Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is a famous national park in  Tanzania, Africa. This park is home to millions of carnivorous and herbivorous animals. One of the most popular events in this park is the annual wildebeest migration. This occurs between the months of May to July. Millions of wildebeest and zebras move from the Tanzanian side to the Kenyan side. There are several protected game reserves in the Serengeti. Serengeti National park is the best place for wildlife adventures and attracts thousands of tourists each year. It is one of the most famous parks in Africa and one of the world's most popular places. This place is famous for a massive annual migration of two million wildebeests, and other animals, and 350 species of birds.

Reasons that attracts traveler to Serengeti National Park:

1. Wildebeest Migration

The wildebeest migration is famous in this national park. This happens every year from the Ngorongoro Conservancy in the Serengeti to the Masai Mara.  It is a natural phenomenon with wildebeest and zebras literally moving north in search of greener pastures. It is quite spectacular that it has been named as one of the seven wonders of the world.  Approximately 2 million animals participate in this great migration. The most exciting part of the hike is when the animals cross the Grumeti and Mara rivers.

 

2. Oldest National Parks in Africa

 It is one of the oldest national parks and UNESCO heritage sites in the world. Although it is an old park, not much has changed in terms of the ecosystem.  A European explorer named the park after his visit in 1892. He gave it a Maasai name because they were the inhabitants of the country for more than 2 centuries.

 

3. Wildlife

More than 2 million wildebeests live in this park alone. Other animals found here include zebras, gazelles, antelopes, giraffes, lions, elephants, and various species of birds.  About 1.6 million wildebeest, 600,000 zebras, and 400,000 gazelles migrate from Tanzania to Kenya each year. This natural event has been named one of the 10 natural wonders of the world.  During this time, millions of tourists visit Kenya and Tanzania to experience this spectacular event.

 

4. Scenery

The Serengeti landscape is known for its grassland plains in the southeast. The northern part is more mountainous and rocky. In the west, there are valleys, rivers, and forests. Several areas of the Serengeti are littered with “koppies,” granite rocks that rise from the plain. It is a huge and quite impressive landscape – a vast sky that feels like a wild desert.

 

5. Balloon Safari in Serengeti

The Serengeti Balloon Safari is often referred to as the world’s most beautiful balloon ride and is without a doubt one of the most sought-after safari activities in Africa. Imagine the sun rising as you fly over the plains of the most famous wilderness area in Africa. Animals go about their activities undisturbed while you enjoy the world from your high seat. Peacefully rising above the treetops as the sun rises above the horizon, you can experience the endless plains of the Serengeti from an unforgettable perspective. As we leave very early in the morning, you can even see some nocturnal predators preparing for the day.

 

Best time to visit Serengeti National Park

The best time to visit Serengeti National Park is from January to February or  June to September, although you should plan your trip around the  Great Migration Movement. For example, winter is the best time to watch the herd in the southern Serengeti, while the western corridor and northern Serengeti are the best places to spend the summer and fall months. Most safari operators have a good idea of ​​where and when the animals go, and most will adapt their itineraries to suit the movement of the herd. Temperatures remain relatively constant with daily highs in the 80s.

You will find cooler weather in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area due to its higher elevation. April and May have the most rainfall and many shelters and camps close for this slower season. The starting of the rainy season is in March and April, making the normally crowded Serengeti empty and providing an intimate wildlife experience. Another advantage at this time of year is the return of migratory bird species, and it’s a great attraction.

 

Popular safari destination in Serengeti  National Park

1. Seronera River Valley

This vast valley stretches across much of the central Serengeti and teems with wildlife. Elephants, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, giraffes, and many other species can be seen every day. The Senora River Valley is also one of the best places to visit if you want to see the park's elusive leopards.

2. Lobo Valley

Located in North Serengeti, Lobo Valley should be high on your must-see list. As early as 1913, the American conservationist Stewart White described this vast area as a "paradise." The Lobo Valley, along with the Senonera Valley, is one of the few places in the Serengeti where the three big cats (lions, leopards, and cheetahs) roam. You will also see elephants, baboons, and giraffes here regularly. Also, from July to November, you can see millions of gazelles, wildebeests, and zebras on their way to the area during the Great Migration.

3. Naabi Hill

Naabi Hill is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in eastern Serengeti and serves as the main entrance to the Serengeti National Park. The hiking trail here is a great place to stretch your legs after a long drive as it offers some of the most impressive views of the Serengeti. The acacia-covered hill is also home to a pride of majestic lions and welcomes millions of gazelles, zebras, and wildebeests. Visit this area between December and June to observe a variety of wildlife.

5. Bologna

This is another major attraction in the Northeast Serengeti, near the border with the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya. The green springs of Bologonja have refreshing water and beautiful treetops that attract hundreds of different animals. You have the opportunity to see many larger mammals up close, such as giraffes and elephants, as well as rare species of antelope, such as mountain reeds, ibex, and many exotic birds.