A Bird’s Eye View

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Not many places will compare with the Serengeti’s beauty.

Though Naabi Hill is in the Serengeti and not really a destination in itself, all visitors to the Serengeti may at some point pass through Naabi as it is one of the main gates into the Serengeti.  All guides must stop here and check in and out, a time consuming process.

Located south of the busy Seronera area, Naabi Hill is a landmark by which one can estimate distances and locations in the area since it is an extremely high point on the plain and is central to the annual great migration.

Though we were not present for the great migration when the landscape may be dotted black from the large numbers of wildebeest, the views of the Serengeti from the top were awe inspiring!  After the climb to the top, on the moderate trail, we were able to gaze out over the short, grassy plains while standing under the acacia trees which cover the summit.  Since we had not booked the balloon safari, it was great to see from a different perspective what we had seen from the ground during the past few days.

The two square mile area is home to giraffes, elephants, antelope, lion, cheetah, vervet monkeys, wildebeest and zebras. There were also many small Agama lizards along the trail and a it is a great place for bird watching with many colorful starling and maribou storks soaring overhead.

After your descent, it may be wise to utilize the facilities available…coffee shop, toilets and even a small grocery store, where you can purchase souvenirs, sodas, snacks and even a “little nip” for the ride!  There are plenty of tables and benches to rest and enjoy lunch.

For those wanting to stay in the area, there are a few lodges and camps;  Sametu Camp for only 14 guests with a front row to superb, up-front, big cat viewing and roaring, nighttime bonfires.  Serengeti Serena Lodge’s thatched, rondavel huts and manicured grounds.  Four Seasons Lodge’s oasis of luxury with its infinity swimming hole overlooking a frequented watering hole and Private Mobile Camps with wildlife a few feet from its spacious tents.

Although our stop in Naabi was a short one, while we were checked out of the Serengeti,  it was a nice place to stretch our legs and enjoy the sunny morning. It was also the perfect place to enjoy one last look out over the Serengeti on our way to Ngorongoro Crater.

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