Serengeti National Park
It is uncommon to go a day without spotting a lion or two in the Serengeti due to the large population of big cats there. Throughout a large portion of the year, the Great Wildebeest Migration occurs, with the animals either jumping across the Mara River in the north, traveling through plains in unending columns, or calving in the south.
Where is the Serengeti Found
Serengeti National P is located in the Great Rift Valley in Tanzania’s northern area, part of East Africa’s Great Lakes region. From the beaches of Lake Eyasi to the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya, the Serengeti Ecosystem comprises the Maswa Game Reserve, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and other national parks.
Size of Serengeti N.P
The northern border of the Serengeti National Park, which covers an area of 5700 square miles, is where the ecology changes to the Maasai Mara.
Though it is less than one-third the size of the Nyerere Game Reserve, Tanzania’s and Africa’s largest national reserve, it is the country’s second largest park and around ten times larger than the Maasai Mara National Park in nearby Kenya.
Why is the Serengeti Famous
A well-known feature of Serengeti National Park is the Wildebeest Migration, which was believed to be the world’s greatest migration of terrestrial mammals until recently. In pursuit of seasonal rains and new grass, more than two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move over the wide plains.
The migration is three times larger than the big wildebeest migration, making it the most stunning land mammal migration in the world, even though it may no longer be the largest.
There is never a dull moment on the great migration, from seeing the birth of 8,000 newborn wildebeests every year, and wildebeests jumping into the crocodile-infested Mara River, swimming for their life.
Early European hunters, explorers, and missionaries documented the Serengeti’s renowned wildlife richness as early as the late 19th century. Big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, are incredibly prevalent there. You have a high possibility of witnessing all three there, which is one of the few sites on the planet.
Hunting and the Introduction of Conservation
Professional hunters began to arrive in the Serengeti in 1913 as word of the rich game spread, bringing back to Europe and America brave stories of hunting man-eating creatures and large, deadly animals.
In a very short period, this severely depleted the local animal stocks by bringing more adventure-seeking hunters to the Serengeti. From Mombasa, tusks and skins were continuously sent to every country in the world.
Lions were formerly so common that they were considered pests, but their sudden scarcity sparked a growing awareness of the need to safeguard this “natural wonder.”
After being governed by Germany since 1891, the mainland of what was then known as Tanganyika and the Zanzibar Archipelago were under British control by the end of World War 1.
More acreage for animals meant less land for cultivation and grazing, which caused major issues for the expanding Maasai and other tribes’ populations, who merely wanted to maintain their basic traditional ways of life. Numerous Maasai elders maintain that animals have received better treatment than people, demonstrating that this issue still exists now.
Great Wildebeest Migration
Seeing the Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the primary reasons tourists travel to the Serengeti.
Thousands of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas follow and ambush them at every turn as they rush northward in a circular orientation in massive herds up to 40 kilometers long, with approximately 1,000 animals per kilometer. They must deal with more than that, though. There are thousands of hungry crocodiles quietly waiting in the frequently swift-moving waterways for the feast to arrive, making it much riskier to cross the several rivers that intersect their path.
Many perfectly healthy and strong people also fail to finish their trek, as do the wounded and stragglers. An estimated 250,000 animals are said to perish annually on this dangerous voyage.
The vegetation is kept healthy by the animals’ grazing along the entire journey. They also carry nutrients over the plains and fertilize the land with their feces, which encourages new growth when the rains eventually come.
Throughout the 1,000-kilometer terrain, the animals themselves offer a plentiful food source to hundreds of scavengers and predators.
Roads, fences, farms, and urbanization have made it impossible for herds of animals to roam freely and move in other African parks.
Their genetic well-being has suffered as a result, and their population has declined at a startling rate. However, the number of wildebeest on the Serengeti is still growing and in good health.
Great Migration in March and April
Thankfully, a large number of permanent game lodges are dispersed throughout this region, and numerous mobile camps also appear along the way to allow tourists to observe the beginning of this momentous occasion.
Many have airstrips close by, which facilitates easier access to these resorts and locations.
Great Migration in May and June
The herds’ first significant challenge as they head north-west is crossing the Grumeti River, which is crocodile-infested and frequently results in animal deaths.Once more, a large number of permanent lodges and mobile campers have been established along the river, and tour operators may readily access several well-known vantage spots.
