Located at the heart of the East African region is one of the best locations for safari and wildlife adventures, Serengeti National Park. Very few safari and wildlife destinations across the globe can match the biodiversity and adventure that Serengeti offers. Since the Maasai people originally populated the area, the park was given a Maasai name, Serengeti, which was derived from a Maasai word, Seringit (meaning ‘endless plains’). This complete safari guide highlights some of the unique aspects of the Serengeti, the best time to visit, available safari options, popular wildlife, safari tips for first-timers, cultural insights, and sustainable safari practices.
Why Visit Serengeti National Park?
Serengeti National Park is an important symbol of African wildlife as it attracts tourists from across the globe because of its wildlife diversity and breathtaking landscapes. The Serengeti ecosystem and its biodiversity make it one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Therefore, it is a must-visit destination for tourists who desire to get a general snapshot of African wildlife. To top it all off, once a year around July, the Great Migration, a natural wonder of the world, takes place in the Tanzanian Serengeti and the Kenyan Maasai Mara, which are divided by national border lines. Millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles travel across the region in search of fresh pasture. During this time, they cross the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River creating a breathtaking spectacle.
The Best Time to Visit the Serengeti
The best time to embark on a Safari adventure at the Serengeti is from June to October, which is the region’s dry season. This period is the high or peak season of the Serengeti. The presence of limited rainfall during this period forces wildlife to visit waterholes and rivers to obtain drinking water. The bushes in the savannah are thinning and drying out making it easy to spot wildlife. This is the same period when the Great Migration takes place at the Serengeti, making it an ideal time for international tourists to visit the park. An important point to note is that since this is the peak season, the park may be crowded with other tourists. Therefore, consider booking your accommodation and wildlife tours in advance.
Tourists must also consider visiting during the rainy season, April to May. During this period, the dry savannah becomes lush and green, and the birthing season begins. This is part of the low season so most lodges may close as they wait for the high season. Therefore, this is the best time to visit if you would like to avoid crowds and are looking to save some coins.
Available Safari Options at the Serengeti
Depending on one’s goals and budget, one can explore the Serengeti using guided tours, self-drive, or hot-air balloon options. Guided tours are usually recommended for tourists who hope to witness the Great Migration, among other natural phenomena, up close. During these tours, tourists are ferried in tour vehicles (vans and cruisers) that are driven by expert tour guides. This is a great way to experience the Serengeti because the tour guides are very knowledgeable about the routes to use and the hotspots for wildlife sightings. Therefore, they move from one point to another to ensure that tourists get the best experience.
The self-drive option involves procuring a vehicle in Tanzania and driving it through the Serengeti. This option is cost-effective and is recommended for tourists who are more familiar with the area. Maps of the region are often provided at the gate of the Serengeti to aid in one’s exploration.
The hot-air balloon option is a unique way to experience the Serengeti and the Great Migration from a bird-eye view. Tourists who pick this mode of transportation may have a better perspective of the size of the herd of wildlife crossing the Mara River. This option is popular for the spectacular view it gives of the entire National Park. However, it may be challenging to predict the exact time the Great Migration may take place. Therefore, this option requires a lot of patience.
Popular Wildlife in the Serengeti
The Serengeti is one of the wildlife destinations in Africa where tourists can spot the Big Five; lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos. With the right guidance, tourists can manage to spot the Big Five in a single day’s tour. The important thing is to understand the right time to take the wildlife tour. Early morning and late night tours are becoming increasingly popular because this is when the cat family comes out to hunt. During the day, it is easy to spot animals like elephants, buffalos, cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, wild dogs, rhinos, zebras, birds, wildebeests, and antelopes. Tour guides can be really helpful in spotting all these animals.
Safari Tips for First-Timers
Before embarking on a trip to Tanzania’s Serengeti, ensure that you pack clothes for both warm and cold weather. During the Serengeti dry season, it is usually hot during the day and cold during the night. Therefore, it is important to be prepared for both extremes. Additionally, ensure that your vaccinations are up-to-date. Tanzania is a malaria hotspot therefore all tourists must ensure that they administer malaria measures such as taking prophylaxis. Create a safari packing list to ensure that you do not forget any important things. Other things to consider carrying include sunscreen, sandals, sunglasses, binoculars, and a camera. During your visit to the Serengeti, ensure that you respect wildlife by refraining from littering in the park and adhering to all other rules stated by the wardens.
Cultural Insights
A common practice by tourists visiting the Serengeti is interaction with local communities. The Maasai tribe makes up the majority of the population in the Serengeti area. Therefore, tourists are more likely to engage with them more than any other community. Tourists must engage with them respectably and sustainably. In many cases, the Serengeti local communities may entertain tourists with folk songs and dances. It is polite to participate and engage with them and in cases where possible, provide a small tip to the community.
Sustainable Safari Practices
Tourists can actively take part in environmental conservation at Serengeti by minimizing their carbon footprint during their visit. They can do so by staying in eco-lodges (which are eco-friendly lodges), respecting wildlife, and minimizing their plastic use. Additionally, tourists can support conservation initiatives by volunteering, spreading the word, and donating to a worthy cause. These actions can go a long way towards Serengeti’s conservation.
The Serengeti National Park is an ideal safari destination for both local and international tourists. The diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscape of Serengeti are more than reason enough to visit this wonderful destination. Several Tanzanian tour companies, such as Safari Bookings and Safari Ventures, are available to facilitate your stay and tour of the beautiful Serengeti ecosystem. What are you waiting for? Adventure awaits!
References
Africa Safari Travellers. (2024). Exploring the wonders of Serengeti National Park In July. https://africasafaritravellers.com/exploring-the-wonders-of-serengeti-national-park-in-july/
Safari Ventures. (2023). The Wonders of Serengeti National Park Animals- A Guide to Its Rich and Diverse Animal Kingdom. https://www.safariventures.com/the-wonders-of-serengeti-national-park-animals/
Serengeti National Park. (n.d.). The Wonders of Serengeti National Park. https://www.serengetiparktanzania.com/information/the-wonders-of-serengeti-national-park/
Serengeti National Park. (n.d.). The 3 natural wonders of Tanzania. https://www.serengetiparktanzania.com/information/the-3-natural-wonders-of-tanzania/
Serengeti National Park. (n.d.). When to visit Serengeti National Park. https://www.serengeti.com/best-time-to-visit-serengeti.php
