Facts about Serengeti National Park
Facts about Serengeti National Park: Serengeti national park is the most visited protected area located in the northern part of Tanzania. it was the first national park in Tanzania in that it was established in 1951 and covers a total area of 14763 square kilometers which is composed of grasslands, woodlands which act as habitat for wildlife species including the big five mammals of elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and black rhinos, different bird species among others. The national park is popularly known for the great wildebeest migration where wildebeests, gazelle, zebras and other antelopes annually cross from Serengeti plains to Masai Mara in Kenya in search of greener pastures. The name Serengeti comes from the Maasai word Siringeti which means a place with endless plains which were formed about 3 to 4 million years ago and harbor large herds of animals.
Attractions in Serengeti national park
Wildlife, the national park harbors abundant wildlife species including animals like wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, hartebeests, waterbucks, impala, hippos, warthogs, reedbuck, elands, topi, black rhinos, predators like lions, spotted hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, serval cats, caracal among others. (Facts about Serengeti National Park)
Great wildebeest migration, this is an extraordinary experience where millions of wildebeests and thousands of gazelle, zebras and other herbivores annually cross the Serengeti Mara ecosystem in search of lush vegetation.
Kopjes, these are beautiful rock outcrops that act as habitats for different flora and provide shelter for wildlife species such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, reptiles, insects among others.
Seronera valley, this is one of the popular areas in the park where you will have great views of big cats like cheetahs, leopards among others.
Birdlife, Serengeti national park is a home of more than 500 bird species including endemic species which are only found in the Serengeti ecosystem, near endemic species which are also found in the neighboring countries, migratory species from Europe among others which make it one of the top birding destinations. Bird species that can be spotted include fischers lovebird, black headed gonolek, grey breasted spurfowl, rufous tailed weaver, grey backed fiscal, yellow throated sandgrouse, silver birds, verreauxs eagle among others.
Retina hippo pool, the hippo pool is situated in the northern part of Seronera and it’s the best area in the park where you will be able to view large herds of hippos and crocodiles in the dry season.
Tourism activities in Serengeti national park (Facts about Serengeti National Park)
Game drives, this is one of the popular activities in Serengeti national park where you will be able to explore the park in the comfort of a 4WDa safari vehicle with the company of a professional driver-guide who is well conversant with different tracks to follow. Game drives in the park are best done in the morning because that’s the time when animals are most active with predators or the hunt and herbivores grazing in the open plains. During the game drive you will have great views of the beautiful landscape, view animals grazing in the open plains, colorful birds among others.
Walking safaris, this is an exciting and adventurous activity where you will explore the park on foot with an experienced guide who is well conversant with different trails in the park and an armed park ranger to protect you from any danger. during the nature walks you will be able to get up-close and personal with different animals in their natural habitats, witness the great wildebeest migration as they cross Grumeti river, listen to sweet birds of singing in the trees, view colorful butterflies, insects, view beautiful sunrise, relax your mind in a quiet environment, take stunning photos among others.
Hot air balloon safaris, this is an adventurous activity where you will explore the park in a hot air balloon with aerial views of the park and animals which will be grazing in the open grasslands. The hot air balloon safari starts very early in the morning at around 5:00am by driving to the starting point where you will see the balloon being filled with hot air. While at the starting you will be briefed about the rules, regulations and expectations to follow during the activity. During the hot air balloon activity you will have spectacular views of the sunrise, animals, birds, tree tops, witness the wildebeest migration among others and after descend back to the starting point where you will have a bush breakfast with a bottle of champagne and a certificate.
Bird watching, the national park is one of the top birding destinations in that it harbors more than 500 bird species including migratory birds, endemic birds, near endemic birds, water birds among others. bird watching in Serengeti national park can be done in the grasslands, woodlands, swamps and around the water bodies where you will be able to sport different bird species such as grey breasted spurfowl, fischers lovebird, kori bustard, rufous tailed weaver, secretary birds, black headed gonolek, red capped robin chat, southern ground hornbill, Hildebrandt’s starling, usambiro barbet, yellow throated sandgrouse, Schalow’s turaco, ruppells vulture, grey crested helmet shrike, grey backed fiscal, verreauxs eagle among others.
Cultural tours, a safari in Serengeti national park wouldn’t be complete without a cultural tour where you will visit the Maasai people in the neighboring communities. During the cultural tour in the park you will be able to interact with the local people, learn more about their culture, tradition, way of living, dressing code, visit their farmlands, homesteads, enjoy their traditional dances among others.
Accommodation in Serengeti national park
There are many accommodation facilities ranging from luxury, midrange, budget and camping sites where you can stay during your safari in Serengeti national park including Serengeti Serena Safari lodge, Zawadi Serengeti camp, Four Seasons safari lodge, Kubu Kubu Tented lodge, Seronera Wildlife lodge, Grumeti Migration camp, Kananga Special Tented camp, Kati Kati Tented camp, Singita Sasakawa lodge, Serengeti Migration camp, Serengeti Sopa lodge, Kenzan Ndutu, Ndutu Safari lodge, Kirumu Ndutu camp, Ndutu Under canvas, Mbugani Migration camp, And beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented camp, Serena Kirawira Tented camp, Mbalageti Serengeti lodge, Kiota Tented camp, Mbuzi Mawe Tented camp, Angata Serengeti , Serengeti Pioneer’s camp, Chaka Tented camp, Lobo Wildlife lodge, Lemala Kuria Hills among others. (Facts about Serengeti National Park)
When to visit Serengeti national park
Serengeti national park can be visited all year round though the best period is during the dry season in the months of June to October because during the dry season vegetation in the park is less which helps you to have great wildlife views of animals grazing in the open plains and also witness the great wildebeest migration.
Serengeti national park can also be visited in the wet season during the months of March to May and November because that is the best time for birding where you will be able to view different migratory bird species from Europe, the wet season is also the best time for calving.
Getting to Serengeti national park
The national park can be accessed by air transport means where you will book scheduled or charter flights from Dar es Salaam or Arusha to one of the airstrips in the park. Flights to the park can however be arranged by your tour operator.
Serengeti national park can also be accessed by road transport from arusha through different park gates such as Naabi hill gate, Ndabaka gate, Ikoma gate, Kleins gate, Tabora B, Ndutu gate, Lamai gate and Handajega gate.
For unforgettable experiences and stunning views of wildlife, the great wildebeest migration, beautiful landscape, colorful bird species Serengeti national is an ideal destination to visit. Do not hesitate to contact Focus East Africa for affordable safari bookings.