This river empties into Lake Victoria’s southwest coasts after flowing westward.
The Migration in July and August
To cross the second journey—the Mara River— herds would have to travel an additional 70 to 80 kilometers north via the Western Corridor in July or August.
For whatever reason, the herds may remain on the river’s southern side for weeks before gaining the bravery to start crossing in front of the crocodiles that are waiting for them. The chaos starts when the first animal jumps in, and herd mentality takes over.
Strong currents carry the animals downstream away from the herd, where they must either avoid impossible, steep banks on the other side or risk being eaten by crocs. In other places, animals jump down steep banks, which increases the risk of breaking a limb, which can be riaky.
One of the joys of my numerous safaris throughout Africa has been witnessing the Mara River in person.
The Migration in September and October
The majority herds have entered Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, but by October, they begin to go south on their return trip, encountering the same dangerous challenges once more.
Migration in November and December
November and December, they make their way back to the park’s southeast section, where they will undergo training and calving to begin the cycle anew.
It is challenging to forecast precisely where and when one should be to enjoy this exceptional display, since the migration patterns are wholly dependent on the timing of the rains. They assemble and launch as a single, enormous army on the march with the sole goal of surviving, as though they are all under the control of a single brain.
Animals in Serengeti N.P
The Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems support one of the densest wildlife populations in terms of both quantity and species diversity. Animals include: elephants, dik-dik antelopes, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Cheetahs are often seen in the open grasslands and especially on termite mounds, surveying the scene. Leopards prefer to hide on rocky ledges and high in trees.
Although they are also extremely widespread, African wild cats and servals are more active at night, Hyenas, jackals, golden wolves, bat-eared foxes, and the thousands of crocodiles that congregate in and around the rivers and water holes are among the other predators.
In addition, there are zebras, giraffes, buffalo, rhinos, elephants, hippos, and about two million wildebeest. Although they exist, rhinos are rarely seen since poaching has severely reduced their population. Baboons, vervet monkeys, and more than 500 different types of birds, including; ostrich, sunbird, can be found in the woodlands and deep forests.
Rarest Animals in Serengeti
The Serengeti is home to several rare and endangered animal species. These include the East African oryx, caracal, striped hyena, rhino, and wild dog.
After declining for several years, wild dog populations in the Serengeti finally vanished entirely in 1991. With multiple explanations being put forth, scientists appear to disagree on the precise cause.
One is that the canine distemper virus or rabies that the wild dogs contracted spread like wildfire among the packs, eventually eradicating them. Others contend that their decline is due to competition from the growing lion and hyena populations.
However, they don’t know if the dogs had truly gone extinct or if they had simply relocated. This theory may be supported by reports of packs of wild dogs in nearby Tarangire and Ngorongoro parks, but as of right now, we don’t know. Wild dogs have been brought back to the Serengeti, and you could be lucky enough to see a pack. They might once more become a permanent part of the Serengeti landscape with ongoing study and observation.
Because of their small numbers and the fact that they are mostly nocturnal hunters—they only come out of their lairs at night—striped hyenas are similarly uncommon to see in the Serengeti, in contrast to their spotted counterparts.
Are there Big Five in Serengeti N.P
You absolutely can, but if you do see a rhino, count yourself fortunate because they are very uncommon in the Serengeti and many Tanzanian and other African wildlife areas.
However, the neighboring Ngorongoro Crater offers the possibility of sighting a rhino.
On most game drives, you will undoubtedly spot the other four Big Five species: buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant.
Although they are common, leopards are quite discreet, which makes it challenging to see these magnificent cats; however, it is still a true delight.
Is Birdwatching available in the Serengeti?
Even those who are not birdwatchers can appreciate the sight of thousands of flamingos grazing in the shallows with their heads turned upside down, essentially painting the entire lake pink, or watching them all take off in a single, breathtaking pink cloud. Almost every area of the Serengeti is home to these delicate-looking birds. Flamingos will be found wherever there is water.
While there are many bird species throughout the year, November through April is the ideal time of year to visit the Serengeti for birdwatching. Millions of birds migrate from Europe during this season to avoid the harsh winters, and many indigenous species use this time for courtship, nesting, and breeding. To entice their partners, several species stage lavish courtship displays while decked out in their finest feathers. This thrilling time of year also attracts ardent birdwatchers, photographers, and documentarians from all over the world.
