For those who want to live out their ‘out of Africa’ dreams, you can’t bypass a trip to the Serengeti. Possibly the most famous of all parks in Tanzania, the Serengeti is the oldest national park in Tanzania and is a must-see for those in search of lions. The park covers an area of approximately 30,000km2 . The climate is usually warm and dry, except in the two rainy seasons; The long rains are from March to May, and the shorter rains that occur in October and November. The Serengeti hosts the second largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world and is listed as a world heritage site as well as one of the wonders of the world. Almost every animal native to Tanzania can be found in the sweeping plains of the Serengeti.
The topography of the park consists of grassland, savannah, forest, and woodlands. The park is divided into three regions: Serengeti plains, Western corridor and Northern Serengeti.
The plains in the South are the most iconic part of the Serengeti, and, where the wildebeest breed and remain in the plains from December to May.
The western corridor is characterised by the black soil and is host to the Grummet river whilst the North is characterised by woodland and kopjies – great for viewing elephant, giraffe and dik-dik. Birdlife abounds, with white-backed vultures soaring overhead, secretary birds standing by the roadside and colourful Fischer’s lovebirds in the grasslands. Perhaps uniquely among East African parks, the Serengeti has no low season. It is a ‘must see’ and highly rewarding at any time of year.
Highlights:
Wildebeest Migration – This is one of the most famous sites in the Tanzanian wild. Every year people flock to witness the migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebras. The circular great wildebeest migration begins in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area of the southern Serengeti in Tanzania and loops in a clockwise direction through the Serengeti National Park and north towards the Masai Mara reserve in Kenya. The migration usually occurs during the rainy seasons as there is plenty of food for the animals and their young.
Calving Season – In February each year wildebeest and Zebras give birth. This is one of the most amazing sights to witness. In March and April the plains are dotted with adorable baby animals as they explore their surroundings. However, where there are calves and weaker animals predators are also always close by. This is prime hunting season for lions.
Predators – The Serengeti is known to be home to the most exciting of predators. Here you are almost guaranteed to see some action, with lions prowling the land for their next kill!
Balloon Safari – Explore the Serengeti from the skies. Take a balloon safari over the plains of the Serengeti in the fresh morning air .
Species: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, gazelle, wildebeest, maasai giraffe, warthog, topi, common eland, waterbuck, grey duiker, impala, klipspringer, roan antelope, bushbuck, lesser kudu, fringe-eared oryx, hyena, jackals, African golden wolf, honey badger, striped hyena, serval, monkeys…the list goes on!
The Serengeti safari is a once in a lifetime experience and works well with a number of different add-ons and extras. Contact us to find out how we can enhance the trip for you with activities such as walking safaris and more.
