Serengeti National Park

Witness Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Show

Imagine driving through the golden endless plains where the 1.5 Million Wildebeest walk on their Great Migration journey a cross the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem. Accompanied by over 500,000 Gazelles, Buffaloes, 400,000 zebras and other Herbivores. Stalking predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs as they silently follow these herds to have a meal. This isn’t a fantasy its Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s crown jewel and the stage for the Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth.

Covering an area of 14,763 square Kilometers, Serengeti National Park is home to over 1.5 million Wildebeests that embark on the Great Migration journey every year  across the Serengeti-Mara Eco system in search of pasture, over 4000 lions, 1000 leopards, 550 cheetahs, over 500 species of birds. This makes it it the best Africa safari destination for first time safari goers, Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

At Exclusive Gorilla Vacations, we craft journeys into the legendary endless plains of Serengeti National Park that blends with Luxury , expertise and unforgettable wildlife experience. Whether you want to want to witness the Great Migration, Spot the Big 5 on the game drive or wildlife safari, Serengeti is the perfect match in your puzzle.

Brief History of the Park

Serengeti comes from Maasai name ‘’Siringet’’ meaning wide endless plain. Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s first and third largest National Park covering 14,763 square kilometers.

The central Part of the park was declared a Game Reserve in 1929. The reserve became Tanganyika’s first National Park in 1951 and in those days included the Ngorongoro Crater. In 1959 Serengeti was established after separation from Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The Park is a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site as well as Man and Biosphere Reserve since 1982. Serengeti form the core part of “Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem” roughly defined by annual wildebeest migration treks.

The Ecosystem covers an area of about 30,000 square kilometers comprising of Serengeti National Park, part of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Maswa, Grumeti, Ikorongo, Kijereshi game reserves, Loliondo Game Controlled and Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

Why you must visit Serengeti National Park?

The Great Migration

The great wildebeest migration of more than 1.5 million accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and half a million Gazelles as well as Eland with annual pattern seeking fresh grazing and water. Having a chance of encountering this phenomena gives you a life experience from nature

Highest Concentration of Carnivores

Serengeti has the highest concentration of carnivores especially all the big African cats such as Lions, Leopards, Cheetah and other large carnivore like Spotted Hyena. Seeing these powerful predators hunting and sometimes fighting for their territories will makes your day.

Highest Concentration of Herbivores

Serengeti has more than 28 species of herbivores including Buffalos, Wildebeest, Zebras, Elands, Hippos and Waterbucks. During game viewing spotting herbivores coloring the endless plains while feeding gives you a thrilling experience!

Diverse Birdlife

With more than 530 species recorded one quarter being those migrating from other parts of the world, part from an ecological important bird area and ideal place for bird lovers! Some of the species commonly seen are European and Abdim’s storks, Eurasian Roller, Barn swallows etc.

Cultural and Historical sites

Serengeti is home to many cultures from famous tribes of Maasai, Sukuma, Kurya and Ikoma. Indigenous Maasai and Ikoma used to live in parts of the Park before they were resettled outside the park. The present signs which are still visible at famous Maasai Rock Painting, Gong Rock and Ikoma ruins mark a special combination of game viewing and human history.

Rare and Endangered Species

The park is one of the last remaining sanctuary for critically endangered Black Rhino as well as African Hunting dog which are highly endangered as well. The rare species of primates such as Red Patas Monkeys as well as Angolan Black and White colobus Monkeys can be seen in the western part of the park.

Scenic Landscapes

The vast scenic and unspoiled landscapes among others made this area recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. With its vast plains, rolling hills and island of Kopjes contribute to the beauty of the park.

Tourism Activities

Serengeti has a number of tourism activities and opportunities for visitors to get the best wildlife experience. Some of these includes Hot Air balloons, Game Drives, Filming and Photographic safaris, Walking safaris, Bush meals and Cultural tourism.

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Hot Air balloon gives visitor a chance to see the park in a different perspective. Seeing it from the top and view large hers of wildebeest, zebras, Gazelles as they graze.Visitors will be able to enjoy the early morning balloons flight in the central,west,east,south and northern part of the park.

Game Drives

This is a major tourist activity in the Park. It gives the visitors to the Park opportunity to see animal comfortably from their vehicles. Game drives will offer you an opportunity to spot the big five, African cats like lions, leopards, cheetahs and a good day watch them in action as they hunt their prey.

