Makoma Picnic Site

Overview

Tucked on the back side of Makoma Hill in the central region, this is an informal pull‑off that guides love for unhurried bush breakfasts and lunches. You’re looking out across big grassland—the Makoma Plain—with the Thatch Kopjes punctuating the horizon. It feels low‑key and away from the Seronera crowds, which is exactly the point.

What You’ll See

This plain is a predator playground. Lions and hyenas regularly work these grasses; cheetahs use the long, open stretches; jackals and bat‑eared foxes cruise the edges. On the hill slopes you’ll often spot giraffe and impala, and raptors (tawny eagles among them) ride the thermals late morning. Buffalo herds are frequent neighbors. During the migration, parts of the flow can pass nearby—typically northbound around May–June and southbound around November–December, give or take with the rains.

Setting & Geology

Those rounded Thatch Kopjes are ancient granite outcrops—classic Serengeti “islands in a sea of grass.” They hold pockets of moisture and shelter, making perfect vantage and den sites for lions and a magnet for all sorts of small life. Makoma Hill itself forms the western edge of the Seronera Valley, with open views down onto the plain.

Facilities & Safety

There’s no fenced, serviced picnic ground here—no permanent tables, no ablutions, no water. Your guide will set up the meal by the vehicle. Keep food sealed (baboons can be opportunists), stay within arm’s reach of the car, and never feed wildlife. If you want guaranteed toilets or a more formal setup, pair your route with the Seronera Visitor Centre picnic area or the Retina (Retima) Hippo Pool facilities.

Getting There

Access is via the Makoma Game Loop west/southwest of Seronera. Drive times from Seronera Airstrip are typically 25–45 minutes depending on wildlife stops and track conditions. Surfaces are dirt; after rain, black‑cotton soils can turn slick—ask your guide about conditions that morning.

Best Time to Visit

• Early morning or late afternoon bring cooler temps, softer light, and livelier predator activity—ideal for a relaxed meal with views.
• Mid‑day is hottest and shade is minimal; if you must stop then, keep it short.
• For general wildlife density, the dry months (December–February and mid‑June to September) are reliable. For a shot at migration herds in this area, aim for roughly May–June (northbound) and November–December (southbound), acknowledging that rains shift timing year to year.