Serengeti National Park – Tanzania Safaris
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 north east portion of Simiyu Region and Contains over 15,000,000 hectares that’s 37,000,000 acres of the savanna. This national park was established in 1940 and is the largest annual animal migration in 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 km2of land as a game reserve in the southern and tee stern Serengeti. In the same year the Tanganyika Government established a system of national parks compliant with the convenient relative to preservation of both the Fauna and the Flora. The area became fully a national park in 1940. It was granted a strict protection eight years after its establishment after the formation of the Serengeti National Park Board of Trustees being formed 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 as 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 formed 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 1980scaused 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 until 2008.
The black Rhinos population was reduced to 10 individuals in 19980 due poaching and less than 50 individuals survive by today in areas that less affected and other
The park has reptile species of which include, 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
Tourists activities that offered by the Serengeti National Park and visitors can engage in include,
Game Drives.
Game drives in Serengeti National Park can be done in the morning, afternoon, evening and even whole day this activity is so popular and visitor enjoy driving through the endless savannah. Some of the animals watches during the drive include, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, lions, African bush elephants, African buffalos, black Rhinos, spotted hyenas, golden wolf, east African wild dogs and many others. The park was divided into different sections. From southern end bordering Ngorongoro crater to further North bordering 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 drive, afternoon and the Night drive.
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 Nduutu area that has over the half of the total bird species in the park. The birders don’t seem to hurry here, they more time to look their favorite birds as they involve in moving slowly to look for these birds and not scaring them so cameras should 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 the month of November-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 in the early and takes the whole of the day so foods are expected to be carried during the activity. The most common bird species are, Kori Bustard, Secretary birds, Rufous-tailed, weaver, spurb sterling, 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 morning at around 5am when the wind is its good peak. The visitors will be picked from the Camp very early and the experience start as you fly in the air watching wild animals, plants and many other things on the clear eagle eye view.
Visitors will have a briefing just as early as possible before 5am by himself the pilot. After you will enter the basket. The balloon starts with greater sound at the begging and some shakes before ascending. All the scared will seat down as wait from 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 wake up and start enjoying the fresh air as you sail in the cool fantastic winds.
The Hot air balloon is conducted in three sector in Serengeti National Park including the central seronera park the northern Masai Mara and in 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 the bush breakfast where the balloon will stop. The highs may reach 1000 meters above the sea level and if one wants to see the large open area it may go beyond. There are many companies that operate hot air balloon experience 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 overnight stop to visit the Ngorongoro crater.
Coming from the crater, 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 that’s luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodation facilities and these include, Kigelia Camp, Mdonya Old camp, Zebra Kameng’ore Bush Tented camp. Lemmale Ewanan Tented Camp, Andeyond Grumeti Seregeti 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
- Lions
- Lions
- Lions
- Lions
- Lions
- Lions
- Lions
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffalos
Serengeti National Park – Self Drive Africa.
Serengeti National Park is located in north-central Tanzania, spans 14,750 square kilometers and is renowned for its remarkable wildlife and unique landscapes. Initially grazed by the Maasai people for 200 years, the area was designated as a game reserve in 1921 and became a national park in 1951. Divided into three regions the Serengeti plains, the Western Corridor’s riverine forests, and the Northern Serengeti’s savannahs—the park supports diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
The Serengeti is famous for hosting the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles travel across the plains, crossing the Mara River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
The Park is also home to a high concentration of big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, making it one of the top safari destinations globally. Its rich biodiversity includes elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, and numerous other species, drawing tourists and nature lovers from around the world.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Serengeti faces threats from poaching, especially targeting rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes, with hundreds of thousands of animals lost each year. Despite these challenges, Serengeti remains a symbol of Africa’s natural heritage, offering an unparalleled safari experience and significant conservation importance.
The park’s vast, unspoiled landscapes continue to attract visitors, highlighting the need for ongoing preservation efforts to safeguard its wildlife and ensure its legacy for future generations
Must See in Serengeti
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffalos
- Giant Forest Hog
- Giraffes
- Leopards
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
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 millions 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 , color full tribes like 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 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, vising and exploring many attractions with in 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 the Serengeti National Park is by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) which is located about 50km away from Arusha. Other options to reach Arusha include flying in from Julius Nyerere International in Dar es Salaam (DAR), or Zanzibar (ZNZ), and landing at Arusha Airport which services 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.
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RULES AND REGULATIONS WITH IN 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.
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