Where is Serengeti?
The Serengeti is the main component of a Northern Tanzania Safari Itinerary. It is a vast stretch of endless plains brimming with wildlife in the North East of Tanzania – Tanzania’s border changes it to Kenya’s famous Masai Mara. It is only a short flight from Arusha (along with many other Northern airstrips!) – a flight you absolutely must consider if you are ever visiting other Northern Tanzania parks. Many travelers also visit Northern Tanzania to experience the vibrant Maasai culture in the Ngorongoro Highlands, but also to go into the Ngorongoro Crater itself. There are also other smaller surrounding parks, Lake Manyara and Tarangire, but these are more “add on” destinations – The Serengeti in our view is the real star of the show.
Maasai people called this park ‘Siringet‘, meaning endless plains. The Serengeti speaks for itself and with good reason not only the migration of over 1 million wildebeest through its plains and woodlands but also unique landscapes and other spectacular wildlife.
The Serengeti is home to the world’s largest populations of Wildebeest, Zebra, Cape Eland, Lion, Cheetah, Hyena and Gazelles. The scenic beauty of the sky with cool nights and warm days makes your visit to this remaining home for great migration of large mammals incredible!
Climate
The climate of the Serengeti National Park is subtropical, with rain season from November to April and dry season from May to October.
The park is located at an altitude between 1,100 and 2,000 meters with annual average rainfall ranging from 900 to 1,000 mm.
Getting there
The park can be accessed by road and air.
Road. Accessed from all towns and cities to the present entry or exit points/gates namely Naabi Hill, Seronera, Ndutu, Kusini, Kirawira, Handajega, Ikoma, Tabora ‘B’, Lamai, Lobo, Ndabaka, Machochwe and Kleins.Air. There are all weather airstrips in the center of the park (Seronera), in the South (Kusini), in the East (Lobo), in the West (Kirawira) and in the North (Kogatende & Lamai). There are scheduled and private charters from Arusha, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro, Musoma, Dar es salaam and Zanzibar.
Attractions
Serengeti National Park, a world-renown, World Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site that has many attractions than any other national park in Africa. The Great Migration, The Big Five, Unique Bird Collections, Endangered Species, Highest concentration of Carnivores and Herbivores, Scenic and Spectacular Landscapes are some of the attractions one will encounter!
The Great Migration
The great wildebeest migration of over 1.3million accompanied by large numbers of zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant’s & Thomson’s gazelle, eland and impala with an annual pattern seeking fresh grazing and water. Having a chance of encountering this phenomena gives you a life time experience from nature.
Highest Concentration of Carnivores
Serengeti has the highest concentration of carnivores especially all the big African cats such as Lions, Leopards, Cheetah and Spotted Hyena! Seeing these powerful predators hunting and sometimes fighting for the territory all makes your day! Please plan a visit!
Largest Concentration of Herbivores
Serengeti has more than 28 species of herbivores including buffalos, wildebeest, zebras, elands, hippos and waterbucks. During game viewing spotting herbivores coloring the endless plains while feeding gives you a thrilling experience!
Endangered Species in Serengeti
Serengeti is one of the last remaining sanctuary for critically endangered Black rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli) as well as endangered African hunting dog!
Diverse Birdlife in serengeti park
With more than 530 species recorded one quarter being those migrating from other parts of the world, the park form an ecological important bird area and ideal place for bird lovers! Some of the species commonly seen are European and Abdim’s storks, Eurasian Roller, Barn Swallows, Fish & Martial Eagles etc.
Cultural & Historical Sites around serengeti
Serengeti is home to many cultures from the famous tribes of Maasai, Sukuma, Kurya and Ikoma. Indigenous maasai ,ikoma use to live in parts of the park before they were resettled outside the park. The present signs which are still visible at famous Maasai Rock Painting, Gong rock and Ikoma ruins marks a special combination of game viewing and human history.
Scenic and Spectacular Landscapes of serengeti
The vast scenic and unspoiled landscapes among others made this area recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. With its vast plains, rolling hills and island of Kopjes increases the beauty of the park
Plants and Insects in serengeti
The park is rich in plant life as well as insects. During the rain seasons the park bust in wild flowers and beautiful butterflies providing exceptional experience to botanists and entomologists
Activities in the park
Having unparalleled attractions ,Serengeti has a number of tourism activities and opportunities for visitors to get the best wildlife experience! Some of these includes Hot Air balloons, Game Drives, Filming and photographic safaris,Walking safaris, Bush meals and Cultural tourism.
Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti
Hot Air balloon which gives visitor a chance to see the park in a different perspective!….Seeing it from the top!
Game Viewing by Vehicles in Serengeti
This is major tourist activity in the park. It gives the visitors an opportunity to see animal comfortably from their vehicles. Don’t miss come and see!
Professional Filming &Photographing in Serengeti
The park is a perfect place for professional photographing, footages and filming. Come and have a snap!
Walking Safaris in Serengeti
The best way to experience nature is on foot. Serengeti offers opportunity for walking safaris in wilderness and normally accompanied by an armed Park Ranger.
Accomodation Facilities
Accommodation options are many from extreme air-conditioned luxury to simple camps, lodges and camping sites. TANAPA oversees the booking and management of Public, Special and seasonal campsites, rest house and bandas.
Public Campsite in Serengeti
Shared campsite with toilets, kitchen, dinning and shades
Special/Seasonal Campsite in Serengeti
These kind of accommodation facilities are available in the park. They range from normal to luxury ones.
Bandas
The self contained rooms with shower block, toilets and cooking/dining area are available
Rest House
The self contained rooms with shower block, toilets and cooking/dining area
Hostels
These are affordable accommodations for students and low budget tourists
Lodges
The park has about 6 Lodges ranging from 3 to 5 star! These are Seronera wildlife lodge, Lobo Wildlife lodgeMelia Serengeti, Four season safari Lodge, Serena and Sopa Lodge
