Serengeti National Park Tanzania Africa

Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s world-known park for its unbelievable scenery and magnificent wildlife, showing the annual migration of millions of white-bearded wildebeest and 250,000 zebras.

Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park covers about 14,763 km² of riverine forest, grassland plains, savannah, and woodlands. This park is the leading destination among Tanzania’s northern safari parks encompassing Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park & Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Travelers undertaking Serengeti safari tours should expect to spot millions of wild animals and enjoy the breathtaking golden scenery of the African bush. The most popular game animals in Serengeti National Park are lion prides, wildebeests, spotted hyenas, cheetahs, African elephants, buffalos, Nubian giraffes, wild dogs, plus various antelope species and birds.

During wildlife tours in Serengeti park, you can enjoy game viewing expeditions including; game drives, hot air balloon safaris, guided game walks, plus wildebeest migration watching, among others.

Tanzania wildlife trips to Serengeti park are open for visitors year-round since Serengeti National Park weather is pleasant.

Serengeti National Park Location- Where is the Serengeti Located in Africa?

Serengeti park is situated in north west of Tanzania and on its northern side, Serengeti National Park is bordered by Kenya where it connects with Masai Mara Game Reserve.

The southern Serengeti lies Ngorongoro Conservation Area, to the north east and east is the Loliondo Game Control Area, to the southwest is Maswa Game Reserve, and its west there lies Ikorongo and Grumeti Game Reserves. All these reserves combine to form the larger Serengeti ecosystem!

History of Serengeti National Park in Africa

In 1930, an area of around 2,286km2 was designated as a national reserve in southern and eastern Serengeti. The government of Tanganyika established in 1930 a system of national parks compliant with the Convention Relative to the Preservation of Fauna and Flora in their Natural State.

This area became a park in 1940. Strict movement of the resident Maasai people in this park was finalized in 1951.

Facts About Serengeti National Park

• Serengeti National Park holds the largest migration of animals in the world called- the wildebeest migration. This annual migration is between Kenya’s Masai Mara & Serengeti NP
• Serengeti plains of Tanzania hold over 2 million ungulates, 4000 Lions, plus other big cats
• Tree climbing Lions have been spotted in Serengeti
• The name Serengeti is a Maasai dialect which means- the endless plains, describing a vast area where the land runs forever.

Major Attractions in Serengeti National Park

Visitors on Tanzania wildlife safari tours in Serengeti should be eager to explore various amazing attractions in Serengeti National Park. These include hundreds of wild animals and the beautiful golden scenery unmatched by any African safari destination, etc.

The top tourist attractions in Serengeti park land;

1. Game Animal of Serengeti National Park

Game animals are the most amazing attractions in Serengeti park, home to over 90 mammal species.  Around 4000 Lions, 550 cheetah population, 1000 leopards, and over 2 million ungulates dwell in Serengeti plains. Animal concentration in this world heritage is undoubtedly amazing and this makes it the best destination for African wildlife safaris.

In most cases, during the Serengeti safari adventure, animals are spotted during game drives in the central part, southern plains, and even in the northern Serengeti plains.

2. Beautiful Bird Species in Serengeti Park

Over 500 bird species have been recorded in Serengeti NP. This great bird checklist is due to various habitats in Serengeti park ideal for savannah birds, migratory bird species, wading, and those in woodlands.

Among the most sought-after birds in Serengeti park include; the Secretary bird, Silverbird, Southern ground hornbill, Kori bustard, and Lilac-breasted roller.

3. The Great Wildebeest Migration

Wildebeest Great Migration is an annual mind-blowing experience and it has become a great amazing tourist attraction in Serengeti park land. It’s an amazing wildlife phenomenon where a million Wildebeests mixed with countless Zebras plus Gazelle transverse Serengeti plains looking for greener pasture.

The great migration of wildebeest is an annual movement of wildebeests from Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve to the Serengeti plains. All these great national parks (protected areas) are in the same ecosystem- Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

4. Olduvai Gorge

This is another wonderful attraction in the east of Serengeti park on the boundary of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Olduvai Gorge is a site where Dr. Louis Leak a great archaeologist discovered the skull of early man- believed to have lived over a million years ago.

It’s a wonderful site to explore for travelers interested in learning about man’s evolution.

5. Moru Kopjes in Central Serengeti Plains

Moru Kopjes is the only place to spot Black Rhinos during wildlife safari tours in Serengeti park. Apart from the Black Rhino population, predators like Cheetahs, Leopards, Hyenas, Lion prides, and even Giraffes, big Elephant herds, and large herds of Zebras can be spotted here.

