This national park is located in Northern Tanzania with an area of 14763km² that’s 5700sauare miles. It’s also located in the eastern Mara from the Eastern Mara region and the northeast portion of Simiyu Region and contains over 15,000,000 hectares, or 37,000,000 acres of savanna. This national park was established in 1940 and is the largest annual animal migration in the whole world, with over 1.5 million blue wildebeest and over 2550000 zebras, and the largest lion population in the whole world.

History of the national park

By 1930, the colonial government of the Germans designated an area of 2286 km^² of land as a game reserve in the southern and eastern Serengeti. In the same year, the Tanganyika Government established a system of national parks compliant with the convention relative to the preservation of both the Fauna and the Flora. The area became a fully national park in 1940. It was granted strict protection eight years after its establishment, after the formation of the Serengeti National Park Board of Trustees to administer the National Park. In 1959, the government split an area of 8300km² about 3200 square miles in the eastern part of the park and re-established it as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with an aim of accommodating the traditional land use interests of the Maasai people in a multiple land use area.

It then gained fame after Bernhard Grzimek and his son Michael produced a book, and the documentary titled Serengeti Shall Not Die

Fauna: The national park has a variety of animals, forming a Lion Conservation unit since 2005 having more than 3000 lions living in this ecosystem. The African leopards’ population density is estimated to be at 5.41 individuals per 100km² about 39 square miles in the dry season.

African bush herds recovered from a population low in the 1980^s, caused by poaching, and numbered over 5000 individuals by 2014. The African Buffalo population declined between 1976 and 1976 due to poaching, but later increased to 28524 individuals by 2008.

The black rhino population was reduced to 10 individuals in 19980 due to poaching and fewer than 50 individuals survive today in areas that are less affected and other

The park has reptile species that include the Nile Crocodile, leopard tortoise, serrated hinged terrapin, Rainbow agama, Nile monitor, Chameleon, black-necked spitting Cobra, African python, and many others.

The park is recorded to have variety of bird species and some of the species include, Masai ostrich, secretary birds, Kori Bustards, helmeted Guinea fowls, Grey breasted spur fowl, Blacksmith lapwing, African Collared Dove, Red billed buffalo weaver, southern grand horn bill, yellow- billed storks, white stocks, Goliath herons, Tanzanian red billed hornbill, Egyptian geese, lovebirds, spur-wined geese, Oxpeckers, shoe bills and many others

Things to do

Tourist activities offered by the Serengeti National Park that visitors can engage in include,

Game Drives.

Game drives in Serengeti National Park can be done in the morning, afternoon, evening, and even the whole day. This activity is so popular, and visitors enjoy driving through the endless savannah. Some of the animals watched during the drive include leopards, cheetahs, zebras, lions, African bush elephants, African buffalo, black Rhinos, spotted hyenas, golden wolves, East African wild dogs, and many others. The park was divided into different sections. From the southern end bordering the Ngorongoro Crater to further North bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Seronera area, which is the central circuit where most of the morning game drives are done.  The game drives are categorized into four groups, including the morning drives, full-day game drives, afternoon drives, and night drives.

Birding.

This is a key activity taking place at the right place in Serengeti National Park. There have been recorded over 750 different species of birds across the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park, with the Nduutu area that has over half of the total bird species in the park. The birders don’t seem to hurry here; they have more time to look for their favorite birds as they move slowly to look for these birds and not scare them, so cameras should be in your hands. This national park harbors five bird species that are not found anywhere in the in Tanzania and other place in the world. Birding is done every time throughout the year, though birders are advised between November and April, which is a breeding period for most of the species within the park. The park also receives Migratory birds. This activity in Serengeti National Park starts early and takes the whole of the day, so food is expected to be carried during the activity. The most common bird species are the Kori Bustard, Secretary birds, Rufous-tailed weaver, Spur-winged plover, Ruppell’s vulture, Southern Ground hornbill, Grey-crested helmet, Black Eagles, Ostriches, and many other birds around

Hot air balloon experience

This activity starts early in the morning at around 5 am when the wind is at its peak. The visitors will be picked from the Camp very early, and the experience starts as you fly in the air watching wild animals, plants, and many other things through a clear eagle-eye view.

