Serengeti National Park Attractions, Activities, Accommodation Lodges Tel:/ WhatsApp +254723684974

Serengeti National Park Activities, Attractions-An Introduction

Serengeti National Park attraction(s) comprise of the location or destination Serengeti itself, what visitors see, the attractions or objects of tourist gaze within or without the park, what visitors do, activities and events on offer, the rich culture of the local people and the visitor experience at various points of contact with the locals and other visitors.

The Richness Of Serengeti National Park

During the migration, Serengeti accommodates over 5 millions animals with the resident population of about 2.5 million. The wildebeest population alone stands at 1.7 M during migration. All the 'Big Five' of Africa: Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard are represented in Serengeti National Park. Besides the park has buffaloes, warthogs, zebras, gazelles, impala, reedbuck, oryx, topi, eland. Predators are represented by lions, hyenas, leopards, cheetah and hunting dogs. Recent count has revealed over 1500 elephants, 8000 spotted hyenas and 3000 lions.

Serengeti National Park Location

Size/ Area:

Serengeti is the largest park in Tanzania occupying an area of 14, 763 Km square. The conservation area has been protected since 1929 and acquired park status in 1951.

Serengeti National Park Attractions And Activities

In summary tourist attractions in Serengeti National Park comprise of what people see, objects that attract the eyesight and what visitors do, activities at the destination

Serengeti National Park Attractions

Wildebeest Migration ranks number one among the top 10 attractions in Serengeti National Park which are:

• Wildebeest migration

  The wildebeest migration spectacle is the never ending milling of over 2.5 million wild animals composed of a about 1.7 million wildebeests, and 800,000 common gazelles and zebras with predators-lions, hyenas, leopards, jackals etc following closely. In this picture add thousands of vultures providing air cover the to migrating animals, the goggling human traffic; the hazardous crossing of crocodile invested Mara and Grumeti rivers and behold your magical wonder of nature.

• Visitor Activities /What to do

  Serengeti National Park activities, what to do in Serengeti, during the day (diurnal) or at night (nocturnal) are what attracts them to Serengeti. These includes Game drives, balloon safaris, nature walks, night game drives, cultural tours, mice, sundowners, wining and dining, picnics, bush breakfasts and meals, etc

• The Seronera Visitor Center

  To get a glimpse of what to expect in Serengeti

• Physical Features

• Rivers-Mara River, Grumeti River

• Lakes-Lake Ndutu, Lake Victoria, Lake ndutu, Lake Eyasi, Lake Natron

• Kopjes-the park is dotted with many kopjes including Naabi, Maasai, Barafu, Lobo, Borogonja and Moru Kopjes

• Plains -Seronera, Ndoha, Dutwa, musabi, Togora, the Selai

• Olduvai Gorge

• Ngorongoro Crater

  Ngorongoro has an impressive animal sighting. The crater is home to 25000 to 30000 big mammals including rare black rhinos, the beautiful scenery, phenomenal photography opportunities and local communities. Cultural visits organized through cultural tourism programs at Karatu. Other attractions include archeological site of Olduvai, Lake Natron and her flamingos, Empakai crater, the active volcano of Oldonyo le Ngai. Lake Natron is a Ramsar site, the breeding ground of lesser flamingos. The lake contains trona, called Sodium bicarbonate (Na3Co3) or washing powder a chemical essential for glass and detergent manufacturing. The lake's pinkish, reddish coloration (see photo) is attributed to availability of cyanobacteria and other bacteria organism that photosynthesis just like plants. Give Ngorongoro Crater a day, Lake Natron a day or two, Oldonyo Le Ngai 2 days

• The Ndutu area

  Located to the south Serengeti /Ngorongoro is best explored in combination of Olduvai gorge. Ndutu highlights include archeological site of Olduvai, the Oldeani gorge, the shifting sands, the Olbalbal depression, Mt Makarot, the Selai Plains.

• The Oldeani gorge

  Oldeani Gorge is world famous breeding ground of Ruppel's griffon (griffin) vulture. In the cliffs are Lamagyyer vultures, Nyanza swallow, klipspringers too. Oldeani is the best place to see authentic Masai morans

• Mt Kilimanjaro

  the highest mountain in Africa

• Mt Meru

• Mt Ol Donyo Le Ngai

  the only active volcano in Tanzania

• Mt Makarot

• The Rift Valley

  The Riftvalley cuts across eastern plains of Serengeti

• Mammals

Serengeti National Park has an overwhelming presence of mammals in terms of species and numbers. All the 'Big Five' of Africa: Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard are represented in Serengeti National Park. Besides the park has buffaloes, warthogs, zebras, gazelles, impala, reedbuck, oryx, topi, eland. Predators are represented by lions, hyenas, leopards, cheetah and hunting dogss.

