About Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is part of the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem and lies in the Northern Circuit in Tanzania. Sprawling 14,763 Sq.kms, Serengeti borders the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the south. The park is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited attractions in Tanzania. The vast Serengeti plains are home to diverse wildlife, including predators, herbivores, apes and a variety of bird species. Serengeti also hosts one of the most fascinating wildlife events, the Great Wildebeest Migration, which sees over 1.5 million herbivores (Wildebeests and Zebras) transverse the park as they head to Masai Mara in Kenya and back. The park’s ecosystem is dotted with various landscapes, including plains, rocky outcroppings, riverine forests, acacia woodlands and scenic hills.
How to Get There
If Serengeti is the first item on your itinerary, the most convenient way is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. There are two ways to get to Serengeti National Park- by flight and road transfer. From there, if you opt for guided safari, your tour operator will pick you up and transfer to your accommodation in Serengeti. It takes approximately 9 hours to drive from Kilimanjaro airport to Serengeti. And if your flight lands at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will have to spend a night in Arusha and fly from Arusha Airport to Serengeti on the next day. A drive from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha will be approximately one hour.
If you opt for flight to Serengeti, a local flight will take you to one of the seven airstrips in the park depending on the region of Serengeti you are interested in visiting. It is also possible to fly to Serengeti from various airports in Tanzania and parks via domestic flights.
Best time to visit
The overall best time to visit Serengeti National Park is during the drier months (June-October, January -March). This season is considered the best time to view wildlife in Serengeti, as wildlife tends to be concentrated near the watering holes and rivers, making it easier to spot most of them within a short time. However, Serengeti can be visited any time of the year and there are many resident wild animals to be seen all year round. During the wet season, animals are more dispersed as the grass is abundant throughout the park. June to October is the best time to visit Serengeti to see the great migration river crossing, while the months of January and February are the best months to visit to witness the calving season in Southern Serengeti. The remaining months of March, April and May are best to see the migratory animals leaving the southern plains of the Serengeti, while November is the time to experiencing them coming down from the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara in Kenya back to the Southern plains of the Serengeti.
Serengeti Weather and Climate
Similar to the rest of Tanzania, Serengeti has a tropical climate and temperatures remain fairly constant during the year. Evenings and early mornings tend to be cool. Serengeti experiences two seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season runs from May – October, while the wet season runs from November to December to April. Day time temperatures range from 26° C to 31°C and during the night they range from 14° C to 17° C.
Serengeti Conservation
Serengeti National Park is a protected area managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). TANAPA plays an important role in maintaining and conserving the park. TANAPA has put various conservation efforts towards protecting the wildlife, preserving the ecosystem, and involving the local communities in wildlife and habitat conservation. Some of the measures put in place towards conserving the park include anti-poaching laws, aerial patrols and rangers’ patrols in the park, no off-road driving within the park, and regulation of developments within the park.
As a part of promoting sustainable tourism, there are many people from local communities who are employed as rangers, guides and lodge employees. Also, part of the revenues collected by the park goes towards the community projects. Tour operators have a role of ensuring safari vehicles stick on designated roads and their guests don’t litter the park.
Overall, Serengeti conservation is made possible by the combined efforts of the park authority, local communities, tour operators and tourists.
Health and Safety on a Safari
Before coming for a safari in Tanzania, ensure you’ve all the necessary vaccinations and consult with your physician to determine if you require any other vaccination and medications. Some of the recommended vaccine for Tanzania include hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus and diphtheria, and yellow fever. Get a comprehensive travel insurance cover. This will come in handy in case of medical emergency, evacuation, delayed flights, lost luggage and trip cancellation. Bring a first aid kit with any medication you may need on your safari, including any prescription drug you are taking, painkillers, antihistamines, sunscreen, anti-malarial prophylaxis, antidiarrheal, insect repellent and band aids.
While on safari, stay hydrated and take bottled water only. Stay inside the safari vehicle always unless when on designated picnic areas. Don’t litter the park. Apply enough sunscreen during game drives.
Maasai People of the Serengeti
Maasai is an indigenous tribe that live around Serengeti National Park and the Greater Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem as well. They are known for their unique culture including beaded works, clothing, dances, traditional homesteads” manyattas” and high jumping. As a part of Serengeti safari, most tour operators include a visit to Maasai villages where visitors get to interact with them, learn about their culture and take part in their traditional dances.