Visitors will have a briefing as early as possible, before 5 am, by the pilot himself. After you enter the basket. The balloon starts with a greater sound at the beginning and some shaking before ascending. All the scared will sit down and wait for the pilot to tell them when to stand up or open their eyes. After some time, when the balloon stabilizes, the crew will let you know to wake up and start enjoying the fresh air as you sail in the cool, fantastic winds.

The Hot air balloon is conducted in three sectors in Serengeti National Park, including the central Seronera Park, the northern Masai Mara, and the Southern Nduutu, and all sections enjoy this activity early morning and sometimes, depending on the weather. The hot air balloon experience can take from one to four hours, and it will end with a bush breakfast where the balloon will stop. The highs may reach 1000 meters above sea level, and if one wants to see the large open area, it may go beyond.  Many companies offer hot air balloon experiences, and they are used because of their experience in the field.

How to Get there

By road: The most popular way to travel by road to this national park is a general drive from Arusha town to Serengeti National Park.  And those passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the only option is to fly and then drive, taking an overnight stop to visit the Ngorongoro Crater.

Coming from the crater, the distance to the Seronera area in the Serengeti is about 140km/90 miles, and the driving time is only 2-3 hours

Accommodation

Accommodation facilities are divided into three categories: luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodation facilities, and these include Kigelia Camp, Mdonya Old Camp, and Zebra Kameng’ore Bush Tented Camp. Lemmale Ewanan Tented Camp, Andeyond Grumeti Serengeti River, Ndutu Serengeti Savannah Camp, Mbugani Camps Seronera, Suenos de Africa Luxury Camp, Mount Royal Villa, Camp Zebra Serengeti, Into Wild luxury camp, and many others

Wildebeest Migration  Experiences in Kenya

The Annual great migration, which commences its seasonal cycle in neighboring Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, consists of a spectacular 1.3 million wildebeest and 400000 zebras sweeping across the landscape as they trek towards greener pastures in the Masai Mara. Along with dramatically contrasting landscapes ranging from moorlands to deserts, coastal shorelines to intricate and alluring forests, colorful tribes like the Samburu and Masai Mara.

The best time to see the migrationn and river crossings is from approximately mid july to mid October when the herds of wildebeest and zebras reside in the Mara region and northern Tanzania before returning to the southern Serengeti . From the southern Serengeti of Tanzania a major portion of the migration moves northwest towards lake Victoria , then north cross the Mara river into Kenya in search of grass , usually returning to Tanzania in late October .  

In Masai Mara National Reserve   no longer allow private guided Self drive holidays

Things to do in Serengeti National Park.

Serengeti National Park offers a variety of exciting activities that make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here are the top activities you should experience and why make Serengeti a top choice on your travel list.

Game Drive.

Explore the park’s diverse wildlife and ecosystems on self-driven or guided tours, witnessing the Great Migration (seasonal) and spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo). A morning game drive in the Serengeti is the most popular activity, offering the best chance to see the Big Five and other wildlife. It starts at sunrise and ends around 11 a.m., when animals like hyenas, wild dogs, lions, leopards, and hippos are most active. The early hours are great for spotting nocturnal creatures returning to their dens or herbivores heading out to graze. To fully enjoy the experience, consider having an early breakfast or asking your lodge to pack a meal. Afternoon game drives run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., or you can opt for a full-day game drive from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Serengeti Balloon rides

Experience a unique perspective on the park’s landscape and wildlife. This gives you a unique view of the park, soaring high above the plains to see animals, especially during the wildebeest migration. The ride ends with a champagne breakfast in the wild, and it’s perfect for special occasions like honeymoons or birthdays. However, it’s important to book in advance and expect to pay around $500 for the experience.

Walking Safaris and Bush Walks

Embark on self-guided walks to explore the park’s terrain, getting up close to nature and spotting smaller wildlife. With this, you get to experience all sorts of wildlife on the way, visiting and exploring many attractions within the park like the Lobo Valley, Big Cats’ Footprints, the Serengeti’s Landscape and many others.

Camping: 

A popular activity during a safari in the Serengeti is camping in the wilderness. Your hotel will typically provide all the necessary camping gear, a chef, and armed guards for safety. Camping is especially exciting when traveling with a group, offering the chance to enjoy time together under the African sky. Basic tents are priced around $50 per night, while luxury tents can cost up to $900 per night. Regardless of whether you choose budget or luxury, you’ll still experience the thrill of sleeping in the African wilderness, surrounded by the sounds of birds, roaring lions, and the rustle of nervous herbivores.

