Few people forget their first encounter with Serengeti National Park.
Perhaps it is the view from the summit of Naabi Hill at the park's
entrance, from where the Serengeti's grasslands appear to stretch to the
very ends of the earth. Or maybe it's a coalition of male lions
stalking across open plains, their manes catching the breeze. Or it may
be the epic migration of animals in their millions, following the
ancient rhythm of Africa's seasons. Whatever it is, welcome to one of the wildest places, one of the greatest wildlife-watching destinations on earth.
It’s
here on the vast plains of the Serengeti that one of earth’s most
impressive natural cycles has played out for aeons as hundreds of
thousands of hoofed animals, driven by primeval rhythms of survival,
move constantly in search of fresh grasslands. The most famous, and
numerous, are the wildebeest (of which there are some 1.5 million) and
their annual migration is the Serengeti’s calling card. There are also
resident wildebeest populations in the park and you’ll see these smaller
but still impressive herds year-round. In February more than 8000
wildebeest calves are born each day, although about 40% of these will
die before reaching four months old. A few black rhinos in the Moru
Kopjes area offer a chance for the Big Five, although they’re very
rarely seen.
The 14,763 sq km Serengeti National Park
is also renowned for its predators, especially its lions. Hunting
alongside the lions are cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackals and more.
These feast on zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, Thomson’s and Grant’s
gazelles, topis, elands, hartebeest, impalas, klipspringers, duikers and
so many more. It’s an incredible birdwatching destination, too, with
over 500 species.
Snapshot
Why Go
Wildebeest migration; excellent chance of seeing predators; overall
high wildlife density; fine birdwatching; stunning savannah scenery
When to Go
Year-round; July and August for wildebeest migration across Mara River;
February for wildebeest calving; February–May for birdwatching.
Practicalities Drive in from Arusha or Mwanza,
or fly in. To avoid congestion, spend some time outside the central
Serengeti/Seronera area. Entrance fees can be paid in cash or credit
card at the Naabi Hill, Ndabaka, Klein's and Bologonya gates.
Budget Tips Catch the Arusha–Musoma bus and hope to see something along the way; stay in the public campsites; book a budget safari from Arusha.
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