• Profusion Of Birdlife

Over 500 species of birds have been recorded in Serengeti National Park . Among the species to be found are mourning doves, Fly Catchers, Wablers, Pin tailed Whydahs, Eagles (Matial, Verreaux) Storks (Open-billed, Shoe-bill, Gonoreks (Papyrus and black headed), Pelilcans (Great White and Pink-backed) etc. Flocks of flamingoes are resident in the crater lakes.

• The local culture the local people -Masai,.

• Predators in action

  With 8000 hyenas and 3000 lions, the serengeti is the best place to watch predators in action

What to do in Serengeti National Park?

Serengeti National Park activities, what to do in Serengeti, during the day (diurnal) or at night (nocturnal) are what attracts them to Serengeti.

Serengeti National Park Activities

The most popular, top 10 activities in Serengeti National Park Are:-

• Game drives. Game drives are best undertaken in the morning and evening. However you can go opt for a full day game drive with picnic lunches
• Balloon Safaris. They depart at dawn with guests returning to their lodges after champaigne breakfast
• Nature walks. Nature walks are conducted by local guides from your lodges
• Bird walks/ warching
• Sundowners/ sunset watch meals and drinks - romantic samptous meals served with sparkling drinks in the most scenic locations as the sun sinks in the horizon is an experience never to be missed. Most of the facilities do offer these on request
• Picnics
• Night game drives
• Bush breakfasts/ dinners
• Camping - camping is available in the public and special campsites. Unlike public campsites, there is nothing special in Special campsites. Special campsites are do it yourself and lack amenities like toilets, showers, kitchens
• Swimming most of the lodges have fitness centers that feature swimming pools
• Mice- Meetings, Incentives, Conferences facilities are available in the lodges
• Cultural tours to the local villages
• Wildebeest migration
• Campfires are meeting or gatherings open to all guests. At the campfire ground is a big fire to keep the guests warm as they dance, tell stories and jokes, drink and exchange contact. Yes most of the campfires feature campfire bar where guests can order drinks. It is a lovely experience never to be missed
• Health and spa in massage parlours
• Wining and dining with numerous avenues and opportunities to sample local cuiseine

Serengeti National Park Accommodation Lodges Hotels/ Tented Camps Best Offers:

There are a variety of accommodation facilities in Serengeti varying from the luxury eco-lodges to basic campsites.-

• Serengeti Katikati

  USD 161 PP HS (01JAN-14MAR/ 01JUN 31OCT /16-31DEC);USD 130 PP LS(15MAR-31MAY /01NOV -15DEC)

• Mara Katikati

  USD 161PP HS (01JAN-31MAR/01JUN- 31OCT/16-31DEC; USD 130PP LS (15MAR-31MAY/01NOV- 31DEC.

• Ndutu Katikati

  USD 161 PP HS (01JAN-14MAR/ 01JUN 31OCT /16-31DEC); USD 130 PP LS(15MAR-31MAY /01NOV -15DEC).

• Kubu Kubu Tc

  USD 271 PP HS (01Jan-31Mar/01JUN - 31Oct/16-31Dec; USD 174 PP LS (15Mar-31May/01Nov - 31Dec

• Serengeti Serena Lodge

  USD 316 PP Ps (01Jan-28Feb/ 01Jul 31Oct /22-31Dec); USD 251 PP Ps1(01-30JUN);USD 184 PP HS(01MAR-31MAR/JUN/ 01NOV-21DEC);USD 130 PP LS(01APR - 31MAY)

• Mara Under Canvas

  USD 370 PP HS (01Jan-14Mar/01Jun -31Dec USD 287 PP LS (15MAR-31MAY/ 01 - 31NOV)

• Ndutu Under Canvas

  USD 370 PP HS (01JAN-14MAR/ 01JUN 31OCT /01-31DEC) ;USD 287 PP LS(15MAR-31MAY /01NOV -30NOV

• Bologonya Under Canvas

  USD 370 PP HS (01Jan-14Mar/01Jun - 31Oct/01-31DecUSD 287 PP Ls (15Mar-31May/01- 31Nov)

