Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is one of the most renowned wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Covering an expansive area of about 14,750 square kilometers, the park is famed for its vast savannahs, diverse ecosystems, and incredible wildlife spectacles. Established in 1951, the Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem, which includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Maswa Game Reserve, and Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve.

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Why Visit Serengeti

The Great Migration

One of the most awe-inspiring events in the animal kingdom, the Great Migration, takes place in the Serengeti. This annual spectacle involves over 1.5 million wildebeests, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, migrating in search of fresh grazing and water. The journey covers a distance of around 1,000 kilometers, starting from the southern plains during the calving season in January and February, moving northward through the central Serengeti, and eventually crossing into the Maasai Mara in Kenya between July and October. Along the way, these herds face numerous challenges, including predator attacks and perilous river crossings, particularly at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers.

Wildlife Diversity

Serengeti National Park boasts an incredible diversity of wildlife. In addition to the herds involved in the Great Migration, the park is home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. Lions, in particular, thrive in the Serengeti, with an estimated population of over 3,000 individuals. The park also supports a healthy population of cheetahs, which can be seen sprinting across the open plains in pursuit of their prey. Other notable species include hyenas, jackals, giraffes, hippos, and over 500 bird species, ranging from ostriches and eagles to flamingos and vultures.

The Landscape and Ecosystems

The Serengeti’s landscape is a mosaic of grasslands, savannahs, riverine forests, and woodlands, each hosting a unique array of flora and fauna. The park’s southern plains are open and grassy, providing an ideal habitat for herbivores such as wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. To the north, the landscape transitions into rolling hills and woodlands, which are home to elephants, giraffes, and various species of antelopes. The western corridor, characterized by dense vegetation and riverine forests along the Grumeti River, attracts a high concentration of predators like lions, leopards, and crocodiles.

What to do in Serengeti

Game Drives

Game drives are the most common way to explore the Serengeti and observe its wildlife. These guided tours, typically conducted in open-sided 4×4 vehicles, allow visitors to get up close to the animals and experience the park’s diverse ecosystems. Morning and evening game drives are particularly popular, as these times coincide with peak wildlife activity. Experienced guides provide valuable insights into animal behaviour and the park’s ecology, enhancing the safari experience.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

For a truly unforgettable experience, a hot air balloon safari offers a unique perspective of the Serengeti’s vast landscapes and wildlife. These early morning flights provide panoramic views of the savannahs, rivers, and forests, as well as the chance to spot animals from above. The serene and silent journey, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush, is a highlight for many visitors.

Walking Safaris

Walking safaris offer an intimate and immersive way to explore the Serengeti. Accompanied by armed guides and park rangers, visitors can venture into areas inaccessible by vehicle, gaining a deeper understanding of the park’s flora and fauna. Walking safaris allow for close encounters with smaller creatures, such as insects and birds, as well as the opportunity to learn about the park’s ecosystems and traditional tracking techniques.

Cultural Visits

The Serengeti region is home to various indigenous communities, including the Maasai and Kuria tribes. Cultural visits to local villages provide an opportunity to learn about their traditional way of life, customs, and crafts. Visitors can participate in activities such as traditional dance performances, beadwork demonstrations, and visits to local markets. These cultural interactions offer a richer and more holistic understanding of the region’s heritage.

Birdwatching

With over 500 bird species recorded in the park, birdwatching is a rewarding activity for enthusiasts. The Serengeti’s diverse habitats support a wide range of birds, from large raptors like eagles and vultures to colorful species such as lilac-breasted rollers and kingfishers. The park’s wetlands, rivers, and forests are particularly productive areas for birdwatching, and guided birding tours can enhance the experience with expert knowledge.

Where to Go in Serengeti

Seronera Valley

Located in the central part of the Serengeti, the Seronera Valley is a prime game-viewing area. Its abundance of water sources attracts a variety of wildlife, making it a hotspot for predator-prey interactions. Visitors can often spot large prides of lions, leopards resting in acacia trees, and cheetahs hunting on the open plains. The Seronera River, which runs through the valley, is also home to hippos and crocodiles.

Grumeti River

The Grumeti River in the western corridor is famous for its dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration. Wildebeests and zebras must navigate the crocodile-infested waters, creating one of the most thrilling wildlife spectacles. The river’s surrounding forests and woodlands are also excellent for birdwatching and spotting other wildlife, such as elephants, giraffes, and various antelope species.

Lobo Valley

Situated in the northern part of the park, the Lobo Valley offers a more remote and less crowded safari experience. The area is known for its rugged terrain, rolling hills, and kopjes (rocky outcrops), which provide ideal habitats for predators. Visitors to Lobo Valley can enjoy sightings of lions, leopards, and hyenas, as well as large herds of elephants and buffaloes

Ndutu Region

The Ndutu region, located in the southern Serengeti, is a key area during the calving season of the Great Migration. From December to March, vast numbers of wildebeests give birth to their young in the short-grass plains, attracting predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The abundance of newborns provides a unique opportunity to witness the survival of the fittest in action.