Serengeti National Park
About Serengeti National Park
Conservation Status : National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Established : 1951 (Tanzania’s Oldest National Park)
Location : Northern Tanzania, 335 Kms from Arusha
Size : 14,763 Km² (Tanzania’s Second Largest National Park)
The Serengeti is one of the most famous parks in Africa and is synonymous with wildlife and classic African scenery. It is Tanzania’s oldest park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the spectacular wildebeest migration and offers top-class wildlife viewing throughout the year. The park covers 14,750 square kilometers (5,700 sq mi) of grassland plains, savanna, riverine forest, and woodlands. The park lies in northwestern Tanzania, bordered to the north by the Kenyan border, where it is continuous with the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Seeking new pasture, the herds move north from their breeding grounds in the grassy southern plains. Many cross the marshy western corridor’s crocodile-infested Grumeti River. Others veer northeast to the Lobo Hills, home to black eagles. Black rhinos inhabit the granite outcrops of the Moru Kopjes. Surrounded by remarkable tribes such as the Masai and Hadzabe, this wider area is also fascinating from a cultural perspective.
The whole park is a world heritage site, and the varied Eco-system coupled with the huge volume of wildlife means you can spend ample time in different locations and never feel like you’ve seen it all. To the southeast of the park is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, to the southwest lies Maswa Game Reserve, to the west are the Ikorongo and Grumeti Game Reserves, and to the northeast and east lies the Loliondo Game Control Area. Together, these areas form the larger Serengeti ecosystem. The Park can be divided into 3 sections. The popular southern/central part (Seronera Valley), is what the Maasai called the “serengit”, the land of endless plains. Its classic savannah, dotted with acacias and filled with wildlife. The western corridor is marked by the Grumeti River and has more forests and dense bush. The north, Lobo area meets up with Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve is the least visited section. The essential features of climate, vegetation, and fauna have barely changed in the past million years. Early man himself made an appearance in Olduvai Gorge about two million years ago. Some patterns of life, death, adaptation, and migration are as old as the hills themselves. There are also other smaller surrounding parks, Lake Manyara and Tarangire, but these are more “add on” destinations – The Serengeti in our view is the real star of the show.
Serengeti National Park, the famous and most visited African national park, the pride of Africa Safari. Think of wildlife safari, think of Serengeti, where you get lost in the sound and sight of total wilderness, your mind will be blown, by the large number of animals, you will see, on your safari and is undoubtedly the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequaled for its natural beauty and scientific value, it has the greatest concentration of plains game in Africa. The park is featured on many National Geographic shows, the park is rich with wildlife, endless plains and sunrises and sunsets that make the heart go wild; an endless array of grassy plains, woodlands, and hills dotted with glorious animals of every type and size.
History of Serengeti National Park
Undisturbed for millions of years, the Serengeti ecosystem came to the attention of the world when the first European explorer, German Oscar Baumann visited the area west of the Ngorongoro crater in 1892.
In 1913, explorer and hunter Stewart Edward White explored the area. Attracted by the volume of lions, which were considered ‘vermin’ and trophy prizes, more hunters followed and shot at will. During the 1920s, the lion population was drastically reduced. It wasn’t uncommon for up to 50 lions to be killed during a safari.
The Government, at the time under the command of the British colonial administration, stepped in to stop the hunting. Between 1921 and 1930, a series of laws were passed to protect the animals of the Serengeti. In 1935, the killing of lions was prohibited in the Banagi and Seronera regions of the Serengeti. Finally in 1951, the area was given National Park status and declared a game reserve and protected conservation area.
Tourism Activities in the Serengeti National Park
There are a number of activities for one to engage in while on his or her visit to Serengeti. There are a number of choices here, depending on your interest and budget, ranging from balloon safari to community visit. Here are some of the samples;
Wild Game Safari
The Serengeti offers some of the best wildlife viewings in Africa. All the major safari animals occur in great numbers. Cheetah and four of the Big 5 are easily seen, but rhino sightings are rare, and only black rhino is present. Aside from the big cats, many other predators can be spotted including spotted hyena (especially in the morning), jackal, and bat-eared fox. Serengeti National Park is a wonderland in which to experience the interwoven miracles of life and death on a wondrous East African safari adventure. No night safaris are permitted inside the Serengeti National Park, but there are a number of lodges in the reserves adjacent to the Serengeti where night driving is available
Bird watching in Serengeti.
