Serengeti National Park is not only one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa but also one of the most beautiful parks! Breathtaking! Immersive!
There cannot be enough words to explain the Serengeti safari experience. A safari in Serengeti National Park lives up to its reputation and expectation on everyone who sets foot here.
So, what are the best things to do in Serengeti?
There are many activities to do and many attractions to see when you visit Serengeti. Some of the best things to in Serengeti National Park include game drives, birding, balloon safaris, witnessing the wildebeest migration, nature photography, exploring the landscape and visiting the Maasai. We will now discuss the top 12 things to do in Serengeti and the must see attractions including the hidden gems.
1. Enjoy Safari Game drives
Game drive is the most immersive way to experience and appreciate the beauty of Serengeti. Game drives in Serengeti give visitors a chance to see the diverse wildlife across the various regions of the park. It is possible to see all the Big Five (African Lion, African Elephant, African Cape Buffalo, Black Rhinoceros and African Leopard). Other animals that you can see on the plains of Serengeti include Zebras, Cheetahs, Giraffes, Hippos, Warthogs, Jackals and Wild dogs. Serengeti ecosystem also supports a huge number of different species of antelopes, including Grant’s gazelle, Dik dik, Impala, Waterbucks, Hartebeest, Wildebeest, Topi and Eland.
2. Get an Insight on the Park’s Ecosystem at Serengeti Visitor’s Center
Serengeti Visitor’s Center is a great place to make a stop when visiting the park. If you are looking to learn more about the Wildebeest migration cycle, the history of the park and conservation efforts, this is a nice place to visit. Also, the displays offer great insight about the park’s flora and fauna.
3. Marvel at Wildebeest Migration
Wildebeest Migration is one of the most coveted activities in Serengeti. You can catch great wildebeest migration in different areas within the Serengeti National Park depending on your safari timing. One of the best places to experience the epic migration is in Northern Serengeti around August to October when wildebeests are crossing the Mara River and from June -July in Western Corridor during the Grumeti River crossings. The months of January and March are great for witnessing the calving season in southern plains. Between the months of April to May, you can witness thousands of Wildebeest herds around Central Serengeti migrating to the north.
4. Take Part in Bird watching
Besides the huge population of large mammals, Serengeti National Park has plenty of bird species. It is one of the best places to enjoy bird watching in Tanzania. Ostriches, raptors, vultures, sparrows and eagles are some of the birds you will find in Serengeti. There are about 550 different species of birds in Serengeti National Park.
5. Get an Eagles Eye View of Serengeti on Balloon Safaris
What better ways to start your morning game drive in Serengeti National Park than taking a hot-air balloon safari? This is one of the most exciting and rewarding activity in Serengeti. It gives visitors unique views of the plains of Serengeti, spectacular wildlife, wildebeest migration and incredible landscapes from above. The sight of the sun rising on the plains is quiet magical. Photographers get to capture amazing shots of animals and the savannah during the hot-air balloon ride. To add on thrill, you’ll get to enjoy champagne breakfast when you land.
6. Capture the Beauty of Serengeti on Camera Photography
Serengeti National Park is a haven for avid photographers. Whether you are an amateur or professional wildlife photographer, it is hard to resist taking countless photos in Serengeti. From the massive number of wildlife roaming freely in the wilderness to prey-predator interactions, wildebeest migration, amazing landscapes and birds, everything in Serengeti seems photogenic. Besides the wildlife, the sun rising and setting over the savannah is one of the most captivating images you can capture on a safari.
7. Dining in the Bush
Having meals in the Serengeti wilderness should be top on your list when you visit Tanzania. In between the game drives, you’ll get a chance to enjoy breakfast or dinner in the bush. Your tour operator will organize with your lodge to prepare and package your meal, and then you’ll make a stop at designated spots to enjoy it as you savor in the beauty of nature and surrounding wilderness.
8. Meet the Hippos of Serengeti at Retina Hippo Pool
Retina Hippo Pool is one of the hidden gems in Serengeti. After watching all the other big mammals in the Serengeti plains spend some time around this watering hole and observe tens of hippos cooling off, basking, and interacting with each other.
9. Visit Moru Kopjes
One of the unique features of Serengeti National Park is the rocky granite outcrops. Also referred to as kopjes, they are spread out in different areas of the park. They are of varying sizes. Moru kopjes in the south East of the Serengeti are the most iconic ones. They are beautiful to marvel at. In addition, this is one of the best places within Serengeti National Park to see Black Rhinos. The surrounding region also has a high population of the Big Cats.
10. Join a Guided Nature Walk
Walking safaris are a very popular activity in Serengeti. As opposed to game drives, walking safaris are geared towards appreciating the small animals and insects. An armed ranger will accompany you and the guide on foot as he/ she takes you through the different plants and their traditional uses and different smaller animals found in the park, such as hyrax, lizards, and insects. This can be one of the highlights of your trip in Tanzania!
11. Get a Glimpse of the Maasai Culture
Maasais have co-existed with wildlife for ages, which is why you’ll always find them neighboring most national parks and conservation areas in Tanzania and Kenya. And Serengeti National Park is no different; there are Maasai villages around the park. This means you can enjoy your safari and at the same time enjoy a cultural tour. During the visit to the Maasai village, you’ll get a chance to interact with them, watch their traditional dances, learn about their rituals, and appreciate their crafts and beadwork.
12. Take in the Beauty of Bologonja springs
Bologonja springs are one of the best hidden gems in Serengeti National Park. Located on the remote edge of Northern Serengeti, the springs are frequented by many animals including herds of Elephants, Buffalos, antelopes, Zebras and Giraffes which come to drink water here. There is a high concentration of birds around the area surrounding the springs.