Additionally, the Serengeti is home to five endemic bird species, which are unique to this region of the world.
Wildlife Conservation in Serengeti
The park’s borders have been changed multiple times, and it is now part of the Serengeti Ecosystem, which also contains several nearby conservation areas, ranging from the Maasai Mara National Park on the Kenyan border to the Maswa Game Reserve in the south. The entire region is left unfenced to permit the animals’ unrestricted mobility and migration patterns.
However, that would not have been possible without the decades-long support and commitment of many conservation organizations and individuals. Even now, issues like poaching, poor farming methods, deforestation, land degradation, and cultural land ownership persist.
Weather in Serengeti National Park
For several reasons, the Serengeti is a year-round attraction. Due to the park’s proximity to the equator, especially in its northern sections, summer and winter temperatures rarely differ.
All year long, it is generally warm but comfortable, though during the rainy seasons, it can get quite humid.
There are two wet seasons and two dry seasons in Tanzania. The short dry season, which begins in January and February, is known for its warm temperatures, which average about 27°C in the Serengeti region.
Known as the “long rains,” March, April, and May saw temperatures plummet to between 17 25 25°C. Prices are at their lowest during this slow travel season in the Serengeti, but since many game lodges close during this time, it is important to do extensive research before making a reservation.
The long dry season, which lasts from June to mid-October, with temperatures that can range from 13 to 21°C and plenty of sunshine with almost no danger of rain. Additionally, this is the busiest time of year for Serengeti safari lodges.
The return of the rains, referred to as the “short rains,” from mid-October to mid-December, is what makes the Serengeti lush and green in anticipation of the arrival of the hundreds of newborn animals. Around this time of year, the temperature is a nice 26°C.
It’s not as horrible as some people think to visit the Serengeti during this brief rainy season
The days one can spend in the Serengeti.
The basic minimum is two nights to allow you to spend a full day on a game drive if your only goal is to see the wildlife. Even so, you wouldn’t be able to experience everything the Serengeti has to offer before departing.
It could take a bit longer for birdwatchers to visit several ecosystems and see the diverse range of species in the Serengeti. At different times of the day, photographers might need even more time to capture the atmosphere and mood of this area. You may be certain that no two days will be alike since you will see something new on every drive.
South East Plains and Ndutu
Due to the hard volcanic soil, a large portion of the southeast Serengeti plains is nearly treeless and is made up of broad open grasslands. Large numbers of big cats are drawn to this region, especially in the vicinity of Lake Ndutu, by the abundance of herbivores like zebras and wildebeest.
Many additional creatures and a variety of bird species find safety and shelter in the lake’s thinly forested surroundings.There is a lot of excitement and action because so many big cats visit the region.
April through May and beyond would be a wonderful time to visit this location if you want to escape the crowds of tourists. Even though the herds have departed for their yearly migration, there is still a lot of wildlife remaining, and it is much simpler to detect animals because of the short grasses and drying plants.
Numerous safari opportunities are offered by the numerous lodges scattered across the southeast lowlands and the area surrounding Lake Ndutu.
Western Corridor
With miles of verdant trees bordering the banks of both rivers, this terrain is more heavily forested than the southern areas. Additionally, there are large open grasslands that serve as excellent hunting and feeding areas for cheetahs and wildebeest, zebras, impalas, and other bucks. Numerous bird species, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, and hippos in and around the rivers are among the other animals that can be found here.
Animals of almost every species slogging through the landscape fill this passage during the Great Wildebeest Migration. Since thousands of eager crocodiles gather at the main crossing locations, the Grumeti River presents the first significant challenge for the migratory herds.
They stay in the river’s shallow water pools throughout the dry season and might not have fed since the last migration, which was a full year ago. They would be excited for the herds to come, I guess you might say.
Is Are Serengeti Safari Safe
Going on safari with an experienced guide is far safer than driving yourself. Safari guides are well-equipped to know what to do if an animal appears agitated since they have a thorough understanding of animal behavior. Another advantage of scheduling your safari with a tour operator and hiring a guide as opposed to driving yourself is that someone is constantly keeping an eye on the car as you make stops at stores en route to your safari spots. By doing this, opportunistic stealing is avoided. But in my opinion, thievery of this nature is much less common in Tanzania than it is in southern Africa.
