Located in Mara and Simiyu regions in northwestern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is one of the famous national parks in Tanzania. Serengeti National Park spreads over 14,763 square kilometers of land bordered by Masai Mara and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The park is known for its massive annual wildebeest migration with millions of wildebeest and zebras looking out for fresh and green pastures. The name Serengeti is derived from “Siringit” a Masai local word that means a “place where the land runs on forever”, Serengeti National was established in 1951 making it one of the oldest national parks in Tanzania. The vegetation in Serengeti National Park comprises woodlands, grasslands, savannahs, and riverine forests which provide food and habitation to numerous birds and wild animals that live in this Park. The park is divided into three regions which are the Serengeti plains which are covered by grasslands that harbor numerous predators and are best for game viewing. The western corridor has Grumeti and Mbalageti rivers with some riverine forests and mountain ranges. The western corridor is a famous region for travelers especially between May and July when the great wildebeest migration is taking place. Northern Serengeti is basically covered by open woodlands.
Wildlife in Serengeti National Park
There are lots of wild animals which live in Serengeti National Park. The Park is known as home to the highest population of lions in Africa attributed to numerous preys recorded in the park. Other animals to see in Serengeti National Park include African bush elephants, African buffalos, Black rhinos, Cheetahs, Spotted Hyenas, Wildebeests, Zebras, African Golden Wolf, bat-eared fox, African wild cats, aardvark, black and white colobus, Common genet, Hyraxes, Pats monkeys and African Leopards among others. In addition, Serengeti National Park is home to over 500 bird species hence a haven for birders. The birds to see in Serengeti Park include Saddle-billed stork, White stork, Spotted thick knees, Southern ground hornbill, Masai Ostrich, African Collared dove, Hadada ibis, African fish eagles, lesser flamingoes, Marabou Storks, Crowned cranes, and Secretary birds.
Attractions & activities in Serengeti National Park
Travelers to Serengeti National Pak have a long list of interesting attractions and activities to see and do in this park. The top things to do in Serengeti Park include:
1. Game Viewing: Morning and evening game viewing is the number one travel experience in Serengeti National Park. Travelers who want to see games in Serengeti Park are advised to do morning and evening game drives in the open grasses and woodlands of the Park. Travelers are woken up early in the morning so as to catch up with early risers hunting and grazing before the sunrise. Early morning game drives are also the best way to meet the nocturnal predators who hunted all night returning for day rests. In the same way, travelers are advised to do evening game drives to enjoy the company of wild animals hunting, browsing, and grazing before retiring for the night. Our experienced guide will help you spot various wild animals seen in the park. Expect to see lots of wild animals on your game drives in Serengeti National park. A bush breakfast and picnic lunch in the middle of the wilderness make your safari to Serengeti National park more fun and enjoyable.
2. Nature/Forest Walks: Explore the hidden gem of Serengeti National Park on your guided nature/forest walk in Serengeti National Park. Its undeniable that nature walks is the best walk to discover and enjoy the beauty of the patched woodlands and grasses in Serengeti National Park. The experience offers you a chance to meet rare ground animals and insects rarely seen from the vehicle. Also, a nature walk to the forested areas gives you a fresh feeling of the natural environment and its beauties.
3. Visit the Olduvai Gorge: Also known as the “cradle of mankind” Olduvai gorge is one of the interesting sites to visit in Serengeti National Park. It’s in this gorge that the remains of the oldest of mankind were discovered making it a must-visit for anyone in Serengeti park.
4. Wildebeest Migration: Enjoy watching over 1.5 million wildebeests and zebras migrating through Mara regions of Serengeti National Park in search of green pastures. Observe how these wildebeests are captured by crocodiles on the Mara river. May to July is the best time for wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park as they cross over to the nearby Masai Mara National Park in Kenya. The wildebeest migration is one of the top attractions that attract a high number of travelers to Serengeti National Park.
5. Visit Masai cultural villages: A community tour of Masai cultural villages is the best way to learn and experience the traditions, norms and customs of Tanzania’s indigenous people. The Masai are cattle keepers who basically survive on cattle products and are the initial dwellers of Serengeti National Park before tourism and conservation were introduced in the park. Enjoy a visit to local craft markets to buy handmade products such as bags, baskets, and hats. Traditional dances and songs are also performed to entertain visitors. Also, travelers are allowed to take part in some traditional activities such as preparing local foods, milking and bay sitting.
6. Hot air balloon: Enjoy the aerial views of wild animals feeding and resting in the wilderness on your hot air balloon safari in Serengeti National Park. The balloon offers you the chance to see all animals some of which are hiding in the bushes and difficult to see on a game drive.
7. Bird watching: Serengeti National park is home to over 500 bird species which makes it the best spot for bird watching in Tanzania. Discover the rare and notable birds in Serengeti on your birding experience. A nature walk is the best walk for bird watching in Serengeti Park. Binoculars are highly recommended for birders in Serengeti National Park.
Best lodges/Hotels and Camps in Serengeti National Park
For travelers who want to spend a night in Serengeti National park, the park offers excellent luxury, midrange and budget accommodation facilities suitable for all types of travelers. Its undeniable that comfortable and safe accommodation is a key aspect for every successful safari! The top lodges in Serengeti National Park include among others:
• Serengeti Safari Lodge
• Singita Sisakwa Lodge
• Mwiba Lodge
• Sanctuary Kichakani Camp
• Bush Tops Luxury tented Camp
• Lamai Camp
• Singita Faru Faru Camp
• Sayari tented camp
• Serengeti Tanzania Bushcamp
Best time to visit Serengeti National park
The best time to visit Serengeti national park is in the dry season between January to February and June to September when rains are less and grasses are short. June and July is the best time for wildebeest migration while January and February are for calving. For birders, April and November is the best time to see migratory birders from Europe
Conclusively, Serengeti National park is your best safari destination in Tanzania. African Apes Holidays is the best guide on your Tanzania Safari to Serengeti National Park