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Serengeti National Park
Overview
Facts
Things to do
Best time
Where to stay
Accessbility
Overview
Serengeti is a Maasai word pronounced ‘Siringet’ which means “endless plains”. The Park is a UNESCO world heritage site and covers 14,763 km2. Serengeti is among the richest grazing grounds composed of endless grassy plains with an incredible number of predators and an amazing bird life which makes it arguably the one of the best national parks in the world. The presence of Kopjes in the north, endless plains in the south, breathtaking sunrise and sunset, and concentration of animals makes a safari in the Serengeti so remarkable. It is one of the bucket lists of the ‘must go’ wildlife parks for most travelers.
The park is well known for an incredible number predators, over 500 species of birds, and a concentration of more than two million grazers of the great migration. The scenic beauty of the sky with cool nights and warm days makes your visit to this remaining home for the great migration of large mammals incredible! Serengeti is the most outstanding wildlife reserve in the world, nowhere else to match its awesome experiences.
Weather & Climate
The park is located at an altitude between 1,100 and 2,000 meters with annual average rainfall ranging from 900 to 1,000 mm. While the weather is moderately cool in Serengeti, it may get cold at night
The climate of the Serengeti National Park is subtropical, with rain season from November to April and dry season from May to October.
Dry season: from May to October
Wet Season: from November to April
Famous for
- Annual Wildebeest migration
The Annual Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti
Every year, more than two million wildebeests accompanied by zebras, gazelles and Impalas migrate from Serengeti National Park to Maasai Mara Game Reserve every year. The annual wildebeest migration is the main reason that has makes Serengeti national park one of the world’s natural wonders.
The annual wildebeest migration takes place in four main areas as follows:
- Southern Serengeti/Ndutu area (The Calving season)
The Migration commence when the herds are in Calving which takes place in Ndutu the Southern part of Serengeti in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Wildebeests conduct birth synchronization that is they all give birth at once. The migration moves to the central part of the park once the calving season is over. The endless plains in Ndutu are rich in nutrients best for growth of the calves.
- Serengeti Central/Seronera area
Central Serengeti also known as Seronera is rich in nutritive food and water sources that the migration can feed on Seronera. The herds spend some time in this area to acquire strength before proceeding with the journey to the North via western corridors.
- The Western Corridor and Grumeti
The Western Corridor follows the path of the Grumeti River. The migrating herds cross the shallow water of the river Grumeti as they proceed to the north. It is easy to spot an unexplainable wildlife in the area therefore a perfect area for game viewing.
- Northern Serengeti /Mara River Crossing
The great migration of wildebeest in Serengeti’s Northern part happens as the wildebeest cross the Mara River to the Maasai Mara game reserves. The migration will stay in Masai Mara Game reserve before coming back to Ndutu/ South Serengeti for the Calving season in February.
Interesting Facts
Interesting facts about Serengeti National Park
- The Great Migration of the Serengeti was selected in 2013 as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa
- During its calving season, more than 8,000 young wildebeests are born daily for up to 3 weeks.
- Serengeti was crowned Africa’s Leading National Park of 2019 & 2020 by World Travel Awards two times in a row.
- Serengeti was rated as the best safari park in 2015 & 2018 by Safari Bookings which analyzed more than 3,000 reviews.
- In 2021 TripAdvisor Serengeti was top listed the Traveler’s choice for the best National Parks in the world
Things to see in Serengeti
- The Great Migration
- Kopjes
- Highest concentration of carnivores and herbivores
- Up to 500 bird species
- Cultural and historical sites: Fort Ikoma, Ikoma ruines
- Scenic and exquisite landscape: endless plains, Mara River
- Plants and insects
Things to do in Serengeti
- Game Drive
- Great wildebeest migration Safari
- Night Drive
- Hot air balloon
- Bird Watching
- Cultural tourism
- Guided walking safari
Best time to visit Serengeti
Serengeti National Park is best visited all-year-round depending on one’s interests. Whether it is the migration or other animals they can be seen abundantly throughout the year but in different locations, just depends on what event you would like to experience. When you decide to focus on the migration only, sighting other animals like predators is guaranteed during your safari.
A Year guide of the migration movement
December to March
The migration herds are likely to be in the Southern parts of Serengeti on the upper parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Ndutu Area). This is the place where they reproduce because it is a suitable are with shorter grasses making it an ideal ground to give birth as it offers security because the ungulates can easily spot predators. The land is also very fertile due to the remains of volcanic ash hence provides grasses rich in nutrients for the calves to get strong before they proceed with their journey.
April and May
The ungulates start moving from Ndutu Southern Serengeti towards central and northern part of Serengeti. You can also see the cats near the heard as they hunt, perfect place to experience some predatory action. This is a rainy season so the herds won’t be seen in large concentration as get dispersed because of the rain.
June and July
The herd is brought together again during this time for mating in the Northern part of Serengeti. The wildebeests have 9-month gestation period where they give birth in February.
August, September, October and early November
The migration can be experienced throughout the year, however, this is the best time to see the migration, as they cross the Mara River to Masai Mara game reserve. Despite the fact that the Migration can be experienced throughout the year, this is the best month for the Mara River crossing. Therefore, Kogatende is the place to be during this period as you will get to see millions of wildebeest crossing Mara River accompanied by Zebras and impala. You might see the ungulates being preyed and hunted by crocodiles, lions, cheetahs, leopard or hyaenas.
Where to stay at Serengeti
Mid-range Accommodation |
High-End Accommodation |
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Accessbility
The park can be accessed by road and air.
Road: one can drive from Arusha or Mwanza to the entry gates namely Naabi Hill, Kusini, Kirawira, Ikoma, Tabora ‘B’, Lamai, Lobo, Ndabaka, and Kleins
Air: There are airstrips in the park: Seronera, Ndutu, Lobo, Kogatende, Lamai and Grumeti Airstrip.
