Long Grass Plains

The long grass plains offer a striking contrast to the short grass expanses of the Serengeti National Park. Here, sweeping stretches of golden-green grass roll across the horizon, punctuated by rust-red termite mounds. This landscape is a haven for zebra herds, drawn to the nutrient-rich grass that can grow over a meter high. Its unique ecology attracts a different cast of wildlife; zebras graze in the open while lions prowl through the tall grass, using it as perfect camouflage for the hunt. Join us on safari to uncover the secrets of this mesmerizing sea of swaying grass.

At a Glance

Must See Tourist Attractions

• Seasonal zebra migration herds

• Predator interactions in open grasslands

• Towering termite castles

• Rare sightings of aardvark and pangolin

• Exceptional birdwatching during the green season

Size

± 800 square miles (±2072 km²) 

Landscape

Tall grass, acacia trees, termite mounds, granite kopjes, and valleys with shallow watering holes

Main Species

Zebra, aardvark, lions, cheetah, genet, hare, hyena, mongooses, pangolin, porcupine, topi antelopes, hartebeest, monitor lizards, and migrant bird species in the green season.

The Wonder of the Wild & Surrounds

Stretching as far as the eye can see, the vast expanse of golden-green savannah is home to the Long Grass Plains of the Serengeti National Park. The expansive field of long grass is pulsating with life. 

As the sun rises, the distant roar of lions can be heard, while elephants dust themselves under flat-topped acacia trees in the heat of the day. As dusk approaches, the haunting howl of the hyena echoes in the valley.

Rust-red termite mounds rise like scattered sculptures, breaking up the vast openness. This is a place where life moves at its own rhythm. Zebras graze lazily in the open, their black-and-white stripes standing out against the sunlit grass, while lions melt into the tall blades, invisible until they choose otherwise.

But the magic of these plains isn’t only in the animals that roam here, it’s in the sense of space, the quiet hum of insects, the scent of sun-warmed earth, and the rustle of grass that seems to whisper ancient stories. 

The ecosystem here is different from the short grass plains, offering a unique sanctuary where every stalk and mound has a role to play. It’s wild, untamed, and unapologetically beautiful, a place where the everyday rules of the human world simply don’t apply.

The Diverse Geography

The Long Grass Plains of the Serengeti are far from uniform. Gentle rolling hills, dry riverbeds, and seasonal wetlands break up the open grasslands, while seas of tall, golden-green grass, dotted with rust-red termite mounds, creating a rich mix of habitats. 

Along the edges, bushland and woodlands provide shelter for elephants, giraffes, and countless bird species, while the open plains host zebra herds and their ever-watchful predators.

During the Great Migration, these plains become a key stopover, where wildlife thrives in the balance between open space and protective cover.

The plains of the Serengeti are home to an impressive variety of grass species perfectly adapted to the region’s unique soils and climate. In the rainy season, these grasses can grow so tall they rise above a lion’s back, creating waves that ripple in the wind and transform the plains into one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.

In many parts, particularly in the western regions, tall grasslands are dominated by species in the Pennisetum and Andropogon genera, alongside Themeda. These species form lush, high-canopy grasslands that differ from the shorter, more intensively grazed plains.

Red oat grass is one of the most striking grasses in the Serengeti, is a defining feature of the Long Grass Plains and nearby woodlands. It grows in dense, tufted bunches that sway like a field of wheat, turning a vivid pinkish-red when mature and dry. 

While wildebeest will graze on it, they typically prefer shorter grasses, leaving red oat grass to be enjoyed by zebras

Their height offers excellent cover and ideal grazing habitat for zebras, who prefer these less alkaline, more digestible plants during the Great Migration.

Another striking feature is the termite mounds scattered across the plains. Rising like natural sculptures above the sea of tall grasses, these earthen towers are built by colonies of termites that use soil, saliva, and plant matter to create a structure strong enough to withstand heavy rains and the harsh African sun. 

Some mounds can grow several meters high and last for decades, even long after the termites themselves have abandoned them.

Their reddish-brown color stands out against the green and golden plains, making them an unmistakable part of the Serengeti’s landscape.

The Majestic Wildlife

The Long Grass Plains of the Serengeti are one of the best places to experience wildlife in its most natural form. 

This region is particularly renowned for its zebra populations, thanks to the tall, nutrient-rich grasses that dominate the plains, which are a preferred food source for zebras, making this area a prime viewing spot during the Great Migration. 

At this time of year, thousands of zebras gather here. The plains zebra has a striking black-and-white stripe forming a breathtaking tapestry against the golden waves of long grass. Even though there are thousands, the species is on the IUCN list as near threatened.

The abundance of zebras naturally attracts predators, and the Long Grass Plains are a hunting ground for lions and cheetahs. These big cats use the tall grasses as camouflage to stalk their prey, while termite mounds also become valuable lookout points for predators like cheetahs and lions, who use the elevated ground to scan the plains for potential prey. 

Smaller animals, including mongooses, warthogs, and various reptiles, often move into the old termite tunnels, using them as burrows or shelter from both the heat and predators.

Visitors often have the chance to witness the dramatic predator-prey interactions that make the Serengeti world-famous.

Beyond zebras and predators, the plains are also home to grazers such as hartebeest and eland, species that thrive on the taller vegetation found here. Meanwhile, hyenas, jackals, and vultures circle the edges, playing their part in the ecosystem. 

Herbivores 

Zebra

Elephant

Buffalo

Topi

Gazelles

Elands

Warthogs

Hartebeest

Dik diks

Aardvarks

Pangolins

Predators

Lions

Cheetahs

Leopard

Hyena

African wild dog

mongoose

Birds

Kori Bustard

Secretary Bird

Superb Starling

Lilac-breasted Roller

Ostrich

Vulturine Guineafowl

Weaver Birds

White Stork

European Roller

Vultures

Long-Crested Eagle

Gray-Crowned Crane

Southern Ground Hornbill

Two-banded Courser

Best Time To Visit 

When planning your trip to the Long Grass Plains, timing makes all the difference. Each season brings its own rhythm to the plains, influencing everything from wildlife sightings to photography conditions. 

Whether you're a safari first-timer or a seasoned traveller, here's what you need to know to match your visit with your interests.

Getting

 There

Reaching the Long Grass Plains of the Serengeti is an adventure with two main options: you can plan your trip and choose to go by air or by road.

Flying saves time and offers breathtaking aerial views, while a road journey with our expert guides allows you to immerses yourself in the changing landscapes and allows for unexpected wildlife encounters even before you arrive.

By Air:

The quickest and most convenient way is to fly. Daily scheduled flights connect Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and other key Tanzanian airports with several airstrips scattered across the Serengeti. Depending on your point of departure, flights take between 1 to 2 hours, offering incredible aerial views of the vast plains and wildlife below. 

From the airstrip, it’s usually a short game drive to reach the Long Grass Plains, making this option ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time on safari and avoid long hours on the road.

By Road:

For those who prefer to travel overland, the drive to the Long Grass Plains offers a different kind of adventure. A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially during the green season.

From Arusha, the journey can take 7 to 8 hours, depending on road conditions and wildlife sightings along the way. While the drive is long, it passes through scenic landscapes, rural villages, and even parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, giving visitors a deeper sense of Tanzania’s natural beauty and culture before entering the Serengeti.

Lodging Near North Serengeti 

Attractions Near Long Grass Plains

Seronera Valley

Seronera River

Retina Pool

Moru Kopjes

Maasai Kopjes

Makoma Hill

Turners Spring

Simba Kopjes

Central Serengeti