Where is Serengeti National Park?
What activities are found in Park?
As for activities, Serengeti National Park offers a range of options.
1. Game drives. Serengeti National Park offers what many consider the essence of an African safari. Massive animal herds march across the savannah as far as you can see. And predators never fail to add drama to this idyllic scene.
You won’t need to drive far to spot lions.Cheetahs are common too. Imagine seeing the world’s fastest land animal in full sprint. Leopards are elusive, yet there’s a chance to spot one relaxing in the tall trees near the Seronera River.
2.Bird watching.Bird watching in Serengeti National Park is an exceptional experience. It has given the park’s status as one of Africa’s Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs). Among these, there are five bird species that are unique to this area.
Vultures play an important ecological role, scavenging as part of this cycle. This truly stands as a significant natural phenomenon.
What is the best time to visit Serengeti National Park?
The time varies depending on one’s interests:
- For the Great Migration: The ideal time to witness this spectacular event is June and July in the Western Corridor and around September in the northern part of the park, where dramatic river crossings occur. The bad news is that the movement of the wildebeest depends on the rain and the exact timing of it is unpredictable.
- For General Wildlife Viewing: The dry season from June to October is excellent for wildlife spotting as animals congregate around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense. This period features mostly sunny weather with minimal rainfall, making it easier to spot animals.
- For Bird Watching: November to April is the best time for bird enthusiasts. This period, which coincides with the wet season, sees an influx of migratory birds, adding to the park’s already rich avian diversity.
- For the Calving Season: From January to February, the Ndutu region offers a unique spectacle of wildebeest calving. In this period, you also have the opportunity to see exciting interactions between predators and their prey.
- For Lush Scenery: The green season from November to May brings occasional showers, transforming the Serengeti into a lush, vibrant landscape.
- For a Quieter Experience: Consider visiting in the wet season, particularly in April and May, for a quieter experience with fewer tourists. While the dense vegetation might make wildlife sightings more challenging, the natural beauty of the park is at its most stunning during this time.
One thing to remember is that, the Serengeti offers a fantastic safari experience year-round, with each season offering unique attractions and experiences.
Weather & Climate
The climate in Serengeti National Park is usually moderate and pleasant. Don’t forget to take warm clothing for cooler nights and early mornings.
Serengeti’s Dry season is from June to October. The Wet season consists of two rainy periods: the short rains (November to December) and the long rains (March to May), with a dry spell in between.
How can you get to Park?
Getting to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania involves several options, depending on your starting point, budget, and preferences:
- By Air: The most convenient way to reach Serengeti is by flying. There are multiple airstrips within the park (e.g Seronera, Kogatende). You can take a small aircraft from major cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Kilimanjaro.
- By Road: You can drive to the Serengeti from Arusha, which is the usual starting point for safaris in northern Tanzania. The drive takes approximately 6-8 hours, depending on the exact location in Serengeti and road conditions. The journey offers scenic views and the chance to see the countryside.
- Combining with Other Parks: It’s common to combine a trip to the Serengeti with other nearby attractions.