Bushmeals

Having a meal in the middle of the bush while surrounded by wild animals, the sceneries and the beautiful African sky makes the day truly memorable. The opportunities to offer these meals can be organized from the accommodation facilities where the visitors you will stay.

Walking Safaris

The best way to experience nature is on foot. Serengeti offers opportunity for Walking safaris in wilderness normally accompanied by an armed Park Ranger. These are offered in the eastern and northern part of the park.

Picnic Areas

These designated special areas provide a chance for visitors to stretch and see things around therefore come close to nature. Retima Hippo Pool is one example of these where having spent the long hours in vehicle, guests will be able to get out of their vehicle and observe hippos on foot.

What to consider when planning to visit Serengeti National Park?

Going on an African safari can sometimes be challenging especially if you don’t plan well and a head. When you do right planning from when to go, where to go, what to do, it makes your safari experience seamless and stress free.

When is the best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park?

Choosing when to visit Serengeti National Park Depend of dream Safari but its accessible whole year round.

Peak Season(June- October)

This is the busiest time when Serengeti is visited by tourists from all the walks of life. They come to witness the Greatest Wildlife Show where over 1.5 million wildebeest attempt to cross the Grumeti and Mara River to cross to Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Expect heart-stopping scenes of wildebeest plunging through crocodile-infested waters. Game viewing in general is consistently excellent and easier as animals gather near water sources.

This is everyone’s dream time, so you’ll share the sightings with more vehicles (especially at river crossings). Lodges book up far in advance, and prices are at their highest.

Shoulder season ( January- February & November)

Visiting Serengeti National Park during this time is perfect for those that want to witness the Calving Season in Ndutu Plains in January February. There is plenty of Vulnerable prey for the predators. This offers prime chance to capture predators like lions, leopards in action and best wildlife photograph shots and film.

November is when the Wildebeests are crossing from the Masai Mara back to Serengeti National park. Some rain is experienced during this time.

Green Season ( March – May)

The Serengeti plains are filled with lush green landscapes. The rains especially in the afternoon bring life to the pastures. Herbivores are excited about the fresh grass and also the calves are active as well ass the predators that follow them. This time is perfect for travelers who like less crowded destinations and also seek budget friendly packages since prices for most accommodation and services are slightly lower than in the peak season.

There’s no “bad” time for a Serengeti safari, just different adventures. Whether you crave the Migration’s drama, the thrill of predators hunting newborns, or the peaceful beauty of a green, quiet wilderness, Exclusive Gorilla Vacations will craft the perfect journey timed for your dream experience.

Where to stay?

The question we always ask ourselves is where will I stay when in Serengeti National Park on Serengeti Safari. Serengeti has all categories of accommodation from Luxurious permanent lodges with pools, spas to tented camps (fixed and Mobile) Serengeti promises a luxurious and comfortable safari Experience for every traveler.

Climate of Serengeti National Park

The climate of Serengeti National Park is a subtropical, with rain season from November to April and dry season from May to October. The park is located at an altitude between 1,100 and 2,000 meters with annual average rainfall ranging from 900 to 1,000mm.

How much it costs for Park Entry in Serengeti National Park?

How to Access Serengeti National Park?

The Park can be accessed by both road and air.

Road: Accessed from all town and cities to the entry /exit points/gates namely Naabi Hill, Ndutu, Handajega, Ikoma,Tabora B,Lamai,Ndabaka,Machochwe and Kleins.

Air: There are all weather airstrips in the centre (Seronera), in the South (Kusini), in the East (Lobo), in the West (Kirawira) and in the North (Kogatende and Lamai). There are scheduled and private charters from Arusha, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro, Musoma, Dar es salaam and Zanzibar.

Why choose Exclusive Gorilla Vacations for your Serengeti Safari?

Lodge and Camp. You will access to the most exclusive, sustainable and luxurious properties including private mobile camps.

Expert Local Guides. Our Tanzanian guides and partners are the most knowledgeable and passionate about ensuring you get a seamless and unforgettable safari experience.

Seamless Logistics. Flawless coordination of flights, transfers, park fees and accommodation.

Beyond the Serengeti. Easily combine Serengeti Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, Zanzibar beaches or Chimpanzees of Kibale National Park.

Tailor- made Journeys. We design safaris around your interest, pace and budget.

Serengeti isn’t just a destination it’s a primal experience that rewires your inner soul. The thunder of hooves, the golden light at the sunset, the piercing call of a fish eagle, these moments stay with you forever. Ready to turn your dream into your next unforgettable Story? Contact us now and let one of our travel expert craft a package suited for you.