About
Retima Hippo Pool, also known as the Seronera Hippo Pool, is a perennial pool along the Seronera River in Serengeti National Park, in Tanzania's Arusha Region. It is one of the reserve's best-known stopping points for wildlife viewing, and it makes a relaxed, unhurried visit within a wider game drive.
What you can see
The pool is home to one of the largest concentrations of hippos in the Serengeti. Crocodiles share the water, so the pool is a good place to watch how these two large river animals spend their time. Because the water stays year-round, the pool also draws a varied range of birds, and visitors often find something to watch whatever the season.
Planning your stop
- Set aside time on your game drive rather than treating the pool as a quick photo point, since the animals tend to linger.
- Bring binoculars for the birdlife and a camera with a good zoom for the hippos and crocodiles.
- Keep to the designated viewing areas and follow your guide's instructions, as hippos and crocodiles can be dangerous when approached on foot.
The surrounding park
Retima sits within Serengeti National Park, so it pairs naturally with other sightings across the reserve. Many visitors combine a stop here with a longer drive through the park's grasslands and river systems, making the pool one part of a wider day of wildlife watching in one of Tanzania's most famous protected areas.