Eastern Serengeti Plains

Eastern Serengeti Plains – Remote Cheetah Safari Guide 2026–2027

The Eastern Serengeti Plains are among the most breathtaking and secluded areas of Serengeti National Park, offering endless views of open grasslands, scattered kopjes, and pristine wilderness. Unlike the busy Seronera region, the eastern section remains remote and wild — a haven for those who crave authentic safari moments and raw natural beauty. Here, vast horizons stretch endlessly, herds roam freely, and big cats rule the plains in dramatic hunting displays.

Cheetah on Gol Kopjes, Eastern Serengeti

About the Eastern Serengeti

Stretching east from Seronera toward Barafu, Gol Kopjes, and Soit Le Motonyi, the Eastern Serengeti is a land of stunning contrasts. Its wide plains, interspersed with granite outcrops, serve as prime territory for predators, especially cheetahs. This region was once closed to the public for cheetah research and conservation but has now reopened, offering visitors a unique chance to explore an unspoiled section of the Serengeti ecosystem.

The area receives fewer visitors, meaning game drives here are peaceful, private, and uninterrupted. Travelers can enjoy watching cheetahs hunt, lions bask on rocky outcrops, and hyenas patrol the grasslands — all without the congestion found in central safari routes.

Wildlife of the Eastern Serengeti

The Eastern Serengeti ecosystem supports an incredible diversity of wildlife thanks to its wide-open plains and healthy predator-prey balance. It is particularly known for its high concentration of cheetahs, making it one of Africa’s best locations to observe these elegant cats in action. Full guide at Serengeti wildlife.

Common animals in this area include:

Cheetahs, lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas
Wildebeest, zebras, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles
Giraffes, elands, and hartebeests
Jackals and bat-eared foxes
Numerous bird species like ostriches, secretary birds, kori bustards, and raptors

During the wet season (November–April), the plains turn green and lush, attracting large grazing herds. In contrast, the dry season (June–October) concentrates wildlife near water sources, offering spectacular predator sightings.

Highlights of the Eastern Serengeti

Cheetah Capital of Serengeti – Open plains provide ideal terrain for high-speed chases.
Remote and Exclusive – Fewer tourists mean a more private safari experience.
Spectacular Scenery – Endless golden plains punctuated by granite kopjes and acacia trees.
Soit Le Motonyi Conservation Area – A renowned research zone, now open for low-impact tourism.
Barafu and Gol Kopjes – Famous for lion prides and nesting raptors.
Great Migration Access – From November to April, migrating herds graze in the east before moving south to Ndutu.

Activities in the Eastern Serengeti

Visitors can enjoy a range of experiences that showcase the natural and untamed charm of the eastern plains. Full list at things to do in Serengeti:

Guided game drives with expert naturalists
Photographic safaris focusing on predators and landscapes
Hot-air balloon rides offering panoramic sunrise views
Nature walks in selected zones near lodges
Birdwatching tours during the green season
Bush breakfasts and sundowners in scenic open plains

Best Time to Visit Eastern Serengeti

The best time to visit the Eastern Serengeti depends on your wildlife and weather preferences. See our best time to visit Serengeti guide:

November to April (Green Season): The plains are lush and filled with herds of wildebeest and gazelles. Excellent time for birding and photography.
May to October (Dry Season): The landscape becomes golden, and predators are easier to spot as animals gather around waterholes. Perfect for game drives.

Overall, June to October offers prime predator action, while January to March showcases the migration herds grazing before moving south.

How to Get to Eastern Serengeti

The area is best accessed via Seronera Airstrip, which has regular flights from Arusha, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam. From Seronera, it’s roughly a 1–2-hour drive eastward to the main wildlife zones such as Barafu and Soit Le Motonyi. Full details at how to get to Serengeti.

For overland safaris, travelers can reach the region through extended tours that combine Central, Eastern, and Southern Serengeti for a complete wildlife experience.

Where to Stay in Eastern Serengeti

Accommodation options are limited — a deliberate choice to preserve the wild character of this region. Most camps blend luxury with an eco-friendly design, offering comfort amid isolation. See all at Serengeti accommodations:

Namiri Plains Camp (Asilia Africa) – A luxury lodge offering unmatched predator sightings and panoramic views.
Sametu Camp – Ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and adventure close to Soit Le Motonyi.
Kichakani Serengeti Camp – A mobile tented camp that follows wildlife movements across the park.
Ehlane Plains Camp – Perfect for secluded stays with guided walking safaris and stargazing nights.

Safari Prices & Packages in Eastern Serengeti

The Eastern Serengeti safari packages vary depending on duration, accommodation, and season:

3-Day Eastern Serengeti Safari – Priced from $1,950 per person per trip, including accommodation, meals, park fees, and guided game drives.
5-Day Serengeti Safari (Including Eastern Plains) – Starts from $2,450 per person per trip, covering transport, luxury lodges, and professional guides.
7-Day Tanzania Safari (with Eastern Serengeti Extension) – From $3,200 per person per trip, combining the east, central, and southern zones for a complete experience.

These costs typically include park entry fees, full-board accommodations, and private or shared safari vehicles. Flights, drinks, and tips are additional. Choose your style: