Bologonja Springs

The Bologonja Springs, nestled in the northern corner of the Serengeti National Park, is a quiet and tranquil spot that attracts animals in hordes. Here, the oasis starkly contrasts the lack of water resources in the rest of the Serengeti. This off-the-beaten-path safari destination in the Serengeti is a haven for animals looking for a reprieve from the scorching African sun as they bathe in the cool waters of the Bologonja Springs. We take you on a tour of this enchanting ecosystem and explore the ecological significance and the unique species it supports.

At a Glance

Must See Tourist Attractions

• Large herds of elephants and buffalo at the springs

• Discover beautiful canopy forests

• Large varieties of colorful birds

• Larelamangi salt licks

Size

< 1 square miles (< 2.5km²) 

Landscape

Canopy forests, salt licks, springs, riverine forests, wooded areas, and small patches of savanna

Main Species

Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, steenbok, reedbuck, impala, topi, zebra, lion, leopard, vervet monkeys

The Wonder of the Wild & Surrounds

Bologonja Springs is one of Serengeti's unique safari experiences, tucked in the far northern corners of the park bordering Kenya's Maasai Mara. Your safari guides make this oasis feel more like a private safari away from touristy spots. Its seclusion attracts large herds of elephants and buffalo that find refuge in the springs and the lush surroundings.

During the dry season, the area is a sanctuary for many animals that trade the dusty plains of the savanna for the lush green canopy forests and springs of Bologonja. It's a playground for untamed wildlife that provides endless, refreshing, life-giving nectar. The springs are the headwaters of the Bologonja River that feed into the only permanent water source of the Serengeti, the Mara River.

During the dry season, the resident steenbok and reedbuck are joined by millions of migratory animals like wildebeest and zebra, with apex predators like lions and cheetahs in tow. The jungle-like atmosphere of the springs is alive with the sounds of animals dualling and rolling in the mud while others replenish lost minerals during the great trek at the Larelamangi salt licks.

Troops of playful vervet monkeys add to the astonishing sights and sounds you find in the riverine forests as colorful birds mesmerize you visually and audibly. During the rainy seasons, this area experiences a wave of migratory birds, making it a paradise of untamed beauty.

Although it covers a relatively small area compared to the sweeping plains of the Serengeti, the Bologonja springs form part of the life-sustaining corridor of the Kenya-Tanzania border that offers a multi-ecosystem experience with forest, riverine, wooded areas, and pockets of savanna that make every game drive an experience in its own.

The Diverse Geography

The northern region of the Serengeti offers a change of scenery from the vast open savanna plains of the rest of the park. 

Join us as we discover the Bologonja Springs unfolding in gentle undulations and a series of soft hills with shallow valleys and winding water channels fed from the natural springs, attracting residents and migratory animals to its cool waters.

It’s a patchwork of lush forest, golden grasslands, and winding streams under the shimmering African sun.

Green belts of riverine and canopy forests offer much-needed shade from the scorching savanna sun. There is a constant pulse of life near the springs, with animals cooling off in a mud bath or congregating at the Larelamangi Salt licks to replenish their bodies with much-needed minerals.

The Bologonja Springs are the headwaters of the Bologonja River that meanders northwest and feeds into the mighty Mara River.

Compared to its busier neighboring ecosystem from the Maasai Mara Game Reserve just across its borders in neighboring Kenya, where visitors compete for the best viewing spots, the springs have a more private feel. 

Its serene surroundings suggest a living oasis of tranquility, a haven where rich groves lined with fig trees, acacias, and wild date palms, where the air is cool, damp, and sweet with the scent of fresh vegetation, provide a crucial food source and shade.

This is where the Serengeti breathes and regroups.

The Majestic Wildlife

This is the Serengeti's hidden secret, where wildlife finds refuge and travelers find wonder.

The constant water source from the Bologonja Springs creates a rare year-round refuge for resident and migratory animals, including birds. 

Large animals are regularly seen. Herds of elephants frolic in the cooling springs and mud patches. Although the African buffalo seem placid in this environment, this animal is one of Africa’s more dangerous horned animals, and they relish the sweet, tall grass as they graze lazily throughout the day.

Giraffes are seen peacefully browsing tall acacia and combretum trees, while topi and impala graze on shorter grass in the grassy clearings. Steenbok, often mistaken for the duiker, and reedbucks are also common in these parts.

Passing migratory animals on their way to and from the Maasai Mara reserve brings the springs to life with the energetic sounds of animals. Following the migration brings in lions, laying in anticipation for easy prey near watering holes.

Reclusive leopards can be seen in the cover of the forests as they drape over a branch, waiting for the cover of dusk to attempt a hunt.

On rarer occasions, sightings of cheetahs and African wild dogs have been recorded roaming the area. While vervet monkeys screech in the canopy of trees and baboons playfully gather along the forest edges. 

The birdlife on the Bologonja Springs is another major highlight, leaving bird lovers equally spoiled with colorful species such as kingfishers, bee-eaters, hornbills, and raptors like the Bateleurs and martial eagles.

Herbivores 

Hippopotamus

Elephant

Giraffe

Buffalo

Reedbuck

Steenbok

Topi

Wildebeest

Zebra

Impala

Gazelles

Elands

Warthogs

Baboons 

Vervet monkeys

Predators

Lions

Cheetahs

Leopard

Hyena

Serval

Birds

Superb starling

Chestnut-bellied sandgrouse

Grey crowned crane

Kori Bustard

Redheaded weavers

Rollers

Kingfishers

Turaco

Bateleur

Martial Eagles

Hoopoes

Woodpeckers

Best Time To Visit 

Tanzania Safari helps travelers plan an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re chasing the great migration or looking for serenity while birdwatching, we have the perfect trip for you with our detailed tour packages.

Every season has something unique to offer, from lush green landscapes to dramatic wildlife encounters; explore our seasonal breakdown below to plan the best time to visit Bologonja Springs.

Getting There

Part of the adventure is the journey to reach Bologonja Springs. Flying to Lobo Airstrip with our Tanzania sky safari option is a more convenient and time-saving option, where travelers enjoy stunning aerial views.

Scheduled light aircraft fly directly to the Serengeti from Arusha and Kilimanjaro airports. The short 1.5-to-2-hour flight allows safari-goers to enjoy the sights and wonders of the area more.

Travelers who have more time and seek a more immersive experience can opt for an airport transfer. Our expert guides meet you at the airport and whisk you on a scenic 7-to-8-hour drive. This includes a multiple-destination safari, which offers incredible wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities.

GPS Coordinates: 1°39'54"S 35°13'02"E

Lodging Near North Serengeti 

Attractions Near North Serengeti

• Serengeti National Park

• North Serengeti

• Upper Grumeti Woodlands

• Mara River

• Lobo Valley

• Lamai Triangle

• Wogakuria