Things to do  in serengeti national park

Things to do in serengeti national park, the attractions of Serengeti National Park draw several tourists to Tanzania annually. Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most renowned in Tanzania. It is situated in the northeastern region of the country and encompasses an area of around 30,000 square kilometers. North of the park lies the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, to the west are the Ikorongo and Grumeti Game Reserves, and to the southwest is the Maswa Game Reserve. Serengeti translates to “endless plains” in the Maasai language.

Serengeti National Park was formed in 1952 and initially encompassed the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The park features vast plains interspersed with kopjes, rivers, and acacia trees. These habitats host the Big Five animals (elephants, buffaloes, rhinoceroses, leopards, and lions), along with wildebeests, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, African wild dogs, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and over 450 avian species.

The Serengeti, with its vast plains, is the premier safari location for individuals interested in game drives or observing the annual animal migration. This yearly migration entails the relocation of more than 2 million zebras, gazelles, and wildebeest. It is regarded as one of the most remarkable wildlife phenomena on the planet.

Serengeti National Park is accessible year-round. To observe the huge migration, one must attend at the appropriate moment. The optimal period to observe the migration in the Serengeti is from May to June and December to March. From May to June, the wildebeest are observable near the Grumeti River. Between December and March, one must visit the Southern Plains to experience the most optimal views. The period from July to October is for visiting the northern regions of Kogatende, Lobo, and Loliondo. This is where the wildebeest from Tanzania and across the Mara River into Kenya. The Central Serengeti is distinctive due to the year-round visibility of its wildlife. Additional information regarding the facts of Serengeti National Park is available for reading. Additionally, you may explore our three-day tour package for Serengeti and Ngorongoro. We offer a 6-day gorilla trekking and Serengeti safari package for those seeking to explore Africa’s premier wildlife offerings. Additional information regarding our condensed 2-Day Serengeti Wildlife Tour is available for your perusal.

Top Things to do in Serengeti in Serengeti National Park

What activities are available in the Serengeti? The primary things to do Serengeti national park include nature walks, game drives, hot air balloon safaris, bush meals, the Serengeti Visitor Center, Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater, observation of the wildebeest migration, interactions with the Maasai, camping, exploration of Bologonja Springs, Lobo Valley, Moru Kopjes, bird watching, swimming, and the hippo pool, and Lake Natron. We will now examine each of them in greater depth.

What are the top things to do in serengeti national park

Primary activities in the Serengeti Morning safari excursion: A wildlife drive in the Serengeti is undoubtedly the most favored activity. This is the most effective way to observe the Big Five and other indigenous fauna. Fauna in the Serengeti exhibit heightened activity between the morning and evening hours. The morning game drive commences at sunrise and concludes at approximately 11:00 AM. It is intended to enable tourists to view nocturnal animals returning to their burrows or to witness herbivores emerging to graze. An early game drive is particularly advantageous for observing hyenas, wild dogs, lions, cheetahs, leopards and hippos as they return from nocturnal grazing outside the pools. Lions prefer to hunt during the night and early morning before the temperature rises much.

Ensure that you have breakfast earlier than normal or request the lodge staff to prepare a meal for you to avoid hunger while in the savanna. The roads are arduous and the distance to traverse extensive. Consequently, a professional guide will be necessary to assist you in identifying the various species of animals and birds you may encounter during your journey.

Best things to do in serengeti national park, Afternoon Game drive

Recommended Best Activities in Serengeti National Park
Afternoon game drives are available from 2:00 PM until 5:30 PM. To ensure you do not overlook any experiences, consider participating in the full-day game drive, which operates from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Guided Nature Walks in Serengeti National Park

Guided nature walks provide an exceptional opportunity to explore the Serengeti in a manner unattainable during a conventional game drive. Nature treks are erratic and do not adhere to designated paths. This enables the identification of reptiles, birds, insects, and other uncommon flora during the journey. Numerous nature treks are coordinated by various lodging establishments. An armed ranger, proficient in the terrain and knowledgeable about the park’s various animals, will accompany you.

