Located in the eastern Mara region and North-western Simiyu region, Serengeti National Park stretches over 14,763Km2 and contains over 3.7million acres of Virginia savannah.
This area became a park in 1940 and the government restricted movements of the indignant Masai people but the boundaries were demarcated in 1951. The park was later split of 8,300Km² to establish the Ngorongoro Conservation Area intended to accommodate the traditional land use and the interests of the Masai people.
Serengeti National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 due to its outstanding universal value in terms of biodiversity and natural beauty.
The park is known worldwide for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. There are about 3000 lions, 5.4 individuals of African leopards per 100Km² and over 5000 African Bush Elephants. It is safe to say that this park is the perfect destination to spot the Big5.
Still in Serengeti, you’ll get a chance to see the white rhinoceros which has about 70 individuals. The other animals you may spot include the cheetah, spotted hyenas, wolves, jackals, wild dogs, hippos, and for bird lovers, Serengeti is a bird sanctuary with about 500 species of birds.
Serengeti boasts having the second longest overland migration in the whole world with a complete migration route of around 800km. During this period, over 500,000 wildebeests are born between January and March and at the beginning of the dry season between July to October, over 250,000 zebras begin to migrate towards Mara in Kenya.
To get to the Masai Mara, the herds have to cross the Grumeti and Mara Rivers between April and May where 3,000 crocodiles lie in wait. When the dry season ends in late October, the migrating herds start to head back south to Serengeti.
When to go
The best time to visit Serengeti National Park depends on your preferences and what you want to see but we highly recommend the dry season (June to October) which is the best time for wildlife viewing as animals gather to drink water around water sources making it easy to spot them.
The Great Wildebeest Migration also takes place during this period, with iconic river crossings in July and August making it a huge opportunity to see animals in large herds. If you’re looking to cut costs on your safari, consider travelling during the long rainy seasons.
Here, tourist numbers are very low and you stand high chances of getting discounts on most services like accommodation, transportation and activities. The downside with this is that animals are very hard to spot during the wet season and the roads can get really messy.
Activities in Serengeti NP:
Game drives: Game drives are usually the most popular activity in most game parks including Serengeti Np. Explore the park and get an opportunity to view the animals in their natural habitat through a guided drive in a 4×4 vehicle. Game drives can last anywhere between a few hours, half a day or a full day.
Expect to pay between $100-$200 per person for a half day game drive and $200-$300 for full day game drive. These prices usually include the park entry fees.
Walking safaris: For a more intimate experiment with nature, you should consider a guided walking safari which allows you walk on foot in the park with guidance from a park ranger. It is important to note that these walking safaris may require a minimum number of participants to avoid disruption of wildlife.
The price for a walking safari is $80-$150 for a half day walk and $150-$250 for a full day walk.
Hot air ballooning: This is one of the most exciting activities in Serengeti NP. Take a breath-taking view of the park from above and enjoy a champagne breakfast after landing. This activity costs between $500-$600 per person and it is subject to weather conditions and reservations are strongly recommended
Cultural tours: Visiting a place without experiencing the indigenous culture is usually a waste of the trip. Engage with the local Masai community and learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life. This will cost you anywhere between $30-$100 and these prices may include cultural presentations and meals depending on your package.
Bird Watching: For bird enthusiasts, Serengeti is the perfect destination. Take a specialised bird watching tour and see over 500 bird species that call Serengeti Np their home. This costs $50-$100. This comes with equipment like binoculars. The guides also avail you with all the information on the local bird species.
Photography tours: Photographers also have their own specialised packages which range between $400-$900. These specialised tours are led by guides who are familiar with the best photography spots for wildlife and scenery and the costs often include vehicle hire and guide services.
Camping: Serengeti NP has designated areas for camping and these range from budget to luxury camping grounds. Budget camping costs between $150-$300 per person per night and luxury camping is $500-$1200. These prices cater for meals, camping equipment and park entry fees.
It is advisable to book for these activities in advance especially if you intend to travel during the peak seasons. Also take health precautions like getting the necessary vaccinations and while budgeting for your trip, plan fir extra costs on food, tipping and souvenirs.
Accommodations in Serengeti NP
Serengeti NP has many accommodations and these range from budget campsites, midrange hotels to luxury lodges. The choice on which accommodation to consider depends largely on your budget and personal preferences. Budget accommodation offer basic comfort amenities whereas luxury accommodations feature high-end amenities, fine dining, 24/7 room service, and usually offer stunning views of the park. Here are some of the accommodations you may consider and their prices per night.
- Serengeti Four Seasons: $900-$1500
- Singita Grumeti Lodge: $1200-$2000
- Serengeti Migration camp: $600-$1200
- Serengeti campsite: $30-$60
- Kubukubu tented lodge: $150-$250
- Mbalageti Serengeti: $150-$300
- Asilia Africa Mobile tented camps $500-$800
Visiting Serengeti National Park is an unforgettable experience that will be embedded in your memory forever. Make sure to book your accommodations, transportation and activities in advance to avoid inconveniences.
For a more comfortable travel, consider renting a car from GoFurther 4×4 Car Rentals Tanzania. Our vehicles are reliable, in excellent mechanical condition and should you decide to have a driver, be assured of high levels of professionalism. We look forward to travelling with you on this exciting adventure!
