Serengeti National Park

An Introduction
The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most renowned and captivating wildlife viewing areas. The variety of habitats included in its pristine ecosystem guarantees a versatile safari filled with excitement and feelings of African authenticity. During any time of the year, the Serengeti encompasses the highest wildlife census out of all national parks, including both resident and migratory animals. It is also home to the Great Migration, which entails the annual journey of grazers such as the wildebeest, zebras and gazelles as they relocate for greener pasture. The name Serengeti derives from the Maasai word ‘Siringit’, which translates into ‘the place where the land runs on forever’—a most fitting description for this beautifully unique park in Northern Tanzania. At 14,763 sq km (5,700 sq miles), the Serengeti National Park is home to the highest density of large predators, and a host to the indisputably most impressive natural event: the annual migration.
The 4 Seasons and the Annual Migration
What makes the Serengeti such a formidable location for game drive throughout the year, is its distinct seasonal changes that shapes the migration’s pattern. From late November to December, the migrating herds arrive on the short-grass plains of the east and south of Seronera, which also extends into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area—also known as the Ndutu Plains. This is the prime location to be when the calving season takes place, where large herds of wildebeests and zebras gather to give birth simultaneously, and in turn triggering thrilling game hunting for the larger predators. Until late February to March, the herds will remain on the plains, feeding on the short and new grass, which is filled with valuable nutrition for lactating mothers.
From the end of March to April, the herds will begin to move west as they prepare for their migration towards the north. By May until mid-June, the migrating herds are expected to pass through the Western Corridor, making the Grumeti River a spectacular sighting: a small migration crossing alongside the fiercely aggressive Nile crocodile.
The dry season begins from end of June to July and lasts until the beginning to mid-October, where the herds will concentrate in the Northern Serengeti, making the Mara River one of the most popular destination to see the great river crossing. With poignant scenes of confusion and panic among the herds, alongside successful crossing that takes place, this marks one of the most spectacular natural event in the world.
By the mid to end of October, the herds are heading back South again, through Western Loliondo and Lobo area, as the animals return to find the fresh, green shoots on the short-plain grass.
The Serengeti Eco-System
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the Serengeti Eco-System consists of the following areas: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Maswa, Ikorongo and Grumeti Game Reserves, Ikona and Makao Wildlife Management Areas, Ngorongoro Game Controlled Area, Village lands and the Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. Aside from its largest herds of migrating wildlife, the ecosystem is also an important sanctuary to the continent’s most endangered species, notably the Black Rhino and the African Wild Dog.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, the Serengeti is an unrivaled park which boasts an impressive diversity and number of animals. With the highest concentration of large predators in the world, with an estimate of 9,000 hyenas, 3,000 lions, and 1,000 leopards, along with the highest density of cheetahs on the continent. The current estimate number of wildebeests stands at 1.7 million, with more than 200,000 zebras and about 400,000 Thomas gazelles.
Things to do
Hot Air Balloon Safari
For many of our guests, flying over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon is on their must-do list. The experience of witnessing the “endless plains” and the diverse wildlife from the sky will mark your safari as unforgettable. This activity can be booked throughout the year, usually flying from Seronera, though the launch point can also vary depending on the season you will be traveling in (e.g. July: Northern Serengeti). After your flight, you will be treated to an “out of africa” breakfast, served with sparkling wine, as you watch the plains in all its morning grandour.
More information can be found on the Serengeti Balloon website Here
Recommended Lodging
Southern Serengeti:
This area includes the northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area and is home to the famous and seemingly infinite Serengeti plains. As these short grass plains are rich in nutrients during the wet season, giant herds of wildebeest and zebra congregate onto the plains after the first rains. Meaning that during this time of year, wildlife including large predators like lions are especially abundant among the southern Serengeti plains—making your game drive packed with unforgettable sights! As the dry season approaches, a semi desert takes the place of the southern Serengeti plains and only a limited number of robust animals thrive. Regardless, this area is still copious in several resident herbivores including giraffes, elephants and impalas that can be seen year round.



Central Serengeti:
This area comprises of wide long-grass plains surrounded by rocky hills, and river courses neighboured with often leopard-occupied acacia trees. On top of exceptional game viewing of the largest populations of carnivores in Africa, this region also holds residence to park headquarters and research facilities, which have reliably sustained resident wildlife. In central Serengeti, expect to see all four large predators (lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena) on your game drive. Since it is home to several enduring rivers year round, resident animals (including but not limited to buffalo, hippo and warthog) as well as migratory animals (cheetah, hyena and Thomson’s gazelle) accumulate in this area throughout the dry season—making the central area the best spot for wildlife viewing during the dry months. Be mindful that much of the lodging is situated in this area, so anticipate high numbers of other tourists and game vehicles.



Western Serengeti:
Although less ventured by those visiting the Serengeti, the western corridor retains a substantial resident population of wildebeest and zebra, and overall offers decent game viewing year round. This area consists of a thicket of acacia trees interspersed with disintegrated woodlands and open plains. Other animals residing in this area include the buffalo, impala, giraffe and Thomson’s gazelle, these of which maintain huge aggregates of predators like the lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena. However, relative to the central Serengeti, the western region does not offer sighting of the big cats as frequent and extensive as that of the central parts (but this is the case for all other parts in Africa when compared to the ever-so prolific central Serengeti).



Northern Serengeti:
This area contains forested rolling hills combined with open grassy areas and numerous streams composed of underlying granites. While rarely explored, what the northern region somewhat lacks in its wildlife densities, it makes up for with its mesmerizing landscapes and vacant wildlife viewing. Resident herbivores include hippo, giraffe, topi and elephant, which are most clustered in this part of the Serengeti than any other. Despite the thick bush and woodlands, predators such as lions and hyenas are still habitually seen. Cheetahs and leopards are fairly more difficult to spot, but not impossible.



Eastern Serengeti:
Similar to the southern Serengeti plains, a semi desert takes over the eastern plains during the dry season and transforms back to short grass plains during the wet season, making it a plentiful wildlife viewing area—especially for cheetahs. In the green season, out of the entire Serengeti and in all Africa, the best cheetah viewing can be found in eastern Serengeti as they follow the Thomson’s gazelle migration to these grass plains. Here you will also find the greatest concentrations of hyenas and a reasonably high number of lions in these wet months.