Serengeti Animals
Serengeti National Park has diverse habitats which support hundreds of different wildlife species. Serengeti animals include predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs. Other animals commonly sighted here include herbivores such as elephants, buffalos, wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, giraffes, black rhinoceros, and elands. The park is home to a variety of birds and primate species. Hippopotamus and Nile crocodiles are often sighted on river banks.
Birding in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park plays hosts to various bird species. It is estimated over 400 bird species call this park home, including both endemic and resident birds. Here are some of the popular birds spotted in Serengeti: koori bustard, vultures, eagles, raptors, black- headed gonolek, and Usambiro barbet. Some of the endemic birds found here, including Fischer’s lovebird, rufous-tailed weaver, and grey-breasted spurfowl.
Serengeti Safari Tours
Serengeti safari tours offer an incredible way of viewing wildlife in the park. There are various options for Serengeti safari tours, including group safaris, private safari and luxury safaris. Serengeti National Park can be explored in various ways, including game drives, hot air balloons safaris and walking safaris. For people with specific interests and hobbies, there are specialized safaris such as photographic safaris, bird watching safaris and cultural tours.
Places to Stay for Serengeti Safari
There are various places to stay during Serengeti safari both inside the park and in the surrounding conservancies. There are different accommodations available including budget-friendly, midrange and luxury. The main types of types of accommodation in Serengeti National Park are tented camps, safari lodges, and mobile camps.
Interesting Facts about the Park
- Serengeti National Park is one of the oldest wildlife conservation areas in Africa. It was established as a protected area in 1921 and declared a national park in 1951.
- Serengeti National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve
- It host one of the nature’s greatest spectacle, The Great Wildebeest Migration
- The name Serengeti is taken from “Siringit”, a Maasai word for endless plains.
How to Book a Safari to Serengeti
Once you’re decided on time of the year you want to visit Serengeti, look for a reputable safari outfitter. Reach out to your tour operator and inquire about the Serengeti tour packages, the pricing, and the accommodations options available. Once you are satisfied with the outfitter, share your safari details with them which include your travel dates, length of your Serengeti safari, specific interests, region/s of Serengeti you wish to visit, accommodation preference, preferred mode of transport to and from Serengeti and other attractions/ destinations you wish to combine with your Serengeti safari. Then, the outfitter will assist you in creating an itinerary that suits your needs.
After you are satisfied with all the safari details, you will be given the payment details and proceed to book your safari. Usually, most tour operators require you to pay a percentage of your total safari cost in advance to confirm and secure accommodation reservation. Once you’ve booked your safari, you can book your flight to Tanzania and get any required vaccinations. As you get closer to your travel dates, pack all the essential items and travel documents and then wait for your departure time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Serengeti National Park located?
Serengeti National Park is found in Northern Tanzania and borders various wildlife protected areas that make up the Greater Serengeti–Mara Ecosystem including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ikorongo and Grumeti Game Reserve, Loliondo Game Controlled Area, Maasai Mara National Reserve and Maswa Game Reserve.
Can I Visit Serengeti National Park as a Day Trip?
Yes, you can visit Serengeti National Park as a day trip. However, a day trip in Serengeti will not be enough to explore the park adequately. It is best to spend at least 3-4 days to have enough time to cover more areas and appreciate the wildlife and landscape.
Can you camp in the Serengeti National Park?
Yes, it is possible to camp in Serengeti National Park. There are both private and public designated camping sites available within the park.
Can you See the Big Five in Serengeti National Park?
Yes, Serengeti National Park hosts all the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros). However, rhinos are fewer and are mainly sighted in some parts of Serengeti.
Is it Possible to do a Night Game Drive in Serengeti National Park?
No, night game drives are not allowed within Serengeti National Park. Some of the private reserves neighboring Serengeti permit night game drives.
Can I Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park?
Yes, Serengeti National Park offers some of the best wildebeest migration experiences. Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park happens between Decembers to June. During these months, the wildebeest’s herds are continuously traversing through the park in search of pasture as they move towards Maasai Mara in Kenya.
Can I Use a Drone on Serengeti Safari?
No, drones are usually not allowed in Serengeti National Park.
Is Off-road Driving Allowed in Serengeti National Park?
No, off–road driving is not permitted within Serengeti national park.
