Serengeti National Park sprawls within the endless plains of Tanzania and incredibly one of the famous game sanctuaries in the world. It is set between Mara and Simiyu regions, and given its strategic location, it is popular for its annual wildebeest migration. Serengeti National Park became a national park in 1951 making it one of the oldest national parks in Africa. In 1979, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sits in an area of about 15000sq.kms.
The Serengeti Ecosystem is composed of lakes, woodlands, grassland plains of Ndutu in southern Serengeti and covers some parts of the northern verdant river expanse and the Masai National Reserve.
To many, a safari in Serengeti is a dream adventure that travelers seek from Africa. That is the reason as to why Serengeti is included in most trips in East Africa. One of the best trips is a 10 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari featuring classic game drives in the Serengeti and the amazing gorilla trekking experience in the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda featuring stays in the unrivaled Singita Collection of eco-lodges and exclusive camps.
Wildlife species in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park hosts huge concentration of wildlife species that sprawl within its diverse habitats which range from the grassland plains, savanna grassland and riverine forest to woodlands. The popular wildlife species to look out for while on Tanzania safari in Serengeti National Park include wildebeests, impalas, rhinos, cheetahs, leopards, gazelles, zebras, hartebeests, topis, water bucks, buffaloes, the Nile crocodiles, hippos, patas monkeys, martial eagles African bush elephants, dik-dik, aardwolf, bat eared fox, crested porcupine, aardvark and giraffes. Serengeti National Park also hosts other reptile species like the leopard tortoise, serrated hinged terrapin, rainbow agama, Nile monitor, chameleons, African python, black mamba, black necked spitting cobra, puff adder.
Birdlife in Serengeti National Park
More than 500 bird species are confined within Serengeti National Park and they include among others Kori bustard, crowned cranes, secretary bird, Masai ostrich, helmeted guinea fowls, southern ground hornbill, yellow billed stork, lesser flamingo, martial eagle. Purple grenadier, grey breasted spur fowl, grey headed sparrow, red capped robin chat, black headed heron, yellow throated sandgrouse, variable sunbird, secretary birds, white crowned shrike, red backed scrub, Decken took Tockus, D’Arnaud’s barbets as well as several migratory bird species which confine in this pristine national park from November to April.
Activities to do in Serengeti National Park
Game drive/game viewing
Game drives are the best way for visitors on Tanzania safari to explore and experience the Serengeti National Park. It is open to visitors throughout the year and exploring its vast plains gets you a chance to see diversity of wildlife species including cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, elephants, Thomson’s gazelles, zebra, rhinos, elands, impalas, topis, birds and many more.
Witness the great wildebeest migration
Wildebeest migration is an unusual wildlife experience you shouldn’t miss while on Tanzania safari in the Serengeti National Park. This occurs from June to October where huge concentration of wildebeests plus the Thomson’s gazelles, zebras move from the Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Masai Mara National Reserve of Kenya.
Birding
With over 500 bird species, Serengeti National Park is of no doubt a birder’s paradise. Bird watching in this national park is best conducted around November to April when most migratory birds confine in the area especially the North African and European migratory birds. Bird watching experience in Serengeti National Park involves identifying distinct bird species such as the purple grenadier, white crowned shrike, red backed scrub, yellow throated sandgrouse, grey breasted spur fowl, rufous tailed weaver, grey headed sparrow, variable sunbird, secretary birds, yellow billed stork, lesser flamingo, martial eagle.
Other safari activities to do on Tanzania safari in Serengeti National Park include hot air balloon tours, camping, picnicking, walking tours, cultural tour.
When to visit Serengeti National Park
Visitors on Tanzania safari can visit to Serengeti National Park throughout the year. However, depending on your travel interest, to witness the wildebeest migration, the best months to visit Serengeti is from June to October which is also dry season that is ideal for game drives. Bird watching is ideal starting March to April and November when most migratory birds confine in this national park.
Where to stay in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is comprised of many accommodation options for visitor stay while on Tanzania safari. You can choose from Sabora tented camp, Sayari camp, Migration camp in the east, Kusini camp, Naskia central camp, Serengeti Serena lodge, Serengeti Sopa lodge, Lobo wildlife lodge Kirurumu Serengeti camp, buffalo luxury camp, Serengeti permanent camps and many others.
How to get to Serengeti National Park
Visitors on Tanzania safari can reach Serengeti National Park beginning from Arusha Town. You can take a flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport which is 46kms away from Arusha Town or Julius Nyerere International Airport. You may also opt for domestic and charter flights conducted by Coastal aviation to Serengeti National Park, Auric Air, Precision air, Air Tanzania and many others.
By road, Serengeti National Park is 325kms approximately 8 hours’ drive from Arusha Town. The amazing part of road trip is that you get a chance to enjoy the breathtaking sceneries of Tanzania till you get to Serengeti National Park.
