Lobo Airstrip

Lobo Airstrip is one of the main airstrips in the Serengeti National Park, located in northern Tanzania. It serves as an entry point to the park for visitors who choose to fly in, as well as a hub for various flights between different parts of the park. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of Lobo Airstrip and provide useful information to help you plan your visit.

The Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Africa, renowned for its vast open plains, teeming with wildlife. Located in the northern part of Tanzania, the park is home to a range of animals, including the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). One of the most convenient ways to access the remote parts of the park is through Lobo airstrip. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at Lobo airstrip, including the best time to visit, things to do, location, and how to get there.

About Lobo Airstrip

Lobo airstrip is located in the northern eastern part of the Serengeti area of Lobo, and it serves as a convenient way to reach an otherwise remote part of the park, all year round. The airstrip is suitable for smaller regional planes, and it’s an ideal gateway for an air safari of the area or a longer one into or out of the park. The airstrip offers basic facilities such as a parking area and toilets. Bookings may have to be done at different locations, depending on the operator.

How to Get There

You can get to Lobo airstrip by air or vehicle. Smaller regional planes are the only available option for the first, flying in from the nearest Seronera airstrip or other airports in cities nearby. By vehicle, it is about a 5-minute drive from Lobo village and 2 hours from Seronera. There is no preference for 4x4s, and both rentals and privately owned vehicles can be used.

Location and Access

Lobo airstrip is located next to the northeastern border of the Serengeti National Park and a short distance south of Lobo village. Accommodation options nearby include public and special campsites, lodges, and tented camps. The area is home to a range of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, and zebras.

Lobo Airstrip is situated in the northeastern part of Serengeti National Park, close to the Kenyan border. It is located about 26 kilometers north of the park headquarters in Seronera, and about 58 kilometers south of the Mara River, which is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The airstrip is accessible by air and road, and visitors can easily get there by taking a scheduled or chartered flight, or by driving from nearby towns.

Facilities and Services

Lobo Airstrip is a fairly basic airstrip, but it has several facilities and services that are essential for the comfort and convenience of visitors. The airstrip has a small terminal building that houses a waiting lounge, toilets, and a check-in desk. There is also a parking area for vehicles, which can be used by visitors who choose to drive there. In addition, there are several lodges and tented camps located near the airstrip, which offer various accommodation options for visitors.

Flight Information

Lobo Airstrip is served by several airlines that operate scheduled and chartered flights between different parts of the park, as well as to and from other airports in Tanzania and Kenya. Some of the airlines that operate flights to Lobo Airstrip include Coastal Aviation, Regional Air, and Safari Airlink. The flight schedules and fares vary depending on the airline, the route, and the time of the year, so it is advisable to check with the airline or a travel agent before booking a flight.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lobo airstrip is during October and November when the area is overrun by wildebeest and zebra, migrating in from the Masai Mara in the north. Other months of the year are also good times for big cat spotting, especially lions, for which the area has a lot of. If you want to avoid the crowds, the rainy season from March to May is also a great time to visit, as the park is less busy, and the vegetation is lush and green.

The best time to visit Lobo Airstrip and Serengeti National Park in general is from June to October, when the annual wildebeest migration takes place. During this period, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores move from the southern plains of the Serengeti to the northern woodlands in search of water and fresh grazing. This is an incredible spectacle to witness, and visitors who are lucky enough to be there during this time can experience some of the most unforgettable wildlife sightings.

Accommodation near Lobo Airstrip

There are several lodges and tented camps located near Lobo Airstrip, which offer different accommodation options for visitors. Some of the popular lodges and tented camps include Lobo Wildlife Lodge, Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp, and Migration Camp. These accommodations are strategically located near the airstrip and offer various amenities such as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and game drives.

Activities and Attractions

The Lobo area is ideal for game drives and bird watching, with an abundance of wildlife and bird species to see. You can book a guided game drive with a local operator or take a self-drive safari. The area is known for its large population of lions, and you’re almost guaranteed to spot a pride of lions lounging in the sun. You can also take a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, which offers a unique perspective of the park and its inhabitants.

Visitors who travel to Lobo Airstrip can engage in various activities and attractions within and around the Serengeti National Park. Some of the popular activities include game drives, hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris, and cultural tours. Visitors can also explore different attractions such as the Grumeti River, the Mara River, the Seronera Valley, and the Olduvai Gorge, which is an important archaeological site.

FAQs

1. What facilities are available at Lobo airstrip?

Lobo airstrip offers basic facilities such as a parking area and toilets.

2. What is the best time to visit Lobo airstrip?

The best time to visit Lobo airstrip is during October and November when the area is overrun by wildebeest and zebra