Is Serengeti a Malaria Area
Precautions must be taken throughout the year because the Serengeti and Tanzania as a whole are high-risk malaria regions, particularly during the rainy seasons. Anti-malaria tablets are widely accessible, but it is highly advised that you consult your physician or pharmacist to determine which prescription is best for you.
Things to do in Serengeti
1. Hot Air Balloon
The most thrilling part of your entire safari may be floating silently and gently over the trees, following the wind wherever it takes you, while all the drama below is taking place. You can truly appreciate the Serengeti’s immense size and stunning beauty when you get a high-altitude panoramic picture of it.
However, as you can think, the prices are somewhat high. A balloon safari operator must always keep their balloons in good shape and replace them after just 850 flight hours, which comes at a staggering $100,000 per balloon. Additionally, it is not inexpensive to operate in the Serengeti’s isolated regions.
2. Walking Safari
For any daring wildlife fan, walking safaris must undoubtedly offer the ultimate thrill. In some areas of the Serengeti, a small number of safari hotels and travel companies provide walking safaris. Only a few hotels and operators have the permissions necessary to conduct a walking safari, and they are somewhat difficult to obtain.
Grumeti and the regions close to the Serengeti boundaries are two of the Serengeti’s official walking safari destinations.
You will be accompanied on a walking safari by a knowledgeable, armed guide who will provide a detailed briefing before departure and whose guidance must always be followed.
Operators of walking safaris typically operate in isolated locations that aren’t frequently frequented by tourists. This aims to give trekkers a genuine African bush experience free from the cacophony of cars and modern-day races. It can be a very thrilling and amazing experience to walk silently amid animals in the open wilderness for days on end without knowing what lies ahead or sighting a car or a person.
Trekking safaris can range from quick, instructive tours of the lodges or camps that span a few hours to multi-day treks that involve hiking, open-air sleeping, or trekking between already-established sites.
3. Night Game Drives
It may appear calm to drive through game reserves and witness lions and leopards relaxing under trees throughout the day. However, the Serengeti is a completely different place as the sun sets and darkness takes over. At this point, things begin to happen as hunters go on the lookout.
4. Photography in Serengeti
The Serengeti is a photographer’s paradise! Both amateur and professional photographers and filmmakers will find nirvana in the varied scenery, abundant wildlife, long days with bright lighting, and clear night skies.
How to do a Serengeti Safari Booking
It can be difficult to choose and reserve a Tanzania safari because there are so many game parks, hotels, camps, tour companies, and safari varieties, especially for first-time travelers.
However, there’s no need to worry; I’ll give you a summary of each of your four booking choices in this part, along with my personal preference.
Option 1: Self-Drive Safari
Visitors are permitted to drive around a few of Kenya’s national parks and wildlife reserves.
Self-driving safaris appear to be a fantastic way to save money and provide a great deal of flexibility. All you have to do is rent a car, purchase your park admission, and go exploring, right?
Sort of. Even though self-driving cars might seem like a fantastic idea, there are a few advantages and disadvantages to consider before making your choice.
Your ability to identify animals is the first and most crucial item you should consider. There, be truthful with yourself.
When it comes to identifying animals, a local guide can be really helpful. You can find animals with the assistance of guides that you otherwise would not have seen. You have a far better chance of seeing specific animals since they have a network of other guides who can tell them where they are.
Your safari budget is the second thing to think about. On safari, driving yourself could seem like a terrific way to save money, but when you sum everything up, the savings are not as large as you might first believe.
In contrast, Tsavo costs $61 during the high season and $41 during the low season, whereas Amboseli charges $118 during the hot season and $94 during the low season. These costs are per person, per day, and inclusive of tax.
If you intend to visit several parks during your two-week Kenya safari (which I strongly recommend), these expenses quickly mount up.
Whether you have a safari reservation with a travel operator or are going on a self-drive safari, the costs are the same. When calculating the total cost of a self-drive safari, keep in mind that the park fees are typically included in the tour price offered by the majority of tour companies.
Logistics-wise, you’ll need to rent a 4×4. Gas and car rentals can get expensive. Along with being reasonably adept at navigation to avoid getting lost in the parks, you’ll also need to grasp the fundamentals of car maintenance in case you have any problems while on safari.
Option 2: Local Tour Operator
Booking through a local tour operator is, in my opinion, a no-brainer after attempting self-drive safaris and making reservations through both domestic and foreign agencies!
