Ruwana Plains – Predator Paradise in West Serengeti The Ruwana Plains rank among the top predator-viewing destinations in the entire Serengeti ecosystem. Sitting north of the Grumeti River, this 120-square-mile refuge holds real historical weight. Before 1967, the park boundary …
The Ruwana Plains rank among the top predator-viewing destinations in the entire Serengeti ecosystem. Sitting north of the Grumeti River, this 120-square-mile refuge holds real historical weight. Before 1967, the park boundary stopped at the river. Because of the area’s ecological importance, officials later annexed it for equal protection.
This region’s rich Ruwana Plains Wildlife centers on one standout resident: the spotted hyena. Several massive clans defend strict territories across the open grasslands. As a result, visitors often witness dramatic boundary patrols, loud “whooping” calls, and intense clashes between rival clans. Two resident lion prides and frequent cheetahs add even more predator action throughout the plains.
At the heart of the landscape sits the Ruwana Waterhole, a natural magnet for wildlife. During the dry season, this water source becomes a stage for tense hunting encounters. Nearby, Sundowner Hill Serengeti offers sweeping 360-degree views. Though it’s a favorite picnic spot, it also doubles as a den site for a local lion pride.
The area truly comes alive as a hub for Ruwana Plains Predators during May and June. Thousands of wildebeest and zebra pour through on their northward migration. Many attempt the legendary “cold plunge” crossing of the crocodile-filled Grumeti River nearby.
A suspension bridge to the south lets guests cross safely above the water. From here, baboons often forage for mussels among the rocks. Overhead, martial eagles patrol the treetops, completing this predator-rich corner of the Western Corridor.
The landscape of Ruwana is defined by its splendid, open grasslands and strategic water sources. The Ruwana Waterhole is a unique geographic feature that acts as a magnet for wildlife, especially during the dry season when it becomes a theater for dramatic hunting encounters.
In the center of the plains lies “Sundowner Hill,” a modest elevation that provides a 360-degree vantage point of the surrounding territory. While it is a favorite spot for a picnic breakfast, it is also a wild space—the hill serves as a natural den site for one of the local lion prides. To the south, the plains are bordered by the lush gallery forests of the Grumeti River, where a pedestrian suspension bridge allows guests to safely cross the glittering waters and observe the riverine ecosystem from above.
Ruwana is arguably the premier destination for predator enthusiasts in the West Serengeti. While two resident lion prides and frequent cheetahs roam the area, the spotted hyena is the dominant force here. Several massive clans maintain strict territories across the plains. Guests can often witness complex social behaviors rarely seen elsewhere, including boundary patrols, intense vocal displays (the famous “whooping” calls), and high-stakes territorial battles between rival clans.
During May and June, the wildlife spectacle reaches a fever pitch as the northward migration arrives. Thousands of wildebeest and zebra congregate in this corridor, often resulting in the legendary “cold plunge” as they attempt to cross the crocodile-laden Grumeti River.
Avian Predators: Keep an eye on the tallest trees for the Martial Eagle. As the Serengeti’s most powerful raptor, it is a formidable hunter capable of taking down small antelope and hyraxes.
Month | Season | Weather | Wildlife Sightings | Rec. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
JAN | Green Season | 60 – 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers | – – – – – | No |
FEB | Green Season | 60 – 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers | – – – – – | No |
MAR | Green Season | 60 – 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers | – – – – – | No |
APR | Green Season | 60 – 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers | – – – – – | No |
MAY | Northward Migration | 56 – 81 F
Mostly sunny | Possibility of the Wildebeest Migration in mid to late May, Giraffe, Impala, Crocodile, Hippo | Yes |
JUN | Beginning of Dry Season | 56 – 81 F
Mostly sunny | Wildebeest Migration, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Crocodile, Hippo | Yes |
JUL | Dry Season | 60 – 83 F
Mostly sunny | Wildebeest Migration, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Crocodile, Hippo | Yes |
AUG | Dry Season | 55 – 81 F
Mostly sunny | Giraffe, Impala, Hippo, Resident Wildebeest and Zebra | Yes |
SEP | Dry Season | 55 – 81 F
Mostly sunny | Giraffe, Impala, Hippo, Resident Wildebeest and Zebra | Yes |
OCT | Dry Season | 60 – 83 F
Mostly sunny | Giraffe, Impala, Hippo, Resident Wildebeest and Zebra | Yes |
NOV | Southward Migration | 60 – 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers | Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Hippo, Resident Wildebeest and Zebra, and Possibility of the Wildebeest Migration | Yes |
DEC | Beginning of Green Season | 60 – 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers | – – – – – | No |
By submitting your details, you agree that our team may contact you in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
