Serengeti National Park is situated between the Maasai Mara and the Simiyu regions. The park was established in 1952 and is also a UNESCO world heritage. It covers an area of over 14763 sq km strategically located at the border with Kenya. This park is well known for the great wildebeest migration which happens in Serengeti and Masai Mara Reserve where millions of wildebeest and zebras migrate between these two national parks.
Serengeti is one of the oldest ecosystems in Africa and the whole world. The Olduvai gorge is such a rich historical site as it is where the oldest skull of the early man was discovered. In addition, the Serengeti National park is home to a wide range of wild species like lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and birds among others.
Serengeti is found on the northeastern side of Tanzania, it can be accessed by either road or air.
By road, the journey starts from Arusha town and takes approximately eight hours to travel to Serengeti National Park. Travelers can use different gates to the park which are; Naabi Hills Gate which is located approximately 45 kilometers from Seronera, Ndabaka Gate which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Mwanza and Klein’s Gate which is located far north-east of the Serengeti National Park.
By air, travelers can use scheduled or private charter flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport to airstrips owned by some luxury hotels.
Serengeti National Park is home to the big 5 and most wildlife species that attract thousands of travelers to this park. Tourists from all over the world visit the park to witness the wildebeest migration which is the highlight of most safaris. Other wildlife species to look out for include giraffes, elephants, hippos, lions, wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, and many more.
This is a historical site also known as the cradle of humanity. It is a place where the remains of early man are believed to have been found by an archaeologist. Evidence of early man’s occupation is also seen in the stone tools which were discovered along with the remains of early man.
Large numbers of hippos swim in the retina hippo pool to cool off from the heat in the Serengeti. Hence allowing travelers to have a close encounter with the hippos. Tourists can take photos at a safe close range and some of the big 5 can be seen at this pool.
Seronera river Valley is home to a wide range of wildlife species, it also has a beautiful landscape that offers greater chances of viewing animals such as kobs, zebra, jackals, foxes, impalas, and elands. The valley is a good vantage point for witnessing the great wildebeest migration which occurs between June and August.
The moru kopjes consist of granite rock outcrops which are a result of volcanicity. They provide a great viewing point for predators as they hunt for prey. They stand out from the rest of the landscape creating a beautiful scenery that can be enjoyed during game drives.
River Grumeti is found in the western part of Serengeti National Park. It is a section where wildebeests cross during the wildebeest migration. The river is heavily infested with crocodiles which makes the migration difficult as they prey on the wildebeests. The river also attracts different animal species as it acts as a water point for the animals.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to a variety of wildlife species such as rhinos, lions, zebras, giraffes, and bird species such as ostriches. It is also crossed by the Great Rift Valley and borders Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti National Park offers game drives which are conducted in the morning, afternoon, and night. During game drives, travelers get to have a close encounter with the wild species as they sit at the back of their cars. Game rangers and guides usually accompany the travelers to ensure safety of both animals and the tourists. Morning game drives make it easier to spot the animals as they are more active. Afternoon game drives are usually conducted near water spots as animals quench their thirst. Night game drives allow travelers to see nocturnal species as they hunt. The animals to look out for include rhinos, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, leopards, and lions among others.
Different bird species can be seen in Serengeti national park making it a great destination for birding in Tanzania. Birding is usually done with the help and guidance of an experienced guide who locates the birding areas and also recognizes the different species of birds. The bird species to look out for include secretary birds, flamingoes, and ostriches among others.
Hot balloon safaris are available at Serengeti National Park, thus adventurous travelers get to experience unique ways of exploring the park. This is made possible with the help of experienced and skilled pilots assisted by a crew. These are capable people who ensure the safety and comfort of the travelers. Hot air ballooning is done during good weather when the skies are blue. This activity usually begins in the morning and can be done in the evening as well.
Areas around and within Serengeti National Park are shared by the Masai people who are pastoralists. They have a unique way of life as nomads and have preserved their culture. This has attracted many tourists who experience their culture as they get entertained by the locals. Travelers get to learn more about the Masai tribe, their way of living as they interact with them.
The arts and crafts of the Masai are unique and beautiful ranging from jewelry, scandals and clothing for example Masai women and men usually wrap traditional clothing around their bodies and have great dances as they jump.
There is a wide range of accommodation facilities that travelers can choose from ranging from luxury, to mid-range and budget facilities. The accommodation facilities to choose from include; Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Roving bush top camp, Serengeti Serena Lodge, Singita Mara camp, Lemala Nanyukie tented lodge, Sayari camp, Melia Serengeti Lodge, Ikoma tented camp, Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Kubu Kubu tented lodge, Serengeti Kati Kati tented camp, Grumeti Migration and Serengeti Simba Lodge among others.
Travelers can choose to visit Serengeti National Park any time of the year. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season which is great for game drives and animal viewing. Although the best months to visit are from June to July and January to February which gives you an opportunity to witness the wildebeest migration.
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