For the wing lovers, there is a lot to see, and spot during the wild safari. Serengeti National Park has also great ornithological interest, boasting about more than 500 bird species; including Masai ostrich, secretary bird, Kori bustards, helmeted guinea fowls, Grey-breasted spurfowl, southern ground hornbill, crowned cranes, marabou storks, yellow-billed stork, lesser flamingo, martial eagles, lovebirds, oxpeckers, and many species of vultures.
Balloon Safari in Serengeti
A Serengeti balloon safari is a fantastic once in a lifetime experience, particularly suitable for a bird’s eye-view game viewing experience on your wildlife tour in northern Tanzania. Fly at treetop, and get over the great view of the wildlife at the closest range you ever imagined, as you have a great chance to take the best pictures of your career.
Camping safari.
There are a number of safari camps and campsites adjacent to the park for those who would like to have a total illusion wilderness experience. Especially in the area of seronera valley, the number of camping ground is available at a fee. A number of tourists enjoy camping safari as it gives them the best taste of African safari, waking up with a beautiful view of sunrise over your safari tent. Some tented camps are mobile as well, where their property is shifted to another location, with the movement of the migration. Some camps are spacious and very luxurious, having all amenities set in it. Though lazy camping is also available. You can as well carry your own tent along.
Wedding safari.
For nature lovers, there is no other place on the planet, then giving your loved ones a nature treat surprise, as you tie the node in the wilderness. Some come to celebrate their wedding anniversary and a new nature-based wedding is reorganized a fresh, to color their trip. Just got married, are flopping the land of Serengeti, to enjoy their honeymoon treat here. Just bring your loved ones and surprise them.
Cultural of Maasai
The iconic Maasai of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro wilderness have been herding their cattle for thousands of years. A proud, nomadic warrior race who count their wealth in cattle and children. Get the great cultural taste of the Maasai to spice up your stay, as you try to learn the real cultural life of Africans in an African safari. Nothing left unturned on your visit, from wilderness to culture and people. During the visit, you will be able to meet Maasai men and women, enjoy dancing and listening to their native melodies, be entertained with a dramatic enactment, and maybe even try on their red cloaks! What makes this experience enriching is that you get to see an authentic social side of Africa and a glimpse of the rich Maasai culture.
Photography and Filming Tourism
Photographers are advised to come with all equipment desired for filming and photography. Cameras with telescopic lenses for telephotos are recommended because off-road driving is not allowed at all in the Area. At times the environment can be very dusty and therefore we recommend you bring with you protective gear such as dust cover, etc. Best time for photography is early in the morning and late in the evening. Taking pictures of the Maasai along the road is strictly prohibited. This can be done with permission at designated places such as cultural Bomas. Remember to bring several fully charged batteries and devices with enough storage capacity.
Archaeological Tours
Special guided tours to archaeological sites, mainly the excavation sites at Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli, are rewarding for those who want to trace the life of the ancestors of man. It is required to have an official guide to visit the excavation sites. Both Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli can be visited at all times of the year.
The Wildebeest Migration
Every year, over 2 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle migrate from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya. If you’re there at the right time, you can spot herds of wildebeest and zebra stretching to the horizon. Contrary to popular misconceptions, the herds can be seen in the Serengeti all year round. There are some better months to visit to get the full impact of the sheer size of the herds such as in July – October when they are crossing the mighty Mara River in Northern Serengeti or in February when they all congregate for calving season in the southern Ndutu plains.
Best time to visit: Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Locations
Overall, wildlife watchers are better off timing their trip to coincide with the drier months (June to October). Aim for June and July if you can, as the incredible wildebeest migration usually tramples the plains at this time. If you’re keen on seeing predators in action, visit in late January or February. This is the hiatus in the annual rains, when the wildebeests calve.
January, February and March: Serengeti Seronera to the northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area
April, May and June: New offspring begin to congregate south of the Western Corridor to begin a northbound migration of over 800km. The animals crossing the Grumeti River normally occurs at the end of June, sometimes in July.
July, August and September: The herds then disperse northwards making Lobo the best place to view the migration at this time of year.
October, November and December: By the end of October the animals tend to gather together for the long slow trek southwards again aiming for the southern plains as the short rains begin in November.
Accommodation in Serengeti National Park
The park is absolutely huge. If you are intent on viewing the Great Migration then it is probably more critical to stay in the right region for your travel dates than to deliberate too long about the style of camp or hotel you are looking for. This park is so big that if you get the location wrong, you will not see the herds. Book your accommodation right, with the month of travel, and intention. There are a number of accommodation facilities from campsites, hostels, lodges to spacious hotels of different grading. Your budget speaks volumes here, depending on the type of trip you want to experience. There is something for everyone.
How to Access Serengeti National Park
There are four main entry and exit points:
- Naabi Hill Gate (06:00 – 18:00): Main and most heavily trafficked access gate if coming from Arusha; 45km from Seronera.