6. Retina Hippo Pool

The Retina Hippo Pool is found where Seronera River and Orangi converge. This area holds a deep puddle pool of water holding countless Hippos amazing to watch as they swim, play, and fight in the water.

7. Grumeti River

Though less visited, the Grumeti River is also infested with Crocodiles just like the Mara River. If you explore this river at the right time, it’s amusing to watch wildebeests and Zebras crossing this crocodile-infested river.

8. Seronera River Valley in Southern Serengeti Park

Seronera River Valley is famous for its great natural beauty ideal for photography. It holds scenic grasslands, flowing rivers, gorges, and vast plains dotted with game animals including big Zebra herds, Bat-eared foxes, Wildebeests, Giraffes, Elephant herds, and Buffalos, among others.

This valley is a summary of the picturesque fauna & flora of Serengeti park!

9. Local People- The Maasai People in Eastern Serengeti

The Masai people are amazing indigenous people living in the eastern portion of Serengeti park. These pastoral people have lived within this area for over 200 years and have a fascinating culture worth exploring.

On booking your Tanzania Serengeti safari tours with Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd, this cultural experience can be included on your visit.

10. The Bologonja Springs

The Bologonja Springs is a spotting center for wildlife in the Serengeti, but surprisingly, not a lot of tourists visit the area.

If you want to enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna of the Serengeti without having to put up with the hassles of tourists, this is the best place for you. These springs draw several animals- including Giraffes, African Elephants & Antelopes. This is also a wonderful region for people to go bird-watching!

Best Safari activities in Serengeti National Park, Major things to do in Serengeti National Park

Globally, tourist activities in Serengeti park offer the best amazing experience for game-viewing safaris.

Here are amazing things to do in Serengeti National Park by tourists on Tanzania wildlife viewing tours.

1. Watching the Migration of Wildebeests

Watching the wildebeest migration is the main reason why tourists from all over the world visit the Serengeti. And we can’t say we blame them either.

Globally, the Wildebeest migration is the largest migration of animals, and it is a sight to behold. The sight of millions of mammals stampeding across the vast wilderness with all kinds of predators close at heels will definitely make you realize the grand scale of things, and discover the delicate balance of nature.

June- late August is the ideal time for the migration of wildebeests- one of the best thrilling natural wonders of the world!

2. Game Drives in Serengeti National Park

Travelers on the Serengeti National Park safari tour can opt to go for early morning game drives, afternoon game drives, or an evening game drive. It’s also possible to undertake a full-day game drive. They are done in a safari vehicle having a rooftop!

Having a game drive is the best way to spot millions of wild animals in Serengeti park. During the drive in beautiful endless plains, you’ll be on the look for Lion prides, African Elephants, Cheetahs, Leopards, Wild dogs, Giraffes, Zebras, and Buffalos, to mention but a few.

Expect to spot different wildlife species in Tanzania’s Serengeti park.

3. Bird Watching

Travelers coming for Tanzania birding tours hardly miss up on bird-watching safaris in Tanzania! This world heritage site- Serengeti holds over 500 bird species including migratory birds, woodland, savannah, and even some bird species in the Lake Victoria biome.

The notable bird species in Serengeti park include; Ostrich (two species), African Fish Eagle, Lilac-breasted roller, Pelicans, Herons, Kingfishers, Bee-eaters, Secretary bird, Vultures, Kori Bustard, and, Flamingos, etc.

Serengeti birding tours are open year-round.

4. Hot Air Balloon Rides

Taking a hot air balloon ride is a unique and best way to explore the beautiful landscape of Serengeti park with a bird’s view. During the ride, be expectant to enjoy the beautiful natural views of nature and spot million wildebeests and other ungulates including, Elephant herds, Giraffes, plus various species of birds.

5. Going for Cultural Experiences

Traveling to Serengeti National Park without visiting a Maasai village is an incomplete safari adventure.

The Maasai are semi-nomadic people who have lived in Kenya and Tanzania for a very long time. You can experience the Maasai way of life in their Bomas (village-like communities). Maasai are very welcoming and are eager to share information about their customs, lifestyle, and traditions. There are a variety of circuits that offer visits to these Maasai villages.

On booking your Serengeti safari tour with us, we can schedule for you a private village trip to Masai villages.

Other Amazing Tourist Activities in Serengeti for Tourists on Tanzania Wildlife Safaris in Serengeti Park

• Visiting Seronera River Valley
• Explore the Olduvai Gorge
• Undertake a tour to Moru Kopjes
• Visit the Grumeti River
• Explore Retina Hippo Pool
• Horseback riding &
• Game walks

Getting to Serengeti National Park- How to Get to Serengeti National Park Safari?

