Where is Serengeti National Park?

The Serengeti is an African national park located in northern Tanzania. It’s the main destination forming the famous ‘Northern Circuit.’ You can easily access it from Arusha, the safari capital of the country, or Mwanza.

What is Serengeti National Park famous for?

Serengeti is famous for its dense wildlife, the Great Migration, and its large concentration of big cats. This park also holds the largest overall population of predators. Additionally, Serengeti is famous for its expansive plains, the so-called “endless plains,” which run forever.

What is the meaning of the name “Serengeti”?

The name Serengeti has its origin in the Maasai language. It originated from the Maasai word “Siringit,” meaning endless plains or plains that run forever. The Maasai inhabited the Serengeti for more than two centuries before migrating into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in 1959.

When was the Serengeti established?

The British, the then colonial rulers, proclaimed the Serengeti as a national park in 1951. Back then, it included the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It was separated from the conservation area in 1959.  

How big is the Serengeti?

Serengeti is about 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 square miles) in size. It’s one of the protected areas forming the majestic Serengeti ecosystem, with others being the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Grumeti and Ikorongo Reserves, Maswa Game Reserve, Loliondo Game Controlled Area, and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. This large ecosystem spans over 30,000 square kilometers (11,580 square miles).

How can I get to the Serengeti?

You can get to Serengeti National Park by air or road. The fastest way we recommend is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha, then catch a domestic flight from Arusha Airport (ARK) to one of the park’s airstrips like Seronera, Grumeti, or Kogatende. This way is comfortable and the best if you are in a hurry.

Alternatively, you can drive from Arusha for 6-7 hours to Central Serengeti (Seronera). The journey follows a tarmac road to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, then ends up with a gravel road to the park’s headquarters.

When is the best time to visit Serengeti National Park?

Serengeti is good year-round. Any time you visit it, you’ll see that the constant wildlife will surprise you, especially in the Seronera. However, June to October offers smooth wildlife viewing because the vegetation thins out, the trails are dry, the wildebeest is at its peak, and the sky is clear.

But if you want to see wobbly baby wildebeest during the calving season, plan your safari anytime between January and March. May to July is perfect for viewing the Grumeti River crossings, while July to September is good for witnessing the herds crossing the majestic, crocodile-infested Mara River.

March to May is wet, but it is excellent for birdwatching and photographic safaris. Migratory birds come to settle during the nesting period. Also, the green scenery makes photos gorgeous, plus, it’s the time Serengeti becomes so quiet.

What animals can I see in the Serengeti?

The Serengeti is home to about 2,500 species of animals. Here, you can spot large lions, elephants, wildebeests, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, leopards, and cheetahs. Others include topis, elands, impalas, hyenas, bat-eared foxes, warthogs, dik-diks, and the list goes on.

Can I see the Big Five in the Serengeti?

Absolutely yes, Serengeti National Park harbors the Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino. Elephant, buffalo, and lion are easier to see, but the leopard needs a special treat due to its elusiveness. As you drive, keep your eyes on acacia or sausage trees, where it prefers to spend its day. The black rhino is rare, but chances are good in the Moru Kopje. Our guides are experts at locating these wonderful animals, so you can lean on us.

Can I see wild dogs, or a bit of luck?

Yes, you can! African wild dogs are present in the Serengeti, but not as they used to be before their population was wiped out due to disease. However, their population is improving significantly, and they are currently at 250 individuals. So, yes – you can see them.

Are there tigers in the Serengeti?

No, tigers do not live in the Serengeti or Africa. They’re native to Asia. The reason why tigers are not present in Africa is that African savannahs are not favorable habitats to tigers, as they prefer lush, thick forests. Hunting in the Serengeti mainly involves stalking and chasing, while tigers know stealth and camouflage.

What is the Great Migration?

It’s the migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and thousands of zebras and gazelles from the south to the north, searching for greener grazing grounds. The main drive is their instinct and ability to sniff out rainfall kilometers away. This event features two premier wildlife sanctuaries in Africa: the Serengeti and the Masai Mara.