Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s most famous national park located in the Northern part of the country. The park is one the national parks that make the Great North Tourist Corridor of Tanzania which consists of Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP, Tarangire NP and Serengeti itself. This National Park is the largest national park of Tanzania as it covers over 14763 sq km stretching into Southern Kenya with an area of about 1.5 hectares. Serengeti Park Tanzania was named after the Maasai local word “Siringet” which means an open endless plain. One thing that makes this beautiful National park of Tanzania unique is the annual wildebeest migration that consists of wildebeests and Zebras migrating to Maasai Mara National Reserve of Kenya via the Maasai Mara River.
Establishment of the Serengeti National Park
Originally, before foreigners visited the now called Serengeti National Park, it was a grazing place and home to the Maasai people who used to graze their cattle in the endless plains. Around 1930, an area of about 2,286 square kilometers was established as a national game reserve which is now the southern region of the great Serengeti National Park.
During 1937, spot hunting was allowed in this reserve but later stopped after noticing that high numbers of animals were killed. In 1940, this reserve was made a protected area leading to the establishment of Serengeti National Park in 1951. At that time, the park was made of the southern Serengeti area and the Ngorongoro highlands, with its headquarters at the Ngorongoro crater rim.
By then, the Serengeti National Park consisted of what is now known as the Ngorongoro conservation area. Around 1959, Ngorongoro Conservation area was split from Serengeti and boundaries of the Serengeti National Park were extended to the Kenya border. This was due to the fear of the Maasai people who were scared that they would be evicted from their home land from where they used to graze their cattle.
What to see in Serengeti National Park of Tanzania
Being the most visited and famous national park in Tanzania, Serengeti has a lot to offer to tourists and locals looking for a unique Tanzania safari adventure. The park harbors a large number of wildlife species which makes it a very unique tourist destination. It has endless grass lands dotted with acacia trees, rivers and kopjes that act as habitats for the different wildlife species.
While on a safari in Serengeti National Park, you should highly expect encountering the big five animals of Africa. These include; Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, African Elephants and Rhinos. Besides the big five, the park harbors many other animals such as Giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, topi, kongoni, eland, among others.
Among what to see in Serengeti National Park are different species of birds such as grey-crested helmet shrike, red-throated tit, grey-throated spurfowl, scharlow’s wheatear and many more.
What to do in Serengeti National Park – Tourist activities in Serengeti
Wildebeest Migration
Witnessing the wildebeest migration is one of the most interesting things to do while on a self drive safari in Serengeti National parks.
This great migration consists of over 1.6 million herbivores (zebras, wildebeests and gazelles) migrating between Serengeti and Maasai Mara National reserve annually.
Visit the Masai People
A trip to this national park without visiting the Masai People will always remain incomplete. This amazing group of people anciently lived and grazed their cattle with in the now called Serengeti National park. Once you pay a visit to the Masai People, you will have an amazing entertainment as they perform their cultural dances and narrate their historical stories.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
This is another unique activity that attracts many tourists to Serengeti National Park. Hot air balloons is one of the most breathtaking and memorable activities you shouldn’t miss while on a self drive Tanzania safari in Serengeti. Hot air balloon safaris usually begin very early in the morning and lasts for only one hour. Hot air balloon safaris are once in a lifetime.
Guided Nature walks
Explore the vast savannah grasslands as guides share very interesting information and facts about nature in Serengeti National Park. Nature walks in Serengeti also offer an opportunity to learn more about wildlife conservation. You will also witness a number of wildlife species in their habitats.
Game drives
Game drives in this park are best done during the early morning hours, afternoon and in the evening. During game drives in Serengeti, tourists should expect spotting a number of animals such as; lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, cheetahs, leopards among others.
Bird Watching
Serengeti National Park harbors a lot of birds that can be easily be spotted during safaris in park premises. The park harbors over 500 bird species. While on a birding safari in this great national park of Kenya, one should expect to spot birds such as Kori bustard, grey- backed fiscal, rufous-tailed weaver among others.
By Road
The most popular and cost effective way to get to Serengeti NP is by road. Safari trips to Serengeti usually start from Arusha town. A drive from Arusha to Serengeti will take 7 to 8 hours. In most cases, travelers choose to visit different national parks in the northern circuit as they get closer to Serengeti National park.
Instead of driving for such a long period of time, it is very thoughtful to visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Tarangire National Park. From Tarangire, This will help to maximize your itinerary and enhance your travel experience.
By Flight
The easiest, most convenient and fastest way to access Serengeti National park is by flight. There are scheduled flights at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania.
From there, travelers can connect to the Seronera Airstrip within the national park. From Kilimanjaro Airstrip, it will take you approximately 1 to 2 hours to reach Seronera Airstrip which is strategically situated in the heart of the Serengeti National park, allowing tourists to start their safari immediately upon arrival.
Accommodation in Serengeti National Park
Four Seasons Safari Lodge (luxury)
This lodge is located deep in the heart of Serengeti National Park and it offers an unparalleled safari experience. In this allowing travelers to witness the diverse wildlife of Serengeti. With its luxurious and elegantly designed rooms, travelers can enjoy comfortable nights as they immerse themselves in wild nature.
Four Seasons Safari lodge boasts a variety of amenities, such as a refreshing infinity pool. After a long day on a safari, travelers can unwind as they observe breathtaking views during the sun set.
Seronera Wildlife Lodge (Mid-range)
Situated in the central region of the park, Seronera Wildlife Lodge offers extensive views of the Serengeti Plains. It provides comfortable rooms with beautiful views of the wilderness, giving visitors a chance to immerse their selves in the beauty of the Serengeti savannah.
Seronera Wildlife Lodge offers a range of amenities such as a swimming pool, restaurant, and a fully stocked bar. With its strategic location and comfortable rooms, Seronera Wildlife Lodge stands out to be a popular choice for travelers seeking an immersive safari experience.
Africa Safari Maasai Boma (Budget)
Located near The Klein’s Gate of Serengeti Park, the Africa Safari Maasai Boma offers a unique cultural experience. From its name Maasai Boma, it belongs to the Maasai people who are known for their vibrant culture and traditional way of life. They warmly welcome visitors to learn about their unique culture and tradition.
While at Africa Safari Maasai Boma, tourists can have a chance to witness unique traditional dances as they interact with the Maasai community. The Lodge is situated within stunning landscapes of the Serengeti, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife.
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