Lobo in the Northern Serengeti: The Quiet Side of the Great Migration

Lobo is a quiet area in the north-east of Serengeti National Park. It has wooded valleys, rolling hills and rocky kopjes, and it sees far fewer vehicles than the Mara River area at Kogatende. The Great Migration passes through on its way south, most often in September and October, and elephants and lions live here all year. This guide explains when to go, how Lobo differs from Kogatende, and how to plan a Serengeti safari without crowds. For the wider park, see our serengeti national park packages.

What Is the Lobo Area of the Serengeti?

Lobo is a part of Serengeti National Park, not a separate park. It lies in the north-east, north of the central Seronera area. Many travelers pass it by, because it sits away from the main routes.

The landscape is different from the flat southern plains. Instead of open grass, you see green rolling hills, wooded valleys and granite kopjes. As a result, the drives feel more varied, and the views change often.

Why Is Lobo the Quiet Side of the Migration?

Lobo is quiet because the biggest migration scenes happen elsewhere. The dramatic Mara River crossings take place further north, around Kogatende, and that is where most visitors and camps gather in the peak months.

Lobo is not the main crossing area. Instead, the herds move through the area on their way south. This means you can still see migrating wildebeest and zebra, but without the crowds at a river bank.

There is a second reason as well. Lobo has resident wildlife all year, so it is worth visiting even when the herds are far away. Sometimes a game drive here passes without meeting another vehicle, although this depends on the season.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Lobo?

The best time to visit Lobo is from June to November. The migration is most likely to pass through in September and October, but the exact timing changes every year with the rains.

• June to August: dry weather and good resident wildlife. In wetter years, some herds can arrive as early as July.

• September and October: the herds are most likely to move through on their way south.

• November: some herds can still be passing, and the area stays quiet.

• March to May: the long rains make roads harder to use, so we do not suggest Lobo in these months.

Because the herds follow the rain, no one can promise a date. Sources also disagree a little on the exact weeks. For this reason, ask us for the latest news before you fix your dates.

Lobo vs Kogatende: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Kogatende if you want to see river crossings. Choose Lobo if you want space, quiet and resident wildlife. The table below shows the main differences.

In short, you can use these three rules:

• Want to see the Mara River crossings? Choose Kogatende.

• Want a quiet safari with elephants, lions and hills? Choose Lobo.

• Want both? Plan a longer trip, because Lobo can link the north with the central Serengeti.

What Wildlife Can You See at Lobo?

Lobo is especially good for elephants. It also has well-known lion prides, and lions often rest on the kopjes. Giraffes and buffalo are common, and leopards can be found resting in the trees along the woodland edges.

During the migration, you may also see wildebeest and zebra passing through. As always, no sighting is guaranteed. A good guide will read the tracks and the light, and will move with the wildlife rather than follow a fixed loop.

How to Plan a Serengeti Safari Without Crowds

A few simple choices make a big difference if you want a quiet Serengeti.

• Pick quieter areas such as Lobo, instead of the busiest crossing points.

• Travel in the shoulder months, such as June, October and November, when there are fewer vehicles.

• Stay at least two or three nights, so you have time to explore the area slowly.

• Start drives early, because the light is better and the roads are emptier.

• Choose a small camp or lodge, and ask your guide to avoid sightings with a queue of vehicles.

If quiet travel appeals to you, read our guides to the quieter corners of Tanzania and to the destinations beyond the Serengeti. For first-timers, our first Serengeti safari guide explains what a typical day looks like.

What Is a Typical Day at Lobo Like?

A day at Lobo starts early. You leave camp soon after sunrise, when the air is cool and the animals are most active. Lions often rest on the kopjes at this hour, and elephants move slowly through the woodland.

Later in the morning, many guests return to camp for brunch and a rest. Then you head out again in the afternoon, when the light turns soft and golden. Because there are few vehicles around, your guide can stay with a sighting for as long as it stays interesting.

On some days, you may also stop on a hill for a picnic with long views over the valleys. These quiet pauses are a big part of why guests enjoy Lobo.

How Do You Get to Lobo?

Most travelers fly in a small plane to the Lobo airstrip, from Arusha or from Seronera. This saves a long day on the road, so it is a good choice if your time is short.

You can also drive from the central Serengeti. The road takes longer, but you see more of the park on the way. Because journey times change with the season and the road conditions, we plan the route around your dates.

Can You Combine Lobo With Other Parts of Tanzania?

Yes. Lobo works well as part of a longer northern safari. For example, many travelers visit the central Serengeti first, then move north to Lobo, and finish at Ngorongoro Crater. This way, you see both the busy plains and the quiet hills.

If you have only a short time, we suggest you do not rush. A few nights in one area is better than a new camp every day. Tell us how long you have, and we will shape the route to match.

Is Lobo Right for You?

Lobo is a good fit if you want quiet, elephants and wide views. It also suits repeat visitors who have already seen the busier parts of the Serengeti.

It is not the right place if your main goal is to watch wildebeest cross the Mara River. In that case, choose Kogatende. Lobo also usually has a smaller choice of places to stay than the busier parts of the park, so it helps to book early.

Plan Your Lobo Safari With Kearsleys

We have been arranging safaris in Tanzania since 1948. Tell us your dates and what matters most, and we will tell you honestly whether Lobo, Kogatende or a mix of both suits you best. You can also read our guide on how many days to plan for a Tanzania safari, or browse our Tanzania safari packages.