Serengeti National Park is without doubt, one of the world’s most renowned national parks located in Tanzania. The gem has plenty to offer-ranging from large populations of zebras, antelopes, the big cats, giraffes, elephants, buffalos- not to mention millions of wildebeest.
Quick Facts about Serengeti National Park
- Serengeti means ‘The Land that moves on forever’
- Home of the Great Migration
- One of the oldest ecosystems as it has largely remain unchanged for over a million years
- Big Cat territory
- Ancient volcanic origins
- Natural prey-predator drama
- Stargazing wonderland
- Home to Black rhinoceros
- High season ranges from July to October
Best Safari Areas in the Serengeti National Park
Seronera & Central Serengeti
Central Serengeti is the heart of Serengeti National Park and is famous for its year-round wildlife presence and accessible game-viewing opportunities. It is known as Seronera valley and is characterized by open plains, acacia woodlands, and riverine habitats. The area is home to large lion prides, leopards, and countless herbivores.
Kogatende & Northern Serengeti
The northern region of the park consists of dramatic landscapes of rocky outcrops, woodlands, and the Mara River, which serves as a major crossing point for the Great Migration. It provides a chance for visitors to witness one of the nature’s most breathtaking spectacles between July and October. The Northern Serengeti is also a year-round haven for giraffes, elephants, and predators like lions and cheetahs.
Ndutu & Southern Serengeti
The Southern Serengeti is most famous for its role in the calving season, which happens between January and March when the migration herds arrive. This area is dominated by expansive short-grass plains, providing ideal grazing for wildebeest and zebras. During this season, thousands of calves are born each day, attracting predators eager to take advantage of the abundance of vulnerable young animals.
Bucket List Things to do in Serengeti National Park
Witness the Great Migration
This incredible natural spectacle involves over a million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, traversing the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing grounds.
Game Drives
Game drives are a terrific way to view the legendary Big Five, along with cheetahs, giraffes, giraffes, antelopes, and other animals that call the area home.
Walking Safaris
You can also venture of foot with expert guides and take note of nature’s intricacies while enjoying close-up and personal wildlife sightings.
Visit a Maasai Village
Meet the indigenous Maasai people and learn about their culture and traditions. Visiting a Maasai village allows you to witness their daily lives, vibrant clothing, and iconic warrior dances.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
A hot air balloon ride is a fantastic way to have a bird’s eye view of the beautiful landscape and scenery. Floating over the plains, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the landscapes, herds of animals, and possibly even predator-prey interactions.
Bird Watching
Serengeti National Park is home to nearly 500 bird species, making it a haven for bird watchers. From massive ostriches to vibrant lilac-breasted rollers, the park’s diverse habitats support an impressive array of avian life. Birding can be done alongside game drives or on specialized tours for enthusiasts.
Photography Safari
Serengeti is truly a photographer’s dream. The ever-changing light, dramatic backdrops, and abundance of animals make for outstanding photography opportunities.
The Best Time to Visit Serengeti
While the Serengeti is an all-year round safari destination, the best time to visit as far as viewing the spectacular wildlife would be during the long dry season, which is from June to September. The grasses are short during this period and the foliage is sparse. Animals congregate around the rivers and water holes, making them easier to spot.
If your interest is in the calving season and seeing newborn wildlife, the best time to visit is between January and March, when the southern Serengeti plains are lush and teeming with life. This brings out large numbers of big cats and other predators, offering visitors incredible opportunities to witness a kill.
January and February is also the best time for bird lovers, as it coincides with the arrival of many European migratory birds like ospreys, barn swallows, and white storks.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Serengeti?
The days you should spend in Serengeti National Park depends on what you have come to experience. If your intention is just to view wildlife, spending at least two nights would be ideal. This would give you a full day game drive. But even then, you would be leaving without fully experiencing all that Serengeti has to offer.
A minimum of three nights would be a little more suitable allowing you to divide your time between the central and northern parts of Serengeti. This is especially rewarding if the wildebeest herds have already migrated north.
Bird enthusiasts and photographers may need to spend a bit more time. One thing that is for sure is that no two days will be the same, as every drive offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Is Kilimanjaro Close to Serengeti?
Yes, Mount Kilimanjaro is relatively close to Serengeti National Park, located approximately 200 kilometers apart. While Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania near the Kenyan border, Serengeti lies to the west, making it possible to combine visits to both destinations in one trip. The drive between them typically takes 5-6 hours, but most travelers opt for a short domestic flight to save time. This proximity makes it convenient to pair a Serengeti safari with a Kilimanjaro trek for a diverse Tanzanian adventure.
Conclusion
Serengeti National Park is truly a household name and is famed for its sheer abundance of wildlife. A Serengeti safari is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable experiences.
