META DESCRIPTION: Witness the great migration, the Big Five, and the diverse wildlife in Serengeti National Park. Discover why a Serengeti Safari is a must-do thing.
SERENGETI SAFARI: TANZANIA’S ICONIC WILDLIFE DESTINATION
Serengeti National Park is one of the premier safari destinations in Africa. If you are looking for a beautiful wildlife destination for game viewing, Serengeti is an ideal choice. Serengeti is a perfect gateway into the wonders of the world. The word ‘Serengeti’ comes from the Maasai word “Siringit,” which means “endless plains.”
What is Serengeti National Park famous for?
This national park is famous for hosting the Great Migration. Nearly 2 million wildebeests, along with thousands of zebras and gazelles, migrate from the south to the north. This unusual event on earth occurs naturally once a year. Serengeti is also famous for its diverse wildlife.
How big is Serengeti National Park?
Serengeti is 14,763 square kilometers big. It is the third largest national park in Tanzania after Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park. It is part of the majestic Serengeti Ecosystem, which encompasses the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, and the Kenyan Masai Mara National Reserve.
How to get to Serengeti National Park
Where is the Serengeti? Serengeti lies in the famous Northern Circuit of Tanzania. It is reachable by either driving or flight.
By road. The best way to get to Serengeti National Park is by booking a drive-in safari. The drive-in safari usually starts in Arusha. It takes 8 hours to arrive at Serengeti from Arusha.
By air. This is a convenient way to reach Serengeti National Park. Kilimanjaro International Airport and Arusha Airport have direct flights to the seven airports of Serengeti. Some exclusive lodges operate their airports.
The best time to visit Serengeti National Park
For a memorable safari experience in the Serengeti, the dry season is the best time. June to October is usually the dry season in Tanzania. The trails are dry and the grass is short, making it easier to navigate and spot wild animals.
The dry season is the high season, as many visitors choose Serengeti. Competition for lodges drives the price tags up. Therefore, if you are on a limited budget, consider the wet season. The wet or rainy season commences in November and ends in May.
The rainy season is perfect for bird watching. Many species of birds settle for breeding, thus bringing a perfect view. The scene is also green and lush, creating a perfect backdrop for your photograph.
There is no competition for lodges. A few lodges halt operations, but there are enough spots for booking since there are a few visitors at this time.
Attractions in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti is home to a lot of tourist attractions worth seeing. Here are some of the amazing attractions you can see in Serengeti National Park:
The Great Migration
Over 1.5 million wildebeests, about 500,000 zebras, and 250,000 gazelles migrate annually from southern Serengeti to northern Serengeti. They then enter the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Thousands of visitors dream of witnessing this event. It draws the attention of many nature lovers in the world.
One of the most captivating spectacles of the great wildebeest migration is the crossing of the mighty Mara River. The great Mara River is a fatal obstruction to the Great Migration. The wildebeest brave the waters of this river, and the hungry Nile crocodiles try their best to get meals. It is a dramatic scene worth watching.
Big Five
Serengeti is among a few destinations hosting all the Big Five. The Big Five found in Serengeti include lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino. However, spotting the black rhino has been so difficult, especially when you don’t have enough time to spare.
There are more than 300 prides of lions in Serengeti. A reasonable number of leopards inhabit the rocky outcrops or kopjes. The Serengeti Plains also harbor elephants and buffalos.
Other animals in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti is a haven of wildlife in Africa with diversity in wildlife and habitats. A large population of resident grass eaters roams the verdant plains. They include zebras, wildebeests, impalas, Maasai giraffes, Grant’s gazelles, Cape buffalos, elands, warthogs, dik-diks, and much more.
This Park is also home to predators, for example, the famous big cats. The big cats are large and powerful predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and tigers. However, neither Serengeti nor Tanzania are home to tigers.
Other predators include African wild dogs, black-backed jackals, and servals. Golden jackals, crocodiles, and many others.
Birds
If you have not been a fan of birds, you may be one after visiting Serengeti. When driving through the Serengeti, pull out your binoculars to get a clear view of a colorful bird. Some birds that are resident in Serengeti include the African fish eagle, rufous-tailed weaver, and secretary bird. Others include Schalow’s wheatear, grey-crested helmet shrike, and Schalow’s turaco, Fischer’s lovebird.
Activities in Serengeti National Park
You can embark on various activities in Serengeti National Park. You can engage in common activities like game drives. A hot air balloon safari is another best way to explore the Serengeti plains. Bird watching, bush sleep, stargazing experiences, walking safaris, and many other things can make your Serengeti safari amazing.
Exploring the Serengeti is never disappointing, no matter how many times. At Bob Geor Adventures and Safaris, we organize memorable wildlife safaris to Serengeti and other spectacular wildlife destinations in Tanzania. In addition, we provide beach vacations in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, cultural tours, and hiking safaris.