• Mara River TC

  USD 517 PP HS (01JUL- 31OCT/ 01-31 DEC)USD 230PP LS (01MAY-30JUN/01NOV- 30NOV

• Nomad Lamai

  USD 1040 PP HS (01-04 JAN/JUL- OCT/22 -31DEC) USD 572 PP LS(05JAN- 15MAR /JUN/ 01NOV -22DEC)

• Lamai Private House

  USD 1040 PP HS (01-04 JAN/JUL- OCT/22 -31DEC) USD 572 PP LS(05JAN- 15MAR /JUN/ 01NOV -22DEC)

• Mkombe's House Lamai

  USD 1130 PP HS (01-04 JAN/JUL- OCT/22 -31DEC) USD 572 PP LS(05JAN- 15MAR /JUN/ 01NOV -22DEC)

• Serengeti Safari Camp

  USD 726 PP HS (01JAN-15MAR/01JUN - 31OCT/22-31DECUSD 572 PP LS (16MAR-31MAY/01NOV - 21DEC

• Serengeti Pioneer Tc

  USD 328 PP PS (01JAN-28FEB/ 01JUL 31OCT /01-31DEC) USD 299 PP MS(01- 31MAR/JUN /01-30NOV) USD 220 PP GS(01APR-31MAY/)

• Serengeti Migration Camp

  USD 328PP HS (01JAN-28FEB/ 01JUL 31OCT /01-31DEC); USD 299 PP MS(01MAR-31MAR/JUN/01NOV -30NOV; USD 200 PP GS(01APR-31MAY)

• Singita Sabora

  USD 1562 PP; LS USD 1287PP

• Singita Faru Faru

  USD 1562 ; LS USD 1287

• Singita Serengeti House

  USD 8741 Per house HS; USD 6875 Per House LS

• Singita Sasakwa

  HS USD 1914 PP ;LS USD 1411 PP

• Singita Xplore

  USD 4686 PER HOUSE HS; USD 3861 PER HOUSE LS

• Singita Mara River Tc

  USD 1562 PP HS; USD 1287 PP LS

• Sayari Serengeti

  USD 1002.8 PP PS; USD 602.8 PP HS USD 546. 8 PP LS

• Namiri Plains Tc

  USD 862.8 PP PS; USD 686.8 PP HS;USD 382. 8 PP LS

• Kimondo TC

  USD 758.8 PP PS; USD 702. 8 PP HS; USD 570.8 PP LS

• Ubuntu Tc

  USD 638.8 PP PS; USD 590.8 PP HS; USD 510. 8 PP LS

• Lemala Kuria Hills

  USD 799.7 PP PS;USD 602.8PP HS; USD 444.4 PP LS

• Lemala Nanyukie

  USD 704 PP PS; USD 508 PP HS; USD 444.4 PP LS

• Lemala Ewajani

  USD 528PP PS; USD 360.08 PP HS; USD 290.4 PP LS

• Lemala Mara

  USD 698.50 PP PS; USD 572.00 PP LS

Serengeti National Park Getting There

Serengeti National Park Gates

Remember the rule is that you should enter the park through official gates. The gates in Serengeti include;

• Ndabaka Gate to the west as you approach from Mwanza
• Naabi Gate to the east as you approach from Ngorongoro
• Klein' Gate to the North East which gives access to Loliondo area
• Ikoma Gate North of Seronera

Wildebeest Migration

Every year, in the months of July August and September, over 1.7 million wildebeests accompanied by about 800,000 gazelles and Zebras migrate from Serengeti into Maasai (Masai) Mara and back. The river crossings are particularly dangerous as large crocodile lie in wait of unsuspecting animals, killing and maiming thousands of them. Besides predation, migrating herds have to contend with flooded rivers and disease outbreaks. The wildebeest mate in Maasai Mara and Calve in Serengeti.

The annual wildebeest migration is not about wildebeests migrating per se but rather its influence on the movement patterns of the other animals including human beings. Picture a never ending milling of over 2.5 million wild animals composed of a about 1.7 million wildebeests, and 800,000 common gazelles and zebras with predators-lions, hyenas, leopards, jackals etc following closely. In this picture add thousands of vultures providing air cover the to migrating animals, the goggling human traffic; the hazardous crossing of crocodile invested Mara and Grumeti rivers and behold your magical wonder of nature.

