Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is the size of Northern Ireland, an overwhelming safari experience that takes you across the most diverse, spectacular and undisturbed natural habitats in Africa. Time your visit to the Serengeti to coincide with the annual wildebeest migration, as this is a life-punctuating sight not to be missed and one of the greatest wildlife shows on the globe.  It would be a shame if you didn’t also spend a day game driving in the adjoining Ngorongoro Crater, part of the massive Serengeti ecosystem, as this is a piece of paradise with natural beauty and mammal populations almost beyond imagination.

The Wildebeest Migration, Incredible Wildlife and Other Highlights

1.5 Million Wildebeest Migrate

You won’t find this experience anywhere else in the world, it is beyond comparison. Witness the movement of over 2 million animals as 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra and 200,000 gazelle make the long migration from the Serengeti plains to the Maasai Mara, in search of fresh pasture and water. Park your vehicle in view of the Mara River to see the wildebeest swim for their lives as they try to avoid the crocodiles preying on them. The big cats will have awaited their prey’s migration with baited breath, and it is likely you will see some dynamic life or death events as the wildebeest cross the landscape en masse. This is a relentless journey for the wildebeest and no two years are ever the same.

The Incredible Wildlife

The Serengeti has a treasure of wildlife and in great abundance.  You will see the “Big Five” namely elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo and lion. If you are lucky enough, you might be able to witness a lion or leopard kill, and the arrival of the scavengers wanting their portion of the animal kill.  Always when there is an animal kill the Hyenas, jackals, wild dogs and vultures arrive in their numbers to have a meal.  It is best to go game viewing early in the morning, and also near sunset.  African sunsets are a romantic and colourful experience which will invigorate you by their beauty. It is not unusual to see Maasai Herdsmen attending to their cattle with their colourful dress and spears to protect them from wild animals.  The Maasai Tribe reside in the Serengeti and have done so for many years.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is part of the Serengeti ecosystem, and spending a day here is the ideal finale to your Serengeti safari experience. The Ngorongoro Creater is an extinct volcano with walls 600m high, creating the shape of a giant amphitheatre. Marvel at the unusually high concentration of wildlife grazing and drinking in the Crater, and scenery that can be likened to a natural paradise. Within a day, you can see not just the Big Five, but up to 20,000 mammals across the finest 10 mile stretch of landscapes in Tanzania. 

Activities

Game driving is the most popular activity in the Serengeti and you can drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area via Olduvai Gorge - the “cradle of mankind” and one of the most important and controversial Palaeolithic finds in recent history.  You can visit a traditional Maasai village or “boma” to engage with the Maasai people and learn about their history, culture and way of life.  Sunset is a special time in Africa as the weather cools down, the birds go to bed and the nocturnal animals come out of hiding.  The night comes alive with the sounds of the bush and you can sip your cocktails and watch this spectacular event. Most of the lodges offer game walks into the bush and you will be guided by experienced rangers who will explain the habits and names of the numerous animals. One of the most exciting activities is to take a Hot Air Balloon Safari to witness the vastness of the plains and the array of wildlife below.

Accommodation 

Accommodation in the Serengeti National Park is as varied as the animals that make their home in the lush grasslands.  Make your choice from romantic tented camps, to exclusive safari lodges, as well as private villas.  The exclusive lodges have spectacular views of the Crater and you can wake up and witness a scene which is hard to beat. Camping is available, but be aware that some camping sites are not of a good standard and it is best to do your research. The Serengeti is an all-year destination, but if you are looking for accommodation to coincide with the wildebeest migration, then book well in advance as this is a busy time of year. 

Best Time to Visit 

Game viewing in the Serengeti National Park is good throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September.  The wildebeest migration is at its most spectacular during June and July.  The wildebeest calving season is at the end of January to February, when several hundred thousand calves are born.

How to Get There

Fly to Kilamanjaro International from Dar es Salaam. Then take a taxi or airport shuttle to Arusha, 45km away and a 40 minute drive. At Arusha, you can choose either a private coach which takes you to the heart of the Serengeti, or a chartered flight to one of Serengeti’s airstrips. Flying is the best option, as the 8 hour coach ride is rather bumpy and uncomfortable.