What Makes Servals So Special ?
“Thanks to its extra-long legs, stretched-out neck, and huge ears, the serval is sometimes called the “cat of spare parts”
Often described as a cat that looks like a cross between a cheetah and a house cat, the serval is unlike any other feline in Africa.
With their oversized ears, long legs, and striking spotted coats, servals are among Africa's most fascinating predators. They are also one of the Serengeti's most difficult cats to find, making every sighting feel truly special.
(Photo Credit to Ahmed Galal)
Standing nearly two feet tall at the shoulder, servals have the longest legs relative to body size of any cat species. Their large ears act like satellite dishes, allowing them to detect the slightest movement of rodents hidden beneath grass. In fact, a serval can pinpoint prey it cannot even see and then leap high into the air before pouncing with remarkable accuracy.
While lions rely on teamwork and cheetahs depend on speed, servals are precision hunters. Their success rate is among the highest of all wild cats, thanks to their incredible hearing and athletic ability.
Servals are also stunningly beautiful. Their golden coats are covered in bold black spots and stripes, creating a pattern that helps them blend seamlessly into tall grasses. This natural camouflage is one reason they can be so difficult to spot.
Unlike lions that spend much of the day resting, servals are often active during the cooler hours of morning and evening, quietly moving through grasslands and wetlands in search of prey.
Tips for Seeing Servals in the Serengeti
While no wildlife sighting can ever be guaranteed, there are several ways to improve your chances of finding one of these elusive cats.
Stay in Prime Serval Habitat
Servals favor grasslands, seasonal marshes, and areas with reliable water sources where rodents are abundant. Moyo Tented Camp's location in the wildlife-rich Seronera region places guests in one of the best areas of the Serengeti for encountering a wide variety of predators, including servals. Because you're already deep inside Serengeti National Park, you'll spend less time driving to wildlife viewing areas and more time searching for rare sightings.
Head Out Early
Some of the best opportunities to spot servals occur during early morning game drives when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is most active. Guests at Moyo can enjoy an early breakfast or coffee before heading out at first light, maximizing their chances of seeing predators before the day warms up.
Visit During the Dry Season
Many safari guides consider June through October one of the best periods for spotting servals. As grasses become shorter and animals concentrate around water sources, visibility often improves. The dry season also brings clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and excellent wildlife viewing throughout the Seronera Valley.
Keep Your Eyes on the Grasslands
Unlike lions that are easy to spot from a distance, servals often appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly. Look for movement in taller grasses and open plains. Their large ears are sometimes the first clue. Having an experienced guide can make all the difference, they know where servals have recently been seen and what signs to watch for.
Extend Your Time in the Park
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Moyo Tented Camp is the ability to enjoy multiple game drives without spending valuable safari time commuting from outside the park. The more time you spend exploring the Serengeti, the greater your chances of encountering rare wildlife. A serval sighting may happen on your first drive - or your fifth - but every additional hour in the field increases the odds.
Bring Your Camera
If you're fortunate enough to spot a serval, you'll want to be ready. For wildlife photographers, it's often considered one of the most rewarding sightings in Africa.
At Moyo Tented Camp, every game drive offers the possibility of something extraordinary.
Whether it's a pride of lions, a leopard in an acacia tree, or the fleeting glimpse of a serval slipping through golden grass, these are the moments that transform a safari into a lifelong memory.
Dream of seeing something special on your safari ?