Retina Hippo Pool in Central Serengeti, Tanzania

Retina Hippo Pool: Unveiling Nature’s Spectacle in Central Serengeti, Tanzania

Embark on an extraordinary journey to witness the captivating Retina Hippo Pool in Central Serengeti, Tanzania, offering unparalleled photography opportunities and a riveting game viewing experience. While encountering hippos is a common occurrence at various Serengeti watering holes, the Retina Hippo Pool stands out as a majestic spectacle. Nestled at the convergence point of the Seronera and Orangi rivers, this unique pool is home to approximately 200 frolicking and playing hippos.

In comparison to other destinations in East Africa, such as Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park in northwestern Uganda, where large pods of hippos and crocodiles can be observed, the Retina Hippo Pool is renowned as the world’s iconic locale to witness Africa’s deadliest wildlife. These formidable creatures are responsible for claiming more lives than any other wild accident in the region.

Visitors to the Retina Hippo Pool recount an overwhelming sensory experience, acknowledging the pervasive scent of the animals. However, this olfactory aspect hardly deters enthusiasts eager to capture remarkable photographs of hippos, herons, and Nile crocodiles in their natural habitat. It is essential to exercise caution, given the substantial size and potential danger posed by these creatures. Choosing to visit during the dry season, spanning from July to November, is advisable, as lower water levels expose more hippos, facilitating enhanced visibility and photography opportunities.

Central Serengeti’s safari circuit unfolds wonders such as the Retina Hippo Pool, where hippos, ranging in weight from 2000 kg to 3000 kg, inhabit the same habitat as humans along rivers and lakes. Noteworthy is the fact that the most perilous hippos include mothers with their offspring and territorial bulls, often bearing visible wounds from encounters in water holes.

Located in the northwestern section of Central Serengeti, just north of the Seronera valley, the Retina Hippo Pool is freely accessible throughout the day. Amenities such as a parking lot, picnic area, and restrooms enhance the visitor experience in this natural haven.

For those seeking an immersive stay near the Retina Hippo Pool, an array of ideal lodging options awaits. Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp and Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge stand out as perfect choices, providing comfort and proximity to this captivating natural wonder.

Best Time for a Visit to Retina Hippo Pool:

The best time to explore the Retina Hippo Pool is during the dry season, occurring between July and November. During this period, the pool’s lower water levels offer increased visibility of hippos, and accessibility is enhanced. It is particularly advisable to avoid the rainy season, characterized by slippery tracks, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience at this mesmerizing destination.