Hot Air Balloon Safari Experience

Hot Air Balloon Safari: For a unique vantage point of the expansive Serengeti National Park, we strongly endorse a hot air balloon safari, if it is within your budget. From thousands of feet above the ground, one may get an overhead perspective of the Serengeti plains and the wildlife that inhabits them. Hot air balloon safaris are especially favoured during the wildebeest migration, enabling guests to witness them in their thousands. Hot air balloon excursions commence in the morning and conclude with a champagne breakfast in the African wilderness. Hot air balloons can accommodate between 12 and 16 individuals. Advance booking of your tour is required, with an anticipated cost of approximately $500. Hot air balloon excursions are ideal for honeymooners and individuals commemorating anniversaries or birthdays. The experience of observing the Serengeti plains and Africa’s renowned wildlife from an aerial perspective will remain unforgettable.

Dinner in the Bush (Very unique Experience )

Dinners in the Bush: If you are journeying with a companion or intending to celebrate your honeymoon in the Serengeti, dining amidst the African environment will be an unforgettable experience. Many reputable hotels may organize meals beneath the stars with elegantly arranged tables.

Visiting Serengeti visitors center

Visit the Serengeti Visitor center: For comprehensive information regarding the park, a visit to the following facility is essential. The Centre features displays and comprehensive information regarding the Serengeti, its ecosystem, and historical context. Following the facility tour, one may also explore the gift and coffee shops in Serengeti National Park. Alternatively, you may seek rest in the picnic area.

Explore Olduvai Gorge

The Olduvai Gorge, referred to as the “cradle of mankind,” is notable for being the site of the initial excavation of human remains by the Leakey family. The Gorge is located in the adjacent Ngorongoro Conservation Area and within the East African Rift Valley. The Leakey family constructed a research facility there, uncovering several fossils and implements over 2 million years in age. The tools and human bones are displayed in a small museum within the building.

Visit Ngorongoro Crater’s:

The crater hosts around 30,000 large mammals and is frequently characterized as a “garden of Eden” for biodiversity. The crater was created when an enormous volcano, comparable in size to Mount Kilimanjaro, erupted and subsequently imploded. Over time, animals were drawn to the many waterholes and plants within the crater. Fauna in the Ngorongoro region do not migrate, facilitating year-round animal observation. Masai herdsmen are permitted to tend to their livestock from within the gorge. Consequently, you may observe them while searching for Africa’s Big Five mammals.

Wildebeest Migration Experience

The Wildebeest Migration involves around 1.6 million herbivores, including zebras, gazelles, and wildebeest, migrating annually between Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve. As they traverse, they encounter significant hurdles and must dodge predators such as lions, hyenas, leopards, and wild dogs. One of their most significant hurdles is traversing the Mara River when migrating to Kenya. They must traverse the crocodile-infested river and contend with the strong current. If they cross at an inappropriate location in the river, they jeopardize drowning or trampling one another, resulting in several fatalities. The wildebeest migration draws tourists to the Serengeti due to its numerous opportunities to observe the intense confrontations between prey and predator. Travelers may dedicate an entire day observing wildebeest as they graze or calve.

Visit Maasai culture

The Maasai are semi-nomadic pastoralists residing predominantly in Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania. They are undoubtedly the most renowned tribe in East Africa. They possess considerable stature and don flamboyant apparel. The Masai have resided in proximity to the Serengeti plains for the past 300 years, having migrated from Sudan. They continue to uphold their ancestral traditions and values. A visit to one of their communities (bomas) provides an exceptional opportunity to gain insight into their culture and traditional beliefs. They are exceptionally kind and will instruct you in hunting, milking domesticated animals, preparing traditional cuisine, and various other activities. Following the exploration of various homesteads, one may also visit a local school, observe traditional dance performances, and purchase handicrafts.

Prominent activities in Serengeti National Park include camping, which is a favored pursuit on a safari in the bush. Your hotel needs to furnish you with all necessary camping equipment, a chef, and armed security personnel. Camping becomes far more exhilarating when undertaken in a group. You will enjoy yourself with your peers while celebrating beneath the African sky. Standard tents are priced at approximately $50 per night, and luxury tents may reach up to $900 per night. Irrespective of choosing budget or luxury tents, the outcomes remain identical. You will still have the opportunity to experience sleeping in the African bush, accompanied by the enchanting sounds of birds, prowling lions, and anxious herbivores.

