Unquestionably the most renowned wildlife asylum globally with unmatched natural beauty and variety of biodiversity, Serengeti national park, is the place to be. The park is situated in northern Tanzania in East Africa.
It was established in 1952, covering approximately 14,763sq.km of land, and hosts the largest mammal population worldwide. It is famously known for hosting the second largest annual wildebeest migration, which is listed among the seven top natural wonders worldwide and being one of the top travel destinations.
The park is divided into three sections, and visitors can choose to either visit one or all of them as mentioned below;
The north which is the Lobo area; next to Masai Mara national park in Kenya yet the least visited region. The second section is the central/southern/ Seronera valley area, decorated with fascinating savanna grassland, different mammal species, and acacia tree which makes it the most visited area in the park. From the Maa dialect of the Maasai people, the park’s name, Serengeti means the land of endless plains and plenty of savannah grassland.
The other interesting section is the western corridor, where drama is witnessed during the annual wildebeest migration, as hundreds of thousands of wildebeests, accompanied by thousands of zebras, impalas and gazelles cross Grumeti River, infested with hippos and crocodiles. The area is composed of thick bushes and forests plus several bird species, primate species and mammals.
Serengeti National Park is bordered to the south by Ngorongoro conservation area, which is one of the top destinations in Africa, having the world’s largest caldera, plenty of flora and fauna, and a very fascinating landscape. The north has Maasai Mara national park, which is a co-host of the annual wildebeest migration and Kenya’s top travel destination.
Filmmakers, honeymooners, students, blog writers, scientists, photographers, families, birders,
and researchers are among millions of visitors who make trips annually to admire the beautiful
landscape, discover wildlife, appreciate the weather and relax in this quiet destination, filled
with no noise but the sights and sounds of the prey, predators, birds and flora.
The park has over 500 bird species, 70 large mammal species, riverine forest, African Big
five (cape Buffaloes, leopards, lions, rhinos and elephants) great wildebeests, zebras, grassland,
woodland, Kopjes, swamps, and the world’s largest concentration of pride of lions in the wild.
What to see in Serengeti national park?
Wildlife
Serengeti national park ranks as one of Africa’s finest wildlife viewing destinations, with a wide range of biodiversity, plenty of flora and unique bird species. Some of the notable residents include Africa’s big 5 (lions, leopards, Cape Buffaloes. elephants and rhinoceros), wildebeests, giraffes, east African cheetah, zebras, impalas, over 7,700 spotted Hyenas, approximately 1,000 leopards, and 3,000 lions among others and several bird species.
The great annual wildebeest migration
The annual wildebeest migration is one of the seven natural wonders recognized globally, and a great phenomenon to look out for in the wild. It takes place annually, within the Serengeti and Maasai ecosystem, with millions of wildebeests, accompanied by hundreds of zebras, impalas and gazelles among others crossing great obstacles such as Grumeti and Mara Rivers, attracting the attention of the predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, and Hippos, plus vultures among others.
Migration starts after the season of calving in the period of December to March, throughout the year. Every move is worth amazing photography.
Sweeping landscape
Serengeti national park scenery is beyond what eyes or camera can hold, so fascinating in all directions, right from the blue skies, undulating valleys, ever green and golden flora, rivers, thick forests, and stunning savanna perfect for photography. In the different parts of the park, you will spot Kopjes and granite outcrops which offer a perfect hideout to numerous prides of lions and cheetahs.
Tourist activities in Serengeti national park.
Some of the activities to engage in while at Serengeti national park include; Photography as you catch the beautiful landscape, day and night game drives to spot numerous savannah mammals, Hot air balloon rides to enjoy aerial epic views of the park, guided nature walks and birding among others.
Best time to visit Serengeti national park
The perfect timing of your trip will make you truly enjoy each bit of your safari escapade. Depending on your schedule, the park is open and welcomes visitors all year round though some seasons, such as during rainy months (April to May) can’t be the best because the rains are so heavy, mammals are hardly seen and most of the seasonal accommodations are closed.
From June, the rains are lighter; chances of spotting mammals are high and there is a collision with the annual wildebeest migration thus the ideal time for having your trip.
In summary, despite your financial situation or status, make your dreams come true by visiting Serengeti national park; Africa’s top travel destination, ideal for honeymoon, research, photography and so much more.
