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SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Tanzania’s oldest national park is also its most popular. The vast and incredible Serengeti, located in Northern Tanzania, has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often said to be home to “the seventh wonder of the world”. For those who have experienced the Serengeti beauty and the migration, it’s easy to see why. The Serengeti is inarguably Tanzania’s best national park when it comes to wildlife; abundant with our planet’s most exotic animals (including elephants, giraffes, leopards, lions and buffalo), a visit to the Serengeti is nothing short of a magical experience. But what the park is undoubtedly best known for is the annual wildebeest migration. Visitors can witness the sound and sight of over six million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle scampering through the open plains in a hurry to find food and grazing, providing one of the most exhilarating game viewing experiences in the whole of Africa.
If you’re looking for a magical destination for your next African safari, Tanzania and Serengeti National Park can offer you a trip of a lifetime. Read on for our ultimate guide to getting the best out of Tanzania’s most impressive ecosystem.
Why Serengeti?
The Serengeti is one of the most exciting national parks to visit in Africa. It’s complex and remarkable biome of animals, wildlife and vegetation is truly fascinating. Here are 7 interesting facts which you may not have known about Tanzania and the Serengeti.
1.It's the oldest ecosystem on the Earth.
The Serengeti National Park ecosystem is the oldest known ecosystem on earth, and, as a result it is home to the most unique wildlife and vegetation that can’t be found anywhere else.
2.The Great migration is a "wonder of the world".
The Serengeti National Park plays host to one of the most spectacular sights in the world; when over six million animals cross the Mara River in synchronisation to search for new pastures.
3.Some Animals don't Survive the Migration.
Not all animals will survive the migration as the Mara River is home to African crocodiles and other carnivore species which will attack the migrating wildebeest, zebra and gazelle.
4.Serengeti has Stayed the Same Even after Million years.
The national park is so well preserved that its ecosystem has changed very little, even after more than 1 million years.
5| The Park is Home to the Only Active Volcano in the Area
The Ol Doinyo Lengai (AKA “Mountain of the Gods”) is an active volcano within the park and its last recorded eruption was in 2007.
6.Serengeti is Home to the Maa Community
The Massai are just one of the many tribes within the Maa community and they still practice ancient rituals to this day.
7| Serengeti National Park is Cheap for Tourists.
Serengeti National Park is one of the cheapest parks to visit in the country of Tanzania. The entrance fee is very affordable and you will get great value for money in terms of game viewing and wildlife spotting.
WHEN TO GO?
The best time to visit the Serengeti National Park is in the Dry season (from late June to October). This period offers the best wildlife viewing in general – with the wildebeest migration as its absolute highlight. Wildlife viewing is good throughout the year, but certain areas are better at specific times. The timing of the migration varies every year (the best chance of seeing it is during June and July) while the wildebeest calving is from late January to February.
June to October –Dry Season.
June and July are the best months to see the wildebeest migration in the western corridor and August to September in the north of the park
Animals are easier to spot since they concentrate around waterholes and rivers and the vegetation is less thick
Mostly sunny and there is very little rain
Few mosquitoes and the chance of contracting malaria is minimal
It gets quite crowded around the Seronera area
Mornings and nights get cold – warm clothing is recommended.
November to May –Wet Season
Late January to February is the time to see the calving – this is an excellent time to see predator action
The scenery is lush
April and May are low season, so it's usually less crowded and rates might be lower
Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, the Serengeti offers good wildlife viewing throughout the year
Migratory birds are present and bird-watching is at its best
Except for March, April and May, rains are mostly short afternoon storms and seldom interfere with your trip
March to May is the peak of the Wet season.