Tour around Bologonja springs

The Bologonja Springs are located in the northeastern section of the park. The Bologna springs provide some of the most picturesque vistas in the Serengeti. The springs supply water that enables vegetation to flourish year-round. This consequently draws various types of small primates, birds, migratory animals, giraffes, elephants, steenbok, mountain reedbuck, and numerous other herbivores. Its seclusion allows for exploration devoid of the substantial crowds typical of the central Serengeti.

Night Game Drive Experience in Serengeti National Park

Activities in the Serengeti Night Game Drive: Have you ever contemplated the experience of hearing wildlife sounds at night? A nocturnal game drive is the ideal solution. Although night game drives are typically prohibited in Serengeti National Park, some outfitters can facilitate them in adjacent areas. The Serengeti and private conservancies host numerous nocturnal species, including civets, aardvarks, nightjars, and bush babies. Night game drives provide passengers the opportunity to see zebras, hyenas, impalas, giraffes, jackals, and foxes. Lions, hyenas, and leopards exhibit heightened activity during nocturnal hours. This is the optimal moment to observe them capturing prey.

Explore the Lobo Valley:

The Lobo Valley is the premier location for observing lions and other large felines in the Serengeti. The large felines are drawn to the valley due to the plentiful prey and constant water sources. In addition to the large felines, Lobo Valley also draws baboons, elephants, and giraffes. From July to November, the valley serves as the epicenter of a significant migration. Tourists converge in the valley to witness zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles grazing on the verdant grass of the region.

Explore the Moru Kopjes:

Recall the Lion King’s Pride Rock? It was a kopje. Kopjes are rocky formations that punctuate the Serengeti plains. They are adorned with foliage, minor water bodies, and shade. This is a location where lions and other predators repose while surveilling for prey. The Moru Kopjes are the most renowned and striking formations in the Serengeti. They also include ancient Masai artwork. From the summit of the Kopjes, one may survey the horizon with binoculars and observe exquisite fauna in the plains. The Moru Kopjes represent the optimal location for observing black rhinos.

Activities in Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park hosts 542 documented bird species. One hundred species are regular residents of the park, while eleven are native to the Serengeti. Migratory birds also use the site from November to April. They originate from Europe and North Africa. Species of interest include the giant African ostrich, vultures, black-headed heron? Arnaud’s barbet, dark chanting goshawk, Decken’s hornbill, grey-breasted spurfowl, grey-headed sparrow, purple grenadier, red-backed scrub robin, rufous-tailed weaver and secretary bird. The Kori bustard, Variable sunbird, White-bellied go-away bird, White-crowned shrike, and Yellow-throated sandgrouse.

Swimming at your hotel facility:

Game drives and other activities in the Serengeti may be rather exhausting, particularly during the dry season. Upon concluding activities in the savanna plains, your sole desire is to return to your accommodation and proceed to the pool. The experience will likely differ due to the warm tropical climate. Swimming solo is enjoyable, although engaging in the activity with friends and family is more entertaining. While basking in the day’s warmth, you may request a glass of wine or juice and engage in conversation with travelers from other regions of the world.

Outdoor activities in Serengeti National Park

The Retina Hippo Pool: This is not a swimming pool but a habitat where hippos wallow. The pool is located in the Seronera part of the park and draws hundreds of hippos. Hippopotamuses and buffaloes are undoubtedly the most perilous creatures to humans in the Serengeti. The pool provides an opportunity to observe them and capture excellent photographs. Tourists are permitted to traverse the pool on foot while observing the hippos contend for prime locations. Upon observing the creatures and capturing photographs, you may proceed to the picnic area for lunch.

Visit Lake Natron

Lake Natron is about four hours from the Serengeti. It is situated within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The lake is saline and abundant in algae. Nonetheless, numerous halophilic creatures have acclimatized to it. The lake hosts numerous avian species, including more than 2 million lesser flamingos. Flamingos flourish in this environment due to the plentiful algae and the lack of predators or human interference in their breeding cycles. If you are an avian enthusiast, a nature aficionado, or seeking a unique experience, this destination should be included on your bucket list.