A place where the land runs forever, that’s what Serengeti means in the Maasai language.
A vast ecosystem in Tanzania, East Africa, the Serengeti spans approximately twelve thousand square miles (30,000 sq km) of plains, forests, woodlands, and savannas. Because the Serengeti hosts the largest mammal land migration in the world, it is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
The Serengeti has a place in every adventurer’s heart because of its abundant wildlife and biodiversity. Despite its limitless ecosystem, the Serengeti is synonymous with safari. That’s why so many people choose to go on a safari in Serengeti National Park, which lies at the heart of the Serengeti ecosystem. The park is home to one of the world’s most impressive natural events: The Great Wildlife Migration. Often ranked amongst the top destinations in Africa, skipping the Serengeti National Park is unthinkable. Curious to know what the excitement is all about? This article will explain why you shouldn’t miss a safari in the Serengeti!
Why Should I Go On A Safari in the Serengeti?
The Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most classic safari destinations. It’s home to the Big Five and more than 500 bird species, as well as Africa’s well-known Great Migration.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Established in 1951, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania covers an area of about 5700 square miles (15,000 sq km). It is the oldest national park in Tanzania. Serengeti National Park shares its boundaries with other conservation areas, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the Grumeti and Ikorongo Game Reserves. Together, they make up the Serengeti Ecosystem.
Serengeti National Park is famous for being home to the Great Wildlife Migration, consisting of over 1.5 million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, and zebras migrating in an endless cycle every year.
This theater of the largest terrestrial mammal migration on Earth also acts as a magnet for large predators that range from lions and cheetahs to leopards and hyenas. Thus, Serengeti National Park gives you many opportunities for intense wildlife sightings.
All of the “Big Five” can also be found on the Serengeti’s savanna plains blanketed by the sun. So, even when the wildebeest have left the area, plenty of exhilarating experiences are left to explore.
THE WILDLIFE
The Serengeti is an ecosystem offering a rich wildlife habitat. Known for its abundance of animals and the great wildebeest migration, the Serengeti is perfect for people who want to experience exhilarating moments of witnessing wild animals in their natural habitats.
You can spot some of the resident animals at any time of the year: hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, elands, zebras, topis, impalas, hyenas, and different gazelles.
You can also spot the three big cats easily.
Lions can be found everywhere and are often found feasting on a kill.
Cheetahs are common and mostly found on the southeastern plains.
Leopards can typically be found lazing on top of trees in the central Serengeti.
THE BIG FIVE
A major attraction of the national park is the Big Five. The Big Five consists of the lion, leopard, African elephant, rhinoceros, and the African buffalo.
Lion – Who wouldn’t want to see The Lion King? While going on a safari in the Serengeti, you will notice that the lions can commonly be found in pride with their females, cubs, and subadults. Because lions can take up to 18- 20 hours to rest, it can be difficult to witness them hunting. Lions are most active early in the morning and at sunset.
Leopard – Compared to the other big five, leopards are the most difficult to find. Usually found resting in trees, leopards are masters of stealth.
African Elephant – African elephants are the largest living land mammals. Giant African elephants can often be seen on a safari in Serengeti. While they can be found in different habitats, they are most commonly found in forests, woodlands, and savannas. They are usually seen roaming in herds led by the matriarch.
Black Rhinoceros – They are mainly found in the park’s center. Unfortunately, only a few Black rhinos are left. Rampant poaching caused their decline in the mid-1970s. They usually enter the Serengeti from the northern section.
Wild Buffalo – Far from lazy animals, wild buffalo are beasts that can run at speeds of almost 35 mph. They are easy to notice when traveling in Serengeti. The male buffalo are enormous and weigh up to 900 kg/2,000 pounds. On top of their humongous physique and beast-like speeds, most wild buffalo of the Serengeti has a bad temper, so watch out!
BIRD WATCHING
Bird watching in Serengeti is unlike any other because there are more than 500 species of birds. This makes the Serengeti one of the most prominent habitats for bird conservation.
Some noteworthy birds you might want to see are the lilac-breasted roller, the Fischer’s lovebird, black-headed gonolek, green-backed woodpeckers, and grey-backed fiscal. While bird watching in the Serengeti can be great any time of the year, for the best experience, you should visit sometime between November and April.
THE GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION
Often dubbed one of the ten wonders of the Natural World, the Great Wildebeest Migration is most certainly something you must witness when visiting Tanzania.
The period between January and March is known as the calving season. During this season, wildebeest rest near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which hosts numerous rivers and grasslands. A staggering amount of births (usually over four hundred thousand) occur during the calving season.
The Great Wildebeest Migration has been the topic of various documentaries. These documentaries show how the migration takes place, how those mammals survive, and how their life cycles change. A phenomenon that even the greatest documentarians can’t explain in mere words, the Great Wildebeest Migration of the Serengeti is an unforgettable experience.
THE SUNSETS AND SUNRISES
If you’ve been interested in Africa, you must have come across beautiful sunset and sunrise shots taken on the continent. While the photographs are indeed ethereal, let us tell you a secret, the view in real life is so much better.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Serengeti?
Tanzania is a safari destination all year-round. Between December and March, you can witness the Great Serengeti Migration in southern Serengeti. The herds move towards the Western Corridor in May/June. From July to September, the herds head north, and some of them cross into Kenya’s Masai Mara. Towards the end of October, the animals return to the short grass plains in the south. If you’re most interested in seeing amazing sunsets, the Big Five, and unique birds, you can visit anytime because the Serengeti will always offer something that will blow your mind.
Let’s Go on A Safari In the Serengeti
It is always best to plan ahead if you are itching to witness the Great Migration. We create tailor-made safaris that will ensure you have the best experience. We advise you to book as early as possible. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us for an unforgettable safari experience. Until then, Karibu tena!
