Serengeti National Park is strategically located along the northern circuit of Tanzania, the conservation area is the highlight of any Tanzanian safari to the north popular for the great wildebeest migration, it straddles the border with Kenya adjoining the Ngorongoro conservation area to its northwest. The Park is the oldest national park of Tanzania gazette in 1951 and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, it covers an area space of approximately14,763 square kilometres, it is the largest ecosystem in Tanzania extending its borders to almost Lake Victoria. Safari trips to Tanzania are not worth while without a visit to the Serengeti. The Park’s name simply means “endless plains” in the Masaai language the actual word is “siringeti” The outstanding beauty of the protected area is undeniably amazing to experience.
The Serengeti National Park is known for its open grasslands that do not seem to end most of the park area comprises a savannah grassland part of this landscape includes kopjes, marshes and woodlands, shrubs scattered in the grasses and short bushes, there are millions of wildlife species present in the national park, example species include African elephants, cape buffaloes, Patterson’s elands, dikdik, klipspringers, zebras, giraffes,warthogs,bat eared fox, side stripped hyenas, reedbucks, cotton’s oribi, hyrax, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, wildebeests, hartebeests, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles to mention a few, there are over 500 species of birds within the national parkmost of which are savannah species examples are ostriches the worlds largest birds, flamingoes, African fish eagles, storks, among others.
Serengeti National Park offers the best wildlife experiences in Tanzania, game drives are exciting as in every square kilometre it is possible to see all the big five of the wilderness(Lions, leopards, African buffaloes, African buffaloes, and Rhinos), game drives are conducted in sessions, in the morning, afternoon and evening times, the park is one of the best places to do night game drives, these are done in the supervision of an experienced game ranger. Game drives last for 2-3 hours however in the Serengeti moist travellers prefer to do extensive drives in search of wildlife species.
Wildebeest migrationis the highlight of trips to Tanzania, millions of herbivores most of which are wildebeests, Zebras, and other small antelopes’ crossover from Masai Mara to the Serengeti together with their predators in search of greener pastures and water holes, the run of the wild is super interesting, the stories told of the migration are not just enough to describe this movement rather it is best to be an eye witness to the stamp in the wild. Animals tend to be on survival for the fittest some make it while others are taken for prey.
Hot air balloon safaris, activity will expose you to the best of the national park, you will get an aerial view of the conservation area, this is one of the best ways to experience the great wildebeest migration, hot air balloon safaris spark off in the morning, it takes about 12 to 16 people. These are arranged through your tour operator and important to book in time.
Visit the Maasai people, these were originally pastoralists, living in the northern parts of Tanzania, they are the most known tribe of East Africa, these are the original inhabitants of the Serengeti region they were evicted from the park premises however they continued living in the surrounding communities, these showcase their tribe and way of living through their traditional songs and dances.
Serengeti National Park can be visited any time of the year but best during the dry season between the months of December-February and June to September, it can be accessed by road or by flight, with the Serengeti are several airstrips where guests can land and proceed to their facilities within the park.
What to pack to the Serengeti includes long-sleeved shirts and trousers, closed shoes preferably boots, binoculars, cameras, insect repellants, huts, hand gloves, and any other items of a personal nature. The park has accommodation within and in the outside surrounding environment ranging from the best budget to luxury, these offer nice places to stay while on your African safari to the Serengeti National Park.
In conclusion, Serengeti National Park can be visited alongside other parks in the northern circuit of Tanzania for example the Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park.