Serengeti, Tanzania
If there’s a magical place to visit in Tanzania it’s the Serengeti, a place where mystery and nature come together to show unique scenarios in the world. Here nature is the queen, with her rhythms, cycles, with the ungulates, gnus. For those who would like to organize a holiday in Serengeti, there are so many things to do and to see, but when to go? What is the best time to visit its plains and how to discover it in the best way? Here’s a complete guide to Serengeti
Serengeti, what to see and to do
Tanzania is one of the most popular places in Africa, especially because it is perfect for numerous safaris, giving an unforgettable experience to those who book. Among the most beautiful parks to visit in Tanzania, there’s the Serengeti, for its flora and fauna; as well as for postcard landscapes and even for the opportunity to admire the so-called Big Five. The Serengeti Park can also brag about having been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
The Serengeti Park
In the Masai’s language, the Serengeti Park has a very specific meaning, that is
“boundless plain”. After all, we are in a place that boasts over 15.000 kmq of surface. This area is also known with the name of Savannah, as we have always seen it from home, in films or documentaries.
Its wildlife richness is history, and it is not a coincidence if the park is the most famous around the area of Tanzania: this is the Eighth Wonder in the World. Its vegetation is characterized by low expanses of grass: it is the perfect place in which to stand for animal sightings.
Serengeti, the animals that can be admired
One of the reasons why you should visit Serengeti is precisely for the fauna and flora, as well as for the phenomenon of the Great Annual Migration. During this period, 2 millions of wildebeest, impalas, Grant’s or Thompson’s gazelles and zebras move. Among the predators, it is possible to meet cheetahs, hyenas, leopards and of course the King of the Savannah: the lion.
Other animals that can be admired in Serengeti are the elephants, the imposing giraffes, the hippos, the antelopes, the jackals. Of course, crocodiles and over 500 species of birds too
Ngorongoro Crater
It is located 50km from the Serengeti area, but it is a place that must be visited at least once in a lifetime. We are lucky to admire a caldera of 25km in diameter: it is considered one of the most fundamental stops on safaris in Northern Tanzania. Among the animals that can be seen we mention buffaloes, lions and elephants with large tusks, hippos, flamingos and many species of birds typical of Tanzania, such as the Serpentarium.
The Big Five
We could not miss to mention the Big Five, because it is right here in the Serengeti area that we have the opportunity to admire them. Here all the five great African specimens coexist, buffaloes, elephants, lions, rhinos and leopards.
Serengeti, when to go
What’s the climate in Serengeti National Park like? Subtropical, the season is dry especially from may to august