to watch. But the ecosystem also includes: Cheetahs. Leopards. Hyenas. Jackals. Young wildebeest are vulnerable during their first days of life. However, predators do not simply wait for newborns. They also hunt adult animals, zebra and other herbivores. This means the southern Serengeti can offer a broad range of wildlife encounters. Serengeti January and February: Lions on the Southern Plains Lions can be particularly rewarding to watch during the calving season because the concentration of prey creates opportunities for hunting and other social behaviour. The southern Serengeti is home to resident lion populations as well as other predators. A good guide will not simply search for lions. They will interpret behaviour. Look for: Pride interactions. Cubs. Hunting preparation. Territorial behaviour. Mating behaviour. Feeding. Resting. The ability to spend time observing a pride can be more rewarding than simply finding a lion and leaving immediately. Serengeti January and February: Cheetah Photography The open grasslands around the southern Serengeti can provide excellent opportunities to observe cheetahs, particularly when visibility across the plains is good. Cheetahs rely heavily on sight when hunting. Open terrain allows them to scan for prey. During the calving season, young herbivores can create additional hunting opportunities. Photographers should be prepared for sudden action. A cheetah may appear relaxed for several minutes before rapidly accelerating toward prey. This is where good positioning, patience and an experienced guide become valuable. Serengeti January and February: Leopard Sightings Leopards remain less predictable than some other predators, but the wider Serengeti ecosystem supports them throughout the year. Leopards are often associated with: Woodland edges. Riverine vegetation. Trees. Rocky areas. They are generally more difficult to find than lions. A January or February safari should therefore not be planned solely around leopard sightings. Instead, consider the broader wildlife experience. If you encounter a leopard, it becomes an added highlight. Serengeti January and February: Photography Opportunities Serengeti January and February can be excellent months for…