- Ndabaka Gate (06:00 – 18:00): The main gate for Western Corridor; 1.5-hour drive from Mwanza and 145km from Seronera – last entry at 16H00.
- Klein’s Gate (06:00 – 18:00): In the far north-east, it allows a loop trip combining Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Natron – the latter just 2 to 3 hours from the park. Last entry at 16:00.
- Bologonya Gate: en route to/from Kenya, but the border is closed and unlikely to open soon.
Getting to Serengeti National Park
Regional air travel
The favored route for a Serengeti fly-in safari is by flying from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). From here it will take approximately 1 to 5 hours to fly to one of seven airstrips within the Serengeti National Park. All flights are operated by local airlines such as Air Excel, Coastal Aviation, or Regional Air.
It is also possible to fly from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL) directly to one of Serengeti’s airstrips. When traveling from the Lake Victoria area, the favored airport is Mwanza Airport (MWZ). There are also direct flights from the Serengeti to Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam and other national parks in Tanzania such as Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park.
Serengeti fly in safaris (private airstrips)
Looking for a faster and even more convenient options to get to the Serengeti? A scheduled or private charter flight is the way to go. Some of the more exclusive lodges have their own airstrip and are able to arrange direct scheduled and/or private charter flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) to their airstrip.
Getting to Serengeti by road
The most popular way to travel to Serengeti National Park by road is by booking a drive-in safari. In general, the drive-in safaris start from the town of Arusha. As it will take approximately 8 hours to travel from Arusha to the Serengeti National Park, an overnight stay at one or more wildlife sites en route is usually part of your safari itinerary. It is a bumpy ride but it’s scenic and you’ll see some wildlife on the way. As the trip takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a popular option is to fly one way and drive the other way taking in an overnight stop to visit the Ngorongoro Crater. Coming from the crater, the distance to the Seronera area in the Serengeti is about 140km/90mi, and the driving time is about three hours.
TRAVEL TIME TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
- Arusha to Serengeti: 5 hours’ drive.
- Ngorongoro to Serengeti: 2 hours’ drive.
- Lake Manyara to Serengeti: 3,5 hours’ drive.
- Tarangire to Serengeti: 4 hours’ drive.
- Flight Arusha to Serengeti: 1 hour (about €278, - per person, one way).
ACCOMMODATION IN SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
V I P Accommodation: Serengeti Migration Camp / Singita Lodge / Siringit Camp / Asilia Camp / Serengeti Pioneer / Four Seasons Lodge / & Beyond Klein's Camp / Mwiba Lodge or Similar Accommodation.
Superior Accommodation: Melia Serengeti Lodge / Serengeti Acacia Bliss / Nanyukie Lodge / Mara Mara Tented Lodge / Naona Moru Camp / Ndutu/Mara Under Canvas / Kaskaz Mara Camp / Mara & Ndutu Tented Camps / Kuria Hills Lodge / Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge / Royal Migration Camp or Similar Accommodation.
Luxury Accommodation: Ewanjan Tented Camp / Serengeti Serena Lodge / Serengeti Sopa Lodge / Kubukubu Tented Lodge / Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp / Lahia Tented Lodge / Mara River Camp / Ndutu Camp / Ndutu Safari Lodge or Similar Accommodation.
Mid-Range Accommodation: Serengeti / Ndutu / Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp / Ikoma Wild Camp / Serengeti Tortilis Camp / Pamoja Serengeti Luxury Camp / Mawe tented Camp / Tanzania Bush Camp / Heritage Camp and Lodge Tanzania / Entara Tented Camp or Similar Accommodation.
Standard Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge / Ndutu Heritage Migration Camp / Ang'ata Migration Camp / Lemala Ndutu Camp or Similar Accommodation.
Budget Accommodation: Sueno De Africa Luxury Camp / Serengeti Wildebeest Camps / Serengeti Wild Camp or Similar Accommodation.
Basic Accommodation: Tanzania National Park (TANAPA) Rest houses (Bandas/Cottages/Guest Rooms, Hotel, Hostel), located in the Central Serengeti or Similar Accommodation.
Camping Accommodation: Nyani Public Campsite / Serengeti Seronera Public Campsite / Serengeti Lobo Public Campsite / Ndutu Public Campsite.
For a great Tanzania Wildlife Safari to Serengeti National Park, kindly get in touch with Kim'zebra Adventures and Safari team, and get the best offer, that suits your interest and budget, and get packing in a short time, find your way to the beautiful Serengeti combined with other Tanzanian parks or East African safari.