Serengeti Safaris: Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania. The park covers an area of about 14,763 square kilometers of stunning savannah, woodlands, and riverine forest. The park lies on the border of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the southwest and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya to the north. Serengeti National Park serves as a crucial ecosystem for diverse flora and fauna. The park is situated within the Serengeti district of the Mara region, making it easily accessible from the nearby towns of Arusha and Karatu, which serves as a popular gateway for travelers eager to embark on unforgettable safari adventures.
The park was established in 19511 and stands as Africa’s oldest and most iconic protected areas, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, recognized for its exceptional wildlife and the spectacle of great migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of grazing pastures. The park’s name is derived from the Maasai word “Siringet,” meaning “endless plains,” aptly reflecting the vast, open landscapes that characterize this remarkable region.
Serengeti National Park is home to an astounding variety of wildlife, making it the best destination for nature lovers. The park hosts the Big 5 animals of the Serengeti National Park, which include lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards. Other wildlife species spotted here include topis, the hyenas, the cheetahs, the wildebeest, the Masai giraffe, the zebras, and the elands, among others. The habitats within the park support a thriving ecosystem and ensure that visitors experience the raw beauty of nature.
Top safari activities in Serengeti National Park
Game drives
Game drives in Serengeti National Park are one of the main highlights of any Tanzania safari in the park. during your game drive safaris, you will have the chance to spot the iconic Big Five such as lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards. Beyond these majestic creatures, the park is teeming with vibrant wildlife, including topis, the hyenas, the cheetahs, the wildebeest, the Maasai giraffe, the zebras, and the elands. Game drives in the park are done along the Seronera Valley, known for its high density of animals. Additionally, these drives offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching, you will be able to encounter the lovebird, Kori bustard, and the secretary bird, among others.
Hot air balloon safaris
Experience the breathing beauty of Serengeti National Park with a hot air balloon safari, where you can take in stunning views of the plains of the Maasai Mara above. Early mornings are the perfect time to embark on these remarkable adventures as you drift gracefully through the air, immersing yourself in the wild. During your safari, you’ll enjoy the thrill of soaring over the vast landscapes, and celebrate your journey with a toast, savoring of wine amidst the beautiful surroundings. You will also have the marvelous opportunity of sighting the majestic wildlife including the great migrations as they make their way to the Mara river. In addition to sightings, you will also be delighted with the aerial sights of wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and elands among others from the above. Make sure you leave enough time to go on all of the wildlife drives while visiting Serengeti National Park.
Seeing the wildebeest migration
Experiencing the wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park is a must-have highlight of the Tanzania safari in Serengeti National Park. This incredible event involves millions of wildebeest, along with thousands of zebras and eland, traveling over 800 kilometers between Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. The migration kicks off in South Ndutu around early February or early March, coinciding with the calving season when countless wildebeest calves are born. Witnessing newborn calves standing within minutes of birth adds to the thrill of this remarkable event. The migration peaks in July as the herds cross the Mara River, a moment that shouldn’t be missed on your wildlife safari in Tanzania