Serengeti national park is one of the largest wildlife safari destinations in Tanzania which is located in the northern part of the country. Covering about 14750 square kilometers, the park is characterized by open grasslands, rocky outcrops, and scattered acacia trees which act as habitat for the different wildlife species.
The park is divided into three main areas: the Seronera Valley, the Central Serengeti, and the Northern Serengeti. The Seronera Valley is the most popular tourist area and is known for its abundant wildlife, including the Big Five.
The Central Serengeti is home to the famous migration of wildebeests, which takes place every year from July to August. The Northern Serengeti is less visited but offers excellent views of the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Attractions in Serengeti national park
Attractions in Serengeti national park include the following;
Wildlife species
Serengeti national park is known for its abundant and diverse wildlife, including the Big Five game animals such as lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.
Other wildlife species which can be seen around Serengeti national park include cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, dik dik, gazelles, impalas, hartebeests, topi, waterbucks among others.
Serengeti national park provides an ideal environment for witnessing the predator-prey interactions and wildlife behavior during safari activities like morning or afternoon game drives.
Vast plains
The open plains of Serengeti national park themselves are an attraction during a safari in Tanzania as they offer endless opportunities to encounter various wildlife species.
A safari to explore all of Serengeti national park requires time due to its big size which only adds to the mystery of the park.
Wildebeest migration
A visit to Serengeti national park becomes complete with getting to see the great wildebeest migration which takes place every year in Tanzania and in Masai Mara reserve in Kenya.
Birdlife
Serengeti national park boasts of over 500 bird species which can be seen along with the different wildlife species at the destination.
What to do and see in Serengeti national park
Serengeti national park as a safari destination of Tanzania has a lot to offer in terms of wildlife viewing and there are different activities to do while exploring the national park which include the following;
Game drives
One of the most popular activities in Serengeti National Park is embarking on game drives. These game drives allow visitors to explore the vast plains and witness the incredible diversity of wildlife that inhabits the park.
With an experienced guide leading the way, tourists can spot various wildlife species such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, and many more. Game drives can be conducted during in the morning and in the afternoon or evening.
Hot air balloon safaris
For a truly extraordinary experience in Serengeti National Park, consider taking a hot air balloon safari.
This activity allows you to soar above the vast plains and get a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife below. As you float silently through the sky, you can witness herds of animals moving across the landscape and enjoy panoramic views of the park’s stunning scenery.
Hot air balloon safaris in Serengeti national park take place during the early morning hours, offering a serene and magical experience. Bush breakfast as are shared with the tourists as they enjoy views of the savannah plains after the activity.
Guided nature walks
For those seeking a more intimate and immersive experience, walking safaris are an excellent option during safaris in Serengeti national park.
The guided nature walks are led by armed rangers and experienced guides who accompany visitors as they explore the park on foot, getting up close to the wildlife species and their surroundings in Serengeti national park.
Walking safaris also provide a unique opportunity to learn about the smaller details of the ecosystem and visitors also learn how to track footprints of the wildlife species, identifying bird species by their sounds and knowing more about the history of Serengeti national park.
Park entrance fees of Serengeti national park
Paying park entrance fees are part of the requirements for visitors to access Serengeti national park. These fees are set by the Tanzania National Parks Authority and are as follows;
Foreign non-residents are charged park entrance fees of 70 USD for adults and 20 USD for Serengeti National Park excluding 18% tax.
Residents visiting Serengeti national park are charged park entrance fee of 35 USD for adults and 10 USD for children excluding 18% tax.
East African citizens visiting Serengeti national park are charged park entrance fee of 10,000 TSH for adults and 2000 TSH for children.
Children below the age of 5 years are not charged park entrance fees to visit Serengeti national park.
Other charges for visits to Serengeti national park include concession fees for those staying within the national park accommodations and camping fees for tourists staying in the campsites around the national park.
Best time to visit Serengeti national park
The dry season from December to February and also from June to October is the best time for a safari experience in Serengeti national park, with clear skies and sunny weather making wildlife species easy to spot.
However, some travelers may prefer the rainy or wet season during the months of March, April and May as well as in November as it offers a more lush and vibrant landscape and less crowds in Serengeti national park.
Accommodations around Serengeti national park
There are luxury lodges, midrange lodges and budget lodges around Serengeti national park which tourists can choose from during their Tanzania safaris.
Lodges in Serengeti national park include Serengeti heritage tented camp, Osinon camps and lodges, Serengeti Simba lodge, Serengeti Serena safari lodge, Melia Serengeti lodge, Lobo Wildlife lodge, Seronera wildlife lodge, Singita Mara tented camp, Serengeti Sopa lodge, Angata Serengeti camp, Samctuary Kichakani camp among others.
How to get to Serengeti national park
The airport to use for flights to Serengeti national park is Kilimanjaro international airport or Arusha airport. Airstrips around Serengeti national park include Seronera airstrip, Lobo airstrip, Kogatende airstrip, Kusini airstrip among others.
From Arusha town, the drive to Serengeti national park takes about 8 hours.