SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
- Country: Tanzania
- Location: Northern Tanzania
- Language Spoken: Swahili
- Area (Km): 14,763 Km Squares
- Visa Requirement: yes
Serengeti National Park is a massive and globally renowned nature reserve in northern Tanzania, known for its vast savannas and spectacular annual wildlife migration. The name comes from the Maasai word Siringet, meaning "endless plains," which accurately describes its flat, sweeping landscape. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is home to an extraordinary density of wildlife, including all of Africa's "Big Five" animals.
Location
Serengeti National Park is in northern Tanzania and is part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem, which also includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and extends to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The park is accessible from the city of Arusha, typically as part of a multi-day safari circuit.
The Great Migration
This is the most famous feature of the Serengeti, considered one of the natural wonders of the world.
- The spectacle: Over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles, and other herbivores migrate in a clockwise loop following the rains and the availability of fresh grazing.
- The path: The migration starts in the south in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, moves west through the Grumeti River, then north to the Masai Mara in Kenya, before looping back south.
- River crossings: A highlight of the migration is the perilous river crossings, where herds must evade enormous crocodiles lying in wait. The Mara River crossing in the northern Serengeti (typically July–September) is particularly dramatic.
- Calving season: Between January and March, the herds gather on the southern plains for the calving season, attracting a high concentration of predators.
Wildlife and landscape
The Serengeti ecosystem supports an incredible diversity of animals, birds, and habitats.
- The "Big Five": You can find all of the "Big Five" safari animals here: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros.
- Predators: The park has the largest lion population in Africa. Other predators include cheetahs, hyenas, and the rarely-seen African wild dogs.
- Grazers: The plains teem with millions of wildebeest, zebra, and various antelope species, including Grant's gazelle, eland, and topi.
- Geological features: The landscape includes the iconic kopjes, ancient granite rock formations that provide vantage points for predators and shade for wildlife.
Activities and tours
- Game drives: This is the primary way to explore the park. Full-day or half-day game drives in a 4x4 vehicle allow for wildlife viewing throughout the diverse ecosystems.
- Hot air balloon safari: For a panoramic, bird's-eye view of the plains at sunrise, a hot air balloon ride is an unforgettable experience.
- Walking safaris: These allow visitors to get a closer look at the smaller flora and fauna of the park, accompanied by a park ranger.
- Cultural visits: Learn about the culture and traditions of the Maasai people, a semi-nomadic tribe living near the park.
Best time to visit
- Dry Season (June to October): This is generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing. The vegetation is sparse and animals are concentrated around water sources, making them easier to spot.
- Wet Season (November to May): Fewer tourists and lower prices make this a great time for budget travel. The landscape is lush and green, and January and February are ideal for witnessing the wildebeest calving season.