Birdwatching

discover the Serengeti’s vast array of birdlife Bird Watching, in Serengeti National Park is home to 542 recorded bird species, including 100 permanent residents and 11 species that are unique to the Serengeti. Between November and April, migratory birds from Europe and North Africa also pass through the park. Notable species to watch for include the Great African Ostrich, vultures, Black-headed Heron, D’Arnaud’s Barbet, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Decken’s Hornbill, Grey-breasted Spurfowl, Grey-headed Sparrow, Purple Grenadier, Red-backed Scrub Robin, Rufous-tailed Weaver, Secretary Birds, Kori Bustard, Variable Sunbird, White-bellied Go-away Bird, White-crowned Shrike, and Yellow-throated Sandgrouse.

Wildebeest Migration

Every year, over 1.6 million herbivores, including zebras, gazelles, and wildebeest, migrate between Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve. Along their journey, they face numerous challenges, including avoiding predators such as lions, hyenas, leopards, and wild dogs. One of the most perilous obstacles is crossing the Mara River into Kenya. The wildebeest must navigate through crocodile-infested waters and strong currents, with the risk of drowning or causing deadly stampedes if they cross at the wrong point. The wildebeest migration is a major draw for tourists to the Serengeti, offering remarkable opportunities to witness dramatic predator-prey encounters. Visitors can also spend hours observing the wildebeest as they graze or give birth during the calving season.

Guided nature walks

Offer a fantastic opportunity to explore the Serengeti in a way that a regular game drive can’t. These walks are spontaneous, not following fixed paths, which makes it possible to encounter reptiles, birds, insects, and unique plants along the way. Many accommodation facilities organize these walks, where you will be accompanied by an armed ranger who is knowledgeable about the park’s terrain and its various species.

Getting there

One of the most popular ways to reach Serengeti National Park is by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located about 50km from Arusha. Other options to reach Arusha include flying in from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (DAR) or Zanzibar (ZNZ), and landing at Arusha Airport, which serves domestic flights in Tanzania. Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, and the nearest town to the Serengeti.

By Road: It can be accessed from all towns and cities to the present entry or exit points/gates, namely Naabi Hill, Seronera, Ndutu, Kusini, Kirawira, Handajega, Ikoma, Tabora ‘B’, Lamai, Lobo, Ndabaka, Machochwe and Kleins.

Rules and regulations within the park

• Drive at a low speed of 50km/h and 25km/h in Serengeti National Park.
• A 4WD vehicle is recommended to be used with in the park and during game drives.
• Camping and Picnicking are allowed only in designated sites.
• Keep a safe distance from animals that is animals always have the right of way.
• Make sure you always stay alert and follow the park rules and regulations.
• Stay on marked tracks all the time inside the park.
• Driving in the park past 6 pm is not allowed if that time is exceeded you will be charged of the extra time.
• Never feed animals. It will upset their diet and lead to an unnecessary dependence on people.
• Do not pick, cut or destroy any vegetation or remove any object of biological interest, including eggs, bones and trophies.
• Do not disturb or harass the wildlife in any way that is to say radios and music players are forbidden. Please do not imitate animal’s sounds, clap or pound on vehicle or hoot. Do not throw objects to attract animal’s attention.
• Do not litter. Keep your waste in the vehicle until it can be properly disposed later at your lodge or camp. Litter can choke or poison animals and birds.
• Do not smoke while on game drive and always dispose cigarettes carefully, a burning cigarette can start a wild fire that would cause damage to vegetation and suffering to wildlife and people.
• Do not light or cause fire to be lit. If camping, be sure to extinguish your fire carefully.
• All visitors must remain in their vehicle within 200 meters of any game animal. Leaving the vehicle in the parks is forbidden except in designated places.
• Discourage your driver from approaching the animals too close (25 meters). Lions, cheetahs and leopards are especially nervous; a vehicle can hinder their hunting or make them leave a hard-earned meal. Your driver may be banned from the area and/or lose his job.
• Domestic pets are forbidden in the parks.
• It’s is not allowed to use/operate drones in any park.