My Favorite Secret: Why I Love the Green Season in Lobo Valley

While much of the world is shivering under snow and frost, our corner of the Serengeti is waking up in a vibrant explosion of life. To many, this is the “Green Season” (December through May), but to me, it’s the most soulful time to be in the bush. If you’re looking for a holiday escape that prioritizes connection over “ticking boxes,” this is your sanctuary.

The Myth of “Following the Herds”

There’s a common misconception that if you aren’t chasing the Great Migration, you aren’t seeing the “real” Serengeti. I’ve spent over 20 years in this wilderness, and I can tell you: our resident wildlife is thriving right now. Because the Lobo Valley offers year-round water, our lions, leopards, and elephants never leave. They are fat, healthy, and happy, and the intimacy of the experience during these months is simply unmatched.

A Private Audience with the Wild

The exclusivity of this season is the greatest gift I can give you. Imagine sitting in a silent valley – the only vehicle for miles – watching a leopard haul its kill into a tree or lion cubs wrestling on the granite kopjes. These iconic “islands of rock” become the ultimate viewing platforms. Against the emerald-green grass, the golden coats of our lion prides stand out in breathtaking contrast. I never tire of watching them survey their kingdom as the afternoon sky shifts from dramatic orange and pink to that deep, soulful “blue hour.” It is, quite simply, magical.

A Paradise for the Curious

For my fellow naturalists and birders, this is your time. With over 500 species in the Serengeti, December welcomes a flood of Eurasian migrants. The air is alive with lesser kestrels, rollers, and warblers.

But the magic doesn’t stop at sunset. This is when our nocturnal world truly sings. On our night drives and guided walks, we often find the “hidden” creatures—genets, civets, and bush babies—that stay tucked away during the busier, drier months. For photographers, the colors, behaviors, and clarity of light are a dream come true.

The Slow Safari Table

We believe the “Slow Safari” should taste as good as it looks. Our chefs lean into the season with soul-warming flavors:

Bush Sundowners: Artisanal snacks and a cold drink as the sky turns a dusty lilac.
Urban-Bistro Dinners: Fresh, vibrant, candlelit meals that feel like a secret shared under the African stars.
Morning Bliss: Warm pastries and coffee served on your private deck as the valley mist rises.

December to May is a time to breathe, to feast, and to find yourself in the quietest, greenest corners of the wild. I can’t wait to show it to you.

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