Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park was established in 1952 and is Africa’s most famous park due to the largest concentration of game on the continent and the migration of millions of wildebeest. ‘Serengeti’ comes from the Maasai language meaning ‘endless plains’ and this rightly describes it. With almost 15.000 km2 (6,000 sq miles), Serengeti National Park is the second largest park in Tanzania. The Park can be divided into 3 sections and these include; firstly, The popular southern/central part (Seronera Valley). It is what the Maasai called the “serengit”, the land of endless plains and it’s classic savannah is dotted with acacias and filled with wildlife. Secondly, the western corridor is marked by the Grumeti River, and has more forests and dense bush. Lastly, the north, Lobo area, meets up with Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve and the least visited section. The captivating landscapes of the Serengeti National Park vary from savannahs with acacia trees and vast grasslands to rising mountains, lakes and swamps. Each area is unique and has its own atmosphere. Because of its natural beauty and variety of plants and animals the park is listed as UNESCO World Heritage
Attractions and activities in Serengeti
Wildebeest migration
The annual wildebeest migration of more than a million wildebeest is probably Serengeti’s main attraction. It is a truly impressive sight to see all those mammals thunder across the Serengeti plains, crossing rivers, in search of water and fresh grass. Mega herds on the move stretch up to 40Km long, covering a distance of some 1000 kilometers. The Great Migration is listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and to visitors its the highlight of their safari. You can witness the wildebeest migration anytime of the year, since the animals migrate in a circle between the Serengeti and Masai Mara (Kenya). Over a million wildebeest and about 200,000 zebras flow south from the northern hills to the southern plains for the short rains every October and November, and then swirl west and north after the long rains in April, May and June.
Wildlife
The endless plains are home to more than 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, 225 cheetahs and 3,500 hyenas. It’s no surprise there are so many predators due to the abundance of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles and buffaloes. The Serengeti is also one of the best places to see the Big Five – rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion and leopard. Almost all the famous African animals are present in this majestic park. This includes rare animal species like the pangolin, East African Oryx, rhino and wild dog.
Moru Kopjes
The Moru kopjes are scattered all throughout Serengeti national park, doting the park beautifully and thus adding scenic beauty to the park. It is not only a hiding place for lions but for also black rhinos that can be found in the vicinity. Offering breathtaking views, the kopjes are made of aged granite that has cracked and eroded owing to exposure to the sun, rain, and wind. Because of their size, the Moru kopjes are the most outstanding and beautiful, and they provide shade and small water pools for animals.
Masai People
During the safari here, you get a chance to visit the Masai people in the outskirts of the park. The Serengeti-mara ecosystem is home to several indigenous tribes, however the most famous one is Masai tribe. Their culture and practices have barely changed over the years thereby giving travelers an opportunity to learn and interact with the locals and experience another culture away from your own. The Maasai still believe in their ancient traditional practices and values. Visiting the Masai people offers an opportunity to learn more about the rich culture and history of these people, be entertained by their local dances and songs, interact with the elders and many more.
Olduvai Gorge
The Olduvai Gorge is the place where Dr. Louse Leaky and his wife discovered the oldest remains of man, believed to be a million years or more. It is often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind” because it is where the very first human remains were excavated by the Leakey family. This legendary gorge has yielded some of the oldest hominid fossils, dating back nearly two million years, offering critical insights into human evolution. The gorge not only draws those interested in archaeology but also captivating visitors with its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Hot Air balloon
A balloon safari in the iconic Serengeti National Park will make your safari a memorable experience. You are collected at around 0500hrs and later driven to the launch site where you are briefed before setting off and later gently fly over the endless plains of the Serengeti. The hot air balloon floats at treetop height above the baobabs and acacias so that you can see the animals nearby. Watching the wildlife below from your balloon is a fascinating and peaceful experience that comes with breathtaking panoramic views. During this activity, you may see nocturnal animals that you could not have encountered any other way.
Birds
There are over 500 birds in Serengeti national Park making it a birding destination for birders. The Park is indeed one of the best places to see a variety of birds, with sightings of birds like ostriches, flamingos, eagles, Kori bustard, African Fish Eagle, Ostrich, Grey-throated spurfowl, Rufous-tailed weaver, Schalow’s wheatear, Grey-crested helmet shrike, Red-throated tit, Schalow’s turaco, Secretary bird, and Fischer’s Lovebird, among others.
