Tourist activities to do in the Serengeti National Park: The Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most popular in Tanzania. It is located in the North Eastern part of the country and covers an area of about 30,000 square kilometers, to the north of the park is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, to the west are two Game Reserves Ikorongo and Grumeti and to the Southwest are the Maswa Game Reserve. Serengeti means “Endless plains” among the Maasai. The Serengeti National Park was established in 1952 and at that point included the Ngorongoro conservation area. The park is characterized by endless plains which are dotted with kopjes, rivers and acacia trees. These features are home to the big 5 mammals (elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards and lions), wildebeest, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, African dogs, hippos, crocodiles and over 500 species of birds including the majestic African fish eagle, ostriches and several types of vultures. The diversity of habitats from wetland to acacia woodlands, supports a wide variety of avifauna. The Serengeti National Park is also inhabited by various indigenous groups, most notably the Maasai people, who have lived in harmony with the land and its wildlife for centuries. Their traditional practices and cultural heritage are integral to the region’s identity and conservation narratives. This article highlights some of the main activities to do while on a Tanzania safari in Serengeti National Park and they include;
Game drives
A game drive in the Serengeti National Park is the quintessential experience, allowing visitors to explore the park’s vast landscape and encounter incredible wildlife up close. Game drives in the park are conducted in sections that’s the morning game drives and the evening game drives when the animals are active, both offering their own unique experience. This activity offers the chance to observe the Big Fives (lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino and elephant) in their natural habitat, along with cheetahs, zebras and diverse bird species. The morning game drive starts at sunrise and ends at around 11: am. It is designed to allow tourists to spot nocturnal animals retreating back to their holes or observe herbivores going out to graze. The morning game drive is also excellent for spotting hyenas, wild dogs, lions, cheetahs, leopards and hippos as they return from a night of grazing outside the pools. Night game drives also offer travelers a chance to observe zebras, hyenas, impala, giraffes, jackals and foxes. Lions, hyenas and Leopards are very active at night. It is the best time to spot them take down prey.
Hot air balloon safari
For a truly magical experience, the hot air balloon safari offers breathtaking views of the Serengeti National Park. Floating gently above the savannah at sunrise, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the landscape, highlighting the stunning beauty of the park’s diverse ecosystems. From high above, wildlife appears as part of the intricate tapestry of nature, with herds of wildebeest and elephants roaming beneath. The serene silence of floating in a ballon, accompanied by the accessional roar of a lion or call of birds creates a peaceful ambiance unlike any others. During a safari in Serengeti National Park, the sightseeing balloon experience is something to look forward to. Tourists can enjoy views of the broad savannah fields in the park and spot natural living species during a tourist balloon safari in Serengeti Park. These sight-seeing balloon safari encounters begin as early as 5:00 a.m., and the inflatables’ capacities vary. Later, you will return to have a bush breakfast before you continue with the other safari activities as planned on your safari itinerary.
Viewing the great migration
One of the most popular activities in the Serengeti National Park is the opportunity to observe the great migration. This is one of the astonishing events that occur annually in the Serengeti as a million wildebeest and zebras cross the landscape in search of fresh grazing grounds and water. This experience typically peaks between June to September as herds pass through into the Mara River in Kenya. witnessing this massive migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with the scene of predator-prey interactions as lions and crocodiles take advantage of the migratory routes. Observing the herds massing, their rhythmic movements creating harmonious yet chaotic patterns across the plains, is truly charming. The sounds of hove pounding the ground and the dust clouds rising in the wake of these animals contribute to an unforgettable experience.
Cultural visits to Maasai villages
Experiencing the vibrant culture of the Maasai people is a rewarding experience of visiting the Serengeti National Park. A cultural visit to the Maasai villages offers valuable insight into a traditional custom and daily lives of this amazing African tribe. During your cultural visit, you will have the opportunity to interact with Maasai, learning about their traditional customs, social structure and daily lifestyle. Guided village tours often include traditional dances, storytelling and demonstrating of their unique art and craft such as beadwork and intricate jewelry. Embracing the Maasai culture not only enriches the travel experience bit also fosters a greater understanding of the symbiotic relationship between wildlife conservation and local communities. Engaging with Maasai culture is a powerful reminder of the human element integral to the wider ecosystem.
Birdwatching
The Serengeti National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, basting over 500 species of birds, making it one of Africa’s premier birding destinations in Tanzania. The park is dominated by swamps, forest galleries, woodland and grasslands where a variety of birds thrive in the park. During your birdwatching tours , you will have the chance to spot colorful birds such as White-faced Whistling-Duck, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Knob-billed Duck, Egyptian Goose, Spur-winged Goose, African Pygmy-Goose, ostrich, greater flamingo and lesser flamingo, helmeted Guinea fowl, rested Guinea fowl, Scaly Francolin, Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Yellow-necked Francolin, Gray-breasted Francolin, Red-necked Francolin, Little Grebe, Kori bustard, Denham’s Bustard, White-bellied Bustard, Buff-crested Bustard, chawlow’s Turaco, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Ross’s Turaco among others.
Walking safaris
Walking safaris offer an immersive way to experience the Serengeti’s landscapes and wildlife from a unique view. Walking safaris are unpredictable and you don’t follow specific tracks. This allows you to spot reptiles, birds, insects and other rare plants along the way. Most walking tours are organized by some of the accommodation facilities. You will be escorted by an armed ranger who is experienced in the terrain and knows about the different species in the park. This amazing safari can range from short excursions to multi-day treks, with overnight camping under the stars, offering a true wilderness experience. Spotting wildlife up close is exhilarating, as visitors may encounter herds of grazers, playful monkeys, or even predators.
Visiting the Bolongoja Hot Springs
Visit to the bolongoja springs is another thrilling activity to do in the Serengeti National Park, this stunning spring is found in the northeastern part of the park. The Bologna Springs offers some of the most scenic views in the Serengeti. The springs provide water which allows vegetation to thrive throughout the year. During your visit, you will have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife such as small primates, birds, migrating animals, giraffes, elephants, steenbok, mountain reedbuck and many other plant eaters. Because of their remoteness, you get to explore them without the large crowds seen in central Serengeti.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about Tourist activities to do in Serengeti National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on you are in the country.