The people on the ground are local tour providers. With a local guide, you’ll see a lot more creatures than you would on your own, and the best ones are intimately familiar with the areas they work in and can handle even the slightest nuances!
Additionally, their cost is not significantly higher than that of a do-it-yourself self-drive safari. Except for your driver’s guide, prices are essentially the same.
However, depending on the local tour operator you choose, your safari experience can vary significantly, so it’s important to do your homework and make an informed decision.
To see what other people have experienced, I advise reading as many guest reviews as you can on Google and Tripadvisor. This is among the best methods to determine if you want to make a reservation with a particular supplier.
As an alternative, you may hire a seasoned travel planner like me to help you go through the various tour alternatives and select the one that’s ideal for you.
Option 3: International Travel Agents
Using an overseas travel agency is an additional choice if you’re not sure that making your reservation through a local operator is the best course of action.
These foreign agents will take care of any problems that come up before, during, and after your trip and can assist you in booking your complete safari from beginning to end.
All of this additional assistance, though, can have a price. In terms of dependability and customer service, making a reservation through an international travel agency can seem like the “safest” choice, but it’s crucial to understand that the majority of foreign tour operators are merely acting as middlemen on safari excursions.
International agents typically mark up the price and then sell it to you after working with local tour operators. The only significant variation is the cost of your safari; otherwise, the final experience is typically the same. So, if you’re on a tight budget, keep that in mind!
International tour operators have the advantage of typically being “bonded,” which theoretically protects your money if they fail before your trip.
Option 4: Fly-In Hotel Safaris
Fly-in safaris are an additional choice if you are time-constrained and have a large budget.
Using light planes, these upscale safaris take visitors throughout a region or nation. Even if you only have a little holiday, this enables you to see a huge area.
Additionally, since you won’t have to drive between parks, you’ll have more time to spend in each reserve. Following your flight, you will drive 4X4s around the parks, enjoying an experience akin to that of a typical driving safari. Be aware, though, that hotel game drives are usually not private, so you will have to share your car with other visitors and vie for the finest views.
For those who wish to pack as much as they can into their trip, fly-in safaris are a good choice. But it makes sense that they are among the priciest excursions available; the cost of the safari package is significantly increased by all those quick flights!
Why Serengeti is Expensive
The largest outlay for safari tourists in Tanzania, as well as in the majority of other African nations, is park fees. Tanzania’s flagship park, the Serengeti National Park, requires constant attention to protect this national asset for upcoming generations worldwide.
Is the Serengeti Safari Worth
Everything is in this national park. Just the scenery is breathtaking. The Serengeti is a national treasure, with its wide savannahs, thickly and sparsely covered woods, rocky mountains, undulating hills, lakes, rivers, and waterholes, as well as its constantly shifting mood and character throughout the year.
Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari Beach
Many tourists who travel to Tanzania like combining mainland safaris with leisure time on the stunning island of Zanzibar.
And since the unique Zanzibar Islands and the warm, clear seas of the Indian Ocean are only four hours distant by plane, it makes perfect sense to combine a tropical island paradise with an amazing safari vacation.
Between Serengeti and Mara, which is Better
Located at the northernmost point of the Serengeti, the Maasai Mara is a part of the same ecosystem as the Serengeti. As a result, they share a lot of characteristics. However, there are also some significant differences among them.
First of all, the Serengeti is far more dispersed than the Maasai Mara since it is over ten times larger. Traveling from one side of the Serengeti to the other can take about ten hours. Given that herbivores are common across the park and predators have established areas, this has minimal bearing on how dispersed the wildlife is.
You can go almost any place in the Maasai Mara since there are a lot more roads there than in the Serengeti, so it’s puzzling why so many people feel the need to go off-road. I suppose the main reason is that drivers strive to impress their guests as much as they can to receive a higher tip.
You can always get near to the action without having to go off-road thanks to the Maasai Mara’s vast road network. One disadvantage is that because they may travel wherever, other cars can quickly ruin pictures and your perspective of the surroundings.
For me, the scenery was one of the most obvious distinctions between the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti. A stunning rift valley wall to the west overlooks the Maasai Mara, which is largely flat. There aren’t many bushes, and the grass is frequently short. The lone acacia tree that occasionally stands out among the vast plains is what gives the Mara its name. In the indigenous Maasai language, “mara” means “spotted,” and acacias are found throughout the savannah.
