Far away from the towering skyscrapers and humdrum of cities, the lands of Serengeti pries open a portal to a vast and fascinating world of wildlife. Located in the northern part of Tanzania, Africa, Serengeti National Park is deemed one of the greatest natural wonders on Earth. This mighty park gives way to around 5,700 square of endless savannahs which are spattered with riverine forests and rocky outcrops. Apart from its magnificent landscapes, what makes Serengeti a favourite among wildlife adventure seekers is its rich concentration of wildlife species. The Great Migration, where over a million wildebeests begin a year-long journey for food and water, traverse the Serengeti not once, but twice in a year. They grapple with some of the most dangerous predators on earth, which is a grand and dramatic spectacle of nature and is a must-have experience at Serengeti.
Wildlife in Serengeti:
Watching hippos wallowing in the water, lions lounging about the field, and giant elephants trudging through the plains will surely make your visit to Serengeti unforgettable. Home to not only millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, Serengeti is also an abode to the big 5 – the Lion, the Cape buffalo, the African elephant, the black Rhino, and the Leopard. Spotting them is one of the most sought-after experiences by many. The park is also blessed with more than 350 bird species. In addition to commonly known birds like ostriches, vultures, and flamingos, some species are exclusive to the plains like Fischer’s lovebird and grey-crested helmet shrike.
The Great Migration:
Every year, Serengeti National Park hosts the biggest animal migration on earth, popularly known as the Great Migration. Thousands of tourists flock to Serengeti every year, just to witness this grand show where over a million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles start a year-long migration. The movement starts from Serengeti in Tanzania to Maasai Mara in Kenya in search of food and water. This massive migration is controlled by rain patterns in the region and starts between July and October each year. The thrill reaches its pinnacle when the wildebeest cross the Mara River and confront the awaiting crocodiles in their quest for survival.
Places to Stay in Serengeti:
Once you arrive in the Serengeti region, there are many options of places to stay. You can explore the national park and its wildlife while staying at one of the lodges or camps within the park. Here are our top-picked luxury camps in the wilderness where we love to host our guests:
- Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
- Dunia Camp
- Melia Serengeti Lodge
- Klein’s Camp
How to Get to Serengeti:
Serengeti by air and road:
To start a safari for Serengeti, it’s best to arrive in Arusha as it is known as the safari capital of Tanzania.
One option is to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and then drive down to Arusha, a town closer to Serengeti. Based on your arrival time, you can rest up in Arusha (1 hour drive) before heading out for safari.
Second option is to reach Arusha airport directly via Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Tanzania and then head off for safari.
In-region flights to reach Serengeti:
You can fly in from Arusha, Zanzibar, Dar Es Salaam, and even from destinations like Mara.
Alternatively, you can also book a connecting flight to one of the airstrips near the Serengeti such as Seronera (Central Serengeti) or Kogatende (Northern Serengeti).
Best time to Visit Serengeti:
he best time to visit Serengeti is between June to October. However, you can visit Serengeti National Park at any time of the year depending on what you want to see and experience. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:
- Dry Season (June to October): This is the peak tourist season, and for good reason. The weather is sunny and dry, making it easier to spot animals as the vegetation thins out. This is also the prime time to witness the wildebeest migration.
- Green Season (November to March): The park receives most of its rainfall during this time, transforming the landscape into a lush, green paradise. While some roads may become impassable, there are fewer crowds and the chance to see newborn animals. Birdwatching is also excellent during this season.
Some Fascinating Facts about Serengeti:
- Serengeti National Park got its name from the Maasai word “Siringet” which translates to “endless plains”.
- Although Serengeti was established in 1952, the Serengeti ecosystem is estimated to be over 3 million years old, making it one of the oldest and most unchanged ecosystems on Earth.
- The park was added to the UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1981.
- Some of the oldest rocks on Earth like greenstone and granite-gneiss exist under a large part of Serengeti.
- According to a research paper published in Springer, where they estimated and studied leopard densities, it was confirmed that Serengeti National Park is one of the best locations to spot them in Africa.
- Of course, this is not it. There’s so much more to Serengeti and Tanzania and you can explore them all in our itineraries.
Things to Keep in Mind Before and During your Serengeti Travel:
- Entry requirements: Ensure you have a valid passport and visa to enter Tanzania. Double-check all the entry requirements and travel advisories from your country’s government.
- Health Precautions: Consider taking all the necessary vaccinations including rabies, hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, and malaria. Also, do not forget to carry insect repellants.
- Pack appropriately: Pack well and light for your safari ride – neutral-coloured and layered clothes are crucial for the ride. Remember to slip in hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.
- Responsible travel: Do not litter the park and cause any inconvenience to any animal.
- Safety precautions: Adhere to the park regulations and instructions of your guide. Do not get off your safari vehicle during the game viewing and avoid making loud noises.
Why Book with Us:
- Ample luxury options: We offer a myriad of luxe and safe accommodation options at the best prices according to the preferences of the traveler.
- Trained safari experts– At Scarface Pride, you will be in the safe hands of our trained experts at all times during your ride in the savannah. Our experts will comprehensively guide you around so that you get the best out of your Serengeti experience.
- Ground assistance: You leave all the worries at home about reaching the National Park. Our ground staff will be with you every step of the way to assist you with all your needs.
- Community work: We are dedicated to giving back to the local communities and work extensively towards preserving the natural ecosystem of East Africa while strengthening the local economy.
Visiting Serengeti is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we make sure to make it as luxurious and unforgettable as possible. Click here to book your safari ride to Serengeti with us!
FAQs:
Why is the Serengeti National Park so famous?
Serengeti National Park is famous for its wildebeest migration, also known as the Great Migration. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest travel in a loop from Serengeti to Kenya in search of food and water.
Which country is Serengeti National Park in?
Serengeti National Park is in north-central Tanzania in East-Africa.
What is the best time to visit the Serengeti?
The best time to visit Serengeti is between July to October.