Most trips to Serengeti park start from Arusha which is around 29 miles from Kilimanjaro airport.

Getting to Serengeti Park By Air

The most convenient means! From Arusha, you’ll board a chartered flight to Serengeti- taking about 1-2 hours.

Traveling to Serengeti By Road

This drive takes around 6-8 hours however, several stopovers can be made for example in Tarangire park, Lake Manyara, Arusha park, and Ngorongoro Crater.

When is the Best time to Visit Serengeti National Park Tanzania?

Serengeti safari tours can be done year-round but, the best season to visit Serengeti park is the dry season- January to February or from June through September. In this season, the grass is dry, and game-viewing expeditions are at their best even Mara River crossing. However, expect to find many safari vehicles in the park as it’s the peak season.

Tours are also possible in the rain season- March to May.

Accommodation in Serengeti National Park Tanzania

Be expectant to find various accommodations or lodges in Serengeti National Park. There are many public campsites ($30/adult), special campsites ($50/adult), and tented camps.

Most lodges are found within the three regions of Serengeti including the Central Serengeti region & the western corridor. Book your accommodations in advance, especially in peak season!

The best lodges in Serengeti park include;

1. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

It borders the south of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater Area- home to the largest unflooded caldera in the world. This lodge is established on the crater’s edge looking out over this immense natural wonder divided into three separate camps- North, South, and Tree Camp with about 30 rooms housed in individual thatched huts.

1. Serengeti Safari Lodge

Serengeti Safari Lodge is set on an elevation on a load of a tree-clad ridge, imposing panoramic views across the Serengeti plains.

It’s located adjacent to the well-known Western Corridor and Grumeti River, the lodge has been considered to blend completely into the living scenery.

iii. Ikoma Tented Camp

Set in the center of an unbelievable setting of savannah and skies, you find Ikoma Tented Camp, comfortable in a grove of acacia trees.

This wonderful camp is ideally located at the border of the world renowned Serengeti park, along the path of the migrating wildebeests between Kenya and Tanzania.

1. Serengeti Sopa Lodge

Serengeti Sopa Lodge is located on the edge of the escarpment overseeing the plains of the south western Serengeti National Park, home to many thousands of rare animals.

FAQs About Serengeti National Park

1.  What Is So Special About Serengeti National Park?

Africa Serengeti National Park is famous for its great wildebeest migration. It’s also home to the highest concentration of the African Big Five plus other wildlife species including predators in Africa.

2. In Which Country Is the Serengeti National Park Located: Is Serengeti In Kenya Or Tanzania?

Serengeti park is situated in Tanzania. It’s in the same unique ecosystem as Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve.

3. How Many Days Do You Need in Serengeti?

A minimum of 4 days is enough to explore the vast Serengeti park land. During these days you will enjoy game drives and even tour most attractions of this area.

4. How Much Does It Cost to Enter Serengeti?

It’s $60 for Adults while children between 5 -15 years pay $20 to enter Serengeti park.

5. How to Tour Serengeti on a Budget?

The best way to enjoy Serengeti safari tours on a budget is by booking your trip with a local travel agent. Also, you should use budget lodges and travel by road mostly.

6. Can I Self Drive in Serengeti?

Yes, self-drivies can be done on your Serengeti safari holiday however, getting a tour guide offers the most rewarding wildlife viewing experience!

7. What to Wear on Serengeti Safari Tour?

Eco-friendly clothes are great. These include clothes in green, khaki, and brown since they don’t pick up dust easily on a game drive. A sweater can be put on during the early morning game drive.

8. What to Pack for Serengeti Safari?

Don’t pack a lot, just move with only what you’ll need on your Tanzania safari in Serengeti. We recommend you have a camera, day backpack, sunscreens, sunhat, sunglasses, and personal toiletries.

In summary, most people agree that a Tanzanian wildlife tour is incomplete without the inclusion of the Serengeti National Park! It’s described as Africa’s best safari destination– and one that surpasses all expectations.

The greatness of the Serengeti park, however, is not only about wildebeest migration. Its wildlife sightings are spectacular at all times of the year and the park’s abundance of lions, cheetahs, leopards and spotted hyenas makes it a very exciting destination. The Serengeti ecosystem has such a wide range of animal species; it’s really a place where you can ‘see it all.

Book your African Tanzania safari tour with us only travel with experts for a rewarding game-viewing experience.