The Park is located in the Serengeti ecosystem in Mara, and Simiyu regions. The name was derived from Masai word Siringet, meaning ‘the place where the land runs forever. It is located northwest of Tanzania, covering 14,750sqkm. The place is full of savanna, riverine forests, woodlands, grassland plains. The park has a water supply from Ikongo and Grumeti Rivers, it’s close to Maswa Game Reserve in Southwest, Loliondo Game Control Area in the Northeast, Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Southeast.
At the sight of it you will have a view of savanna with a few trees and lots of wildlife. It was established in 1951 to protect wildlife. The area was previously a home to Masai people but later they were transferred to Ngorongoro Reserve in 1959. It is the oldest park in the country.
Things to do
As one of the frequented places by tourists, there’s quite a number of things that tourists enjoy doing that you will love. They are as below:
Game Drives
These are enjoyed in the wide surface area that the park has. You will have a close view of wildlife in the savanna. The likes of elephants, rhinos, hippos, wild beasts, among others.
Walking Safaris
These can be enjoyed with in the park during the day or at night, with or without the guide. As you cross through the savanna you catch a sight of wildlife or birds
Horse Riding
For the horse lovers, you will enjoy rides and also take pictures as you ride along. Since you will be raised on horseback, you will enjoy a good view of the park and see animals at distance.
Night drives
These are provided by the lodges where you will be staying. It’s interesting to catch animals at night in their corners, and lions or leopards on trees and see what goes on during the night in the animal world. Most of them will be found enjoying their dinner. Though night drives need professional guides to ride with.
Education and Cultural Activities
Since it’s a conservation area, they also provide lessons about wildlife conservation and protection. They will teach you how to protect yourself from them and how to detect a communication from them to you. You will also get to know more about Tanzanian culture especially the Masai who are close by.
When to go
Unlike other parks, Serengeti can be enjoyed throughout the year however during some months of the year, there could be limited tourist attractions compared to other months. That is the dry and wet seasons. We don’t know when you plan to have your tour but with this information below, you will be able to choose when to go.
Dry Season
The country’s dry season runs from June to October. According to history of the park, this is the best time to enjoy the Park’s attractions. Different months have different peaks of everything.
Good weather
The Weather during this time is generally favorable for both animals and the tourist. Almost every activity can be carried out. There no rains during this time and the sunshine is just perfect. Thus most ideal.
Few bugs
The park is normally invested with flies and mosquitoes most especially during the heavy rains. During this time there no such things that could spread diseases to the visitors.
Wild beast migration
This is the highlight of the park. It happens in the dry season. Animals especially the wild beast in herds move towards the river to quench their thirst. The sight of this is amazing. Most tourists come specifically for this. Past the dry season you won’t be able to see it.
Animals easy to spot
In the dry season animals are easy to spot since they are always on a move, enjoying the weather in their own way. You will get a chance to see even the hard to find. Why would you miss on this?
Busy park
The park during this time registers the biggest number of visitors in the park. So the park has many people and therefore interactions with many people.
The only challenging issue about the wet season is the period from June to August. It is characterized of coldness in the mornings and at night. Tourists are advised to carry warm clothing if such times find them at the park.
Wet Season
This runs from November to May. During this time, some months are better than others. It is not recommended to visit during this time because you will miss out on some of the exciting things in the park.
January to February, there’s calving in Southern Serengeti and visitors that come during this time get to see. Apart from the Wild beasts, other predators can be seen. This time is during the early wet season and it’s not so bad.
Low prices
Since this is not the high peak. Even prices of entrance and accommodation are low compared to the dry season. This shouldn’t drive you to go in for it. You can still enjoy all in the dry season at an affordable price.
Good viewing all year
For all the activities that are available, there’s good viewing since the park is big with few trees, good savanna. You will see very well what is available to see.
Migratory birds
The good thing about the wet season is that it’s the peak for migratory birds. If you’re passionate about birds, this is the time. You will see all birds of different species.
March to April and May
This period is characterized of rains though short. Storms are rare, but in March it’s the peak. So it’s not advised to visit the park.
The park has visitors all the time but to enjoy it to the fullest, the dry season is the best. That is from June through October. During the wet season from November to February you will have a moderate experience with the park and during March through May, you will have a fair experience.
So it’s really necessary to tour Serengeti Park to get the best of everything.
Attractions
Now that you know when to go, these are the best that you shouldn’t miss.
- The Great migration
The most attractor to the park. Herds of wild beasts match towards the river in search for water. It happens every year in the dry season, visitors watch them as they fight for water, crossing the river and not only them but also other animals like Zebras, elephants, giraffes, among others.
- Night game drives
This is attracts many visitors, it can be done with self-drive, although it’s good to have a guide with you. A look out of animals in their hiding places is so nice.
- Masai Village
The previous natives of the area, are many in bomas villages that can be accessed by visitors. They are welcoming and friendly. You can interact with them, enjoy their traditional dance and also buy a souvenir from them.
- Wildlife
There’s vast wildlife in the park. The conservation is so huge and many animals have a home. For example elephants, hippos, elands, leopards, lions, giraffes, zebras, and over 475 species of birds.
- Serengeti Visitors Center
This provides visitors with information about the park. A description of all that you find in the park. Signs and their meaning that you will come across.
- Lodges and hotels
The park has accommodation both in and outside. They have different packages so visitors should look out for what they want. However it’s more advisable to stay not far from the park where one can hear the sound that they make.
- Olduvai Gorge
The place is a UNESCO world Heritage site. It’s close to the park and has old artifacts that were used by early man. Unique tools that were used by first humans on earth can be found.
- Birds of different species
Over 275 species of birds will be at your sight. To enjoy bird watching, come along with binoculars.
Accommodation
They provide two kinds of accommodation. Lodges, and camps and all in three grade. First, second and third. It’s best to get a full package of what they provide.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge
For a luxurious setting, this will be your choice. Has indoor and outdoor activities, provides African meals, traditional dances for entertainment, among others.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Located at the edge of the escarpment overlooking the plains of South Western part of the park. You will view wildlife and has so many services to offer you.
Soroi Serengeti Lodge
Located in the Western region of the park, has canvas chalets with thatched roofs, hosts visitors vising the western region.
Sayari Camp
Located near Mara River, has spacious tents, with wide beds, generally good accommodation, with great view of wildlife.
Singita Sabora tented camp
Located in Grumeti reserves, has great view of wildlife, offers visitors with luxurious service and accommodation.
There are many places of accommodation but ideally it’s better to stay close to the park
