The Upper Grumeti woodlands in Tanzania are known for their abundant wildlife, particularly during the dry season. The woodlands are dominated by acacia trees, which provide food for a variety of herbivores, with giraffes being the most common. The Grumeti River is a prominent feature of the area, running through the top half of the Serengeti before emptying into Lake Victoria. The river banks are lined with a gallery forest that is home to hippos, monkeys, baboons, and fish eagles.
The Grumeti woodlands cover an area of 800 square miles and feature a mix of gallery forests (including fig, mahogany, and tamarind trees), acacia woodlands, and riverine areas. The main species found in the area include giraffes, lions, turaco birds, vervet monkeys, impalas, fish eagles, baboons, hippos, and crocodiles.
The Grumeti River is a majestic watercourse that flows West to East across the Serengeti National Park, before flowing into Lake Victoria. The Upper Grumeti refers to the section of the river that cuts across North Serengeti. This region is home to some of the most stunning and diverse habitats in the Serengeti National Park. Join us as we explore the beauty and wonder of the Upper Grumeti.
Lush Gallery Forest and Acacia Woodlands
Two different types of woodlands can be found in the Upper Grumeti. A lush gallery forest directly on the river banks and acacia woodlands that flourish throughout the valleys and hills. The gallery forest provides a unique habitat for some rare species such as fig, mahogany, date palm, and tamarind trees.
Opposite the gallery forest, large herds of hippos can be spotted bobbing and splashing in the dark waters that they leave at night when they move to graze vegetation on the banks. On the branches of the trees, you can spot the Vervet monkey, large herds of baboons, and, with a little more luck, the white and black colobus monkeys.
Fish eagles, turacos, kingfishers, and many brightly colored birds can be spotted on the treetops. The acacia woodlands are covered with different acacia tree species such as whistling thorn, paper-bark, green thorn, and flood-plain acacia.
Hills and Valleys
The hills and valleys to the North of the Grumeti river are carpeted with woodlands that provide shelter and food for many animals, especially giraffes, who can be viewed here in large numbers. These wonderful herbivorous creatures exclusively feed on tiny leaves of acacia trees and are able to eat it without getting stung with their thorns.
This area of the Serengeti is also home to elephants, topi antelopes, buffalos, and large groups of impalas. There is no lack of predators here, especially lions, leopards, and cheetahs, while hyenas are not as widespread as in other areas of the Serengeti.
Grumeti Game Loop
One of the best game drives in the Northern Serengeti is known as the Grumeti Game Loop. It is a U-shaped route diverging from the main road at Lobo and heading Northwest towards the Grumeti River, paralleling the Grumeti rivers for several kilometers before heading back Southeast to the main road at Lobo. It can take two hours to complete the game loop track, without considering possible stops.
Wildlife at the Grumeti
The Grumeti River area is famous for its wildlife. This is the place to be if you want to see large herds of impalas, elephants, topi antelopes, and buffalos. There is no lack of predators here, especially lions, leopards and cheetahs, while hyenas are not as widespread as in other areas of the Serengeti.
One of the best game drives in the Northern Serengeti is known as the Grumeti Game Loop. It is a U-shaped route diverging from the main road at Lobo and heading Northwest towards the Grumeti River and paralleling the Grumeti rivers for several kilometers before heading back Southeast to the main road at Lobo. This game drive takes visitors through the beautiful habitats along the Grumeti River and provides an opportunity to see a variety of wildlife species.
Great Migration
This area of the Upper Grumeti is part of the route of the Great Migration. The Great Migration passes twice a year in the area: the first when it moves to the Northern grasslands in June and July, the second when it moves down towards the pastures of South Serengeti from September to November.
When to Visit Upper Grumeti
The best time to visit the Upper Grumeti is from June to November, as this is when the Great Migration passes through the area. This period is also the dry season when the animals tend to gather around the water sources, which makes it easier to spot them. However, the rainy season from December to May also has its charm as it is the time when the grasslands turn green, and many animals give birth to their young ones.
Accommodation Options
Several lodges and camps are available for those who wish to experience the beauty of the Upper Grumeti Woodlands in Serengeti National Park
The Grumeti River flows West to East across the Serengeti National Park, before flowing into Lake Victoria; the Upper Grumeti refers to the section of the river that cuts across North Serengeti. This area is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts as it offers a unique combination of diverse habitats, which support a wide range of flora and fauna.
Birdlife in the Grumeti
The Grumeti River and its surrounding woodlands are home to many species of birds. Fish eagles, turacos, kingfishers and many brightly coloured birds can be spotted on the treetops. The woodlands are particularly rich in birdlife, and bird watchers will be thrilled to spot some of the 500 different bird species found in the Serengeti.
The Upper Grumeti Woodlands in Central Serengeti
The Upper Grumeti River is a magical place with its lush gallery forest, acacia woodlands, and the abundance of wildlife. Visitors to the area can explore the beautiful habitats and see a variety of wildlife species. The Great Migration is a unique and awe-ins