Serengeti National Park is situated in the Northern part of Tanzania close to Kenya in the South within the great Rift Valley. The Park includes many ecosystems i.e Savannah, Woodland, Rivers and Wetlands. In the central part of the park is the Seronera River, Ngorongoro Highlands in the South and Mara River in the North. The park is famously known for the vast Savannah terrain landscapes, exceptional wildlife, and the famous Great Wildebeest Migration.

The park covers and area of 14,750 square kilometers (5,700 square miles) and a very ideal safari destination to visit while on safari holiday vacation in Tanzania. In the park are expansive plains, hills, forests with a tropical climate that includes wet and dry season that runs from June to October. The temperature is moderate with cooler evenings and mornings.

Wildlife in Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is prominent with many wildlife animals i.e the Big Five wildlife animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, antelope, wild dogs, topis, jackals, hartebeests, kobs, elephants, giraffes, eland, etc as well as various species of birds i.e African Fish Eagles, Secretary Birds, Vultures, Crowned Cranes, marabou Storks etc.

Things to do in Serengeti National Park

• Game Drives

Game Drives are the most popular safari adventure in the park as you get to watch many wildlife animals wandering around their natural habitat. The wildlife animals you watch include; the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos) as well as others like giraffes, zebras, gazelles and wildebeests. You traverse from one track to another in a 4×4 wheel safari vehicle with park ranger guides who inform you about the park, wildlife animals, safari adventures to do etc.

• Great Migration (Seasonal)

Witness the great wildebeest Migration one of the most spectacular natural events. The Great Migration is exceptional as you watch over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras moving across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing lands. The migration typically happens between May and October.

River Crossings: Watching the herds cross rivers like the Mara River (with dramatic crocodile attacks) is an unforgettable experience.

• Hot Air Balloon Safari

Aerial View of Serengeti: Take a hot air balloon ride at dawn for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Serengeti’s endless plains and wildlife below. After the flight, you’ll enjoy a champagne breakfast on the savannah.

• Walking Safaris

Explore on Foot: Join a guided walking safari with an experienced ranger. Walking safaris allow you to experience the Serengeti in a more intimate and personal way, learning about the smaller details of the ecosystem and spotting smaller animals and plants that you may miss on a drive.

• Cultural Experiences

Visit Maasai Villages: The Serengeti is home to the Maasai people, a semi-nomadic tribe with a rich cultural heritage. You can visit Maasai villages near the park, learn about their customs, traditions, and daily life, and gain insight into how they coexist with the wildlife.

• Seronera Valley

Explore the Heart of Serengeti: The Seronera Valley is often considered the heart of the Serengeti. It’s a great area for spotting lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other predators, as well as large herds of wildebeest and zebra. It also offers scenic views and a chance to see various bird species.

• Visit the Olduvai Gorge

Learn About Early Human History: While not part of the park, the nearby Olduvai Gorge is an important archaeological site where the remains of early human ancestors have been discovered. It’s a fascinating visit for those interested in human evolution.

• Bird Watching

Spot Rare Birds: Serengeti is home to over 500 species of birds. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or simply enjoy seeing beautiful birds, you’ll be treated to sightings of species like the lilac-breasted roller, ostriches, vultures, and secretary birds.

• Photography Safaris

Capture the Wild Beauty: Serengeti offers fantastic opportunities for photographers, whether you’re using a professional camera or just your phone. The combination of incredible wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and the light at sunrise and sunset makes it a photographer’s paradise.

• Night Safaris

Experience the Nightlife of Serengeti: Some camps and lodges offer night game drives (with permission), giving you a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, and owls that aren’t as active during the day.