Pros & cons
PROS
- Close, safe viewing from an elevated riverbank
- Huge resident hippo pod with frequent croc and bird sightings
- Handy stop with parking, picnic area, and restrooms
CONS
- The smell can be strong
- Roads and the riverbank can get slick in rainy periods
Overview
Retima Hippo Pool is the Serengeti’s easiest wow: a deep bend where the Seronera and Orangi rivers meet, usually crammed with hippos—often into the hundreds. You’re allowed out of the vehicle at the signed, elevated bank, so you get that rare, close look without feeling exposed. Expect constant grunts, yawns, splashes, and a living, churning mass of grey backs.
What You’ll See
Hippos are the headliners, but keep scanning. Nile crocodiles often lurk or bask on the far bank, and the skies pull in regulars like fish eagles, kingfishers, bee‑eaters, storks, herons, crowned cranes, and Egyptian geese. Elephants, giraffe, impala, topi, and baboons may wander in to drink. It’s a reliable, high‑action stop that delivers even on short visits.
Facilities & Access
This is an easy add‑on to Central Serengeti game drives. There’s a small parking area, a designated viewing bank, a picnic spot, and basic restrooms. Plan 1–2 hours if you’re settling in for photos or lunch; it also works as a quick pit‑stop between sightings.
Best Time to Visit
Year‑round works, but the dry season concentrates wildlife at the pool and lowers the water for clearer views (many guides cite June–October, others July–November). Light is kinder early and late; midday heat and glare make everything flatter—and smellier.
Safety & Etiquette
Hippos are notoriously territorial. Stay within the signed viewing zone, keep voices down, and never approach the water’s edge. Follow your guide’s lead, pack out all trash, and mind your footing—the bank gets dusty in the dry and slick after rain. Watch your food at the picnic area; monkeys are opportunists.
Photography Tips
Golden hours are best. A mid‑range zoom (70–200mm) frames yawns and splashes; a longer zoom (100–400mm) isolates portraits and crocs on the far bank. Use a fast shutter for action and consider a polarizer to cut surface glare.
Where it is
-2.2934, 34.7994Tips for Retima Hippo Pool
- 01Go early or late for softer light and livelier behavior.
- 02Dry season offers the clearest views; expect bigger crowds then.
- 03Bring tissue and hand sanitizer—the restrooms are basic.
- 04Stay inside the signed viewing zone and never approach the water.
- 05Guard lunches at the picnic area; monkeys will try to snatch food.
Amenities
Near Retima Hippo Pool
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayRetina Hippo Pool WalkDrive-up hippo spectacle with short, easy stroll and big photo payoffEasy · 0.3 mi · 30 min
3.2 mi awayKubu Kubu Tented LodgeStylish hilltop tents with epic views and an infinity poolLodging · Food
7.2 mi awayOne Nature Nyaruswiga SerengetiUltra‑luxe tented camp with big‑cat action and a stargazing deckLodging · Food
9.1 mi awaySerengeti Serena Safari LodgeHilltop lodge with sweeping views and an iconic infinity poolLodging · Restaurant
9.2 mi awayFour Seasons Safari Lodge SerengetiLuxury lodge with a front‑row seat to an elephant‑filled waterholeLodging · Food
31.6 mi awayMoru Kopjes Gong Rock TrailShort scramble to Maasai rock art and the Serengeti’s ‘gong’ rockEasy · 0.3 mi · 30 min
39.6 mi awayNaabi Hill Nature TrailShort kopje walk with sweeping Serengeti plains views and wildlife scanningEasy · 0 mi · 30 minLamai Kopjes WalkGuided kopje walk to big sky views and sundowners over the plains.Moderate · 0 mi · 0 min