Where are the Wildebeest? Maasai (Masai) Mara or Serengeti? The Migration Cycle:-

The migration follows a clockwise direction dictated by the rain patterns in the Mara/Serengeti ecosystem. The Migration has been going on for as long as our ancestors can remember and where it started is debatable. The best times to view migration in Serengeti is December to Jul. While in Maasai Mara, the best time is August to November. Between December and March, the herds congregate in Eastern Serengeti Plains where carving takes place. Births accounts for over half a million calves annually. April and May still in Serengeti the calves matures and gets ready for migration. June is the month of crossing Grumeti River along the Northern Corridor towards Maasai Mara. In July/August, the herds cross the Mara River into Maasai (Masai) Mara, where mating takes place. By November the succulent grass in Mara is finished and the migrating herds heads for Serengeti where curving will take place and the entire cycle starts all over again.

Recommeded Safaris

Masai Mara Fly/Drive 5days

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Kenya Highlight Samburu/ Nakuru/ Mara 8 days

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Gorilla Tracking Rwnada 4 days

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Wildebeest Migration Mara/Serengeti/Ngorongro/Manyara 10 days

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Wildebeest Migration serengeti/Manyara/Ngorongoro 7 days

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Selous, Udzungwa, Mikumi 11 days

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: How long does it take to drive from Arusha/ Kilimanjaro Airport to Serengeti?

   Accepted Answer: The drive from Arusha/ Kilimanjaro Airport to Serengeti National (Central Serengeti else Seronera takes 7 to 8 hours . Driving to Western Corindor also called Grumeti takes upto 12 hours.

2. Question: Can one fly to Serengeti?

   Accepted Answer: Yes. If you are short of time or you are not a fun of long drives, you can fly directly from Arusha to Seronera in Central Serengeti, Grumeti in the western corrindor or Kleins Gate to the North. Flights take between1 hour 5min and 2 hrs and 20 Min. Flights from Dar es salaam take between 3 hrs 30 min and 5 hrs 20 min. Flights are available from Between Lake Manyara/ Ngorongoro/ Tarangire and Serengeti.

3. Question: Is self drive car hire allowed in Serengeti and Ngorongoro?

   Accepted Answer: Yes. Self drive is allowed in Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Though a guide is recommended it is not a requirement or a must to have one in either Ngorongoro or Serengeti. Click here For self drive car hire .

4. Question: Will my credit card be charged at the park gate?

   Accepted Answer: "Yes you can pay park entrance fees at the park gate using your credit card. But the best is you pay your park entry fees at Arusha in advance to avoid incoveniences if the computers in the park are down.

   Question: When is the best time to see wildebeest migration in Serengeti?

   Accepted Answer: The best times to view migration in Serengeti is December to Jul. While in Maasai Mara, the best time is August to November. Between December and March, the herds congregate in Eastern Serengeti Plains where carving takes place. Births accounts for over half a million calves annually. Click here for detailed information on wildebeest migration in Masai Mara and Serengeti

National Parks

OUR SPECIAL SAFARIS

Wildebeest migration safari are organized in bothMaasai (Masai) Mara and Serengeti National Parks. The duration of the safari depends on various factors but mostly on time and budget but also the flexibility of the guest. The all drive 11 days Masai Mara Serengeti/ Ngorongoro/ Manyara Migration Safari commences from Nairobi and returns to the same via Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, and Amboseli. The 8 days fly drive Wildebeest Migration Safari Masai Mara National Park (Mara Explorer 8 days) is a luxury option. Guests fly from Nairobi Wilson to Masai Mara and return to the same.The 4 days 3 Nights Migration safari combines Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha. The 6 days Best of Tanzania Safari focuses on wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park. The best time to witness migration in Masai Mara National Park Kenya, is between July to September. Serengeti National Park is best visited between March and May

ZANZIBAR

North Coast of Zanzibar

is a special holiday destination ideal for week long stays, honey moons or weekend escapes. Zanzibar is an ideal destination for holiday getaways,relaxation and adventure. Zanzibar + Masai Mara are the places to visit if you desire to combine beach holidays with water sports and big game watching. Top of the range of the hotels are

• Diamonds Gemma Dell Est Resort
• Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel
• Ocean Paradise Hotel
• Double Tree Hilton Resort
• The Z Beach Hotel
• Diamonds Star Of The East Hotel
• Sandies Mapenzi Beach Club/ Hotel.

Zanzibar Weekend Getaways 3-6 Nights from USD 423 PP

Zanzibar Travel Information

Zanzibar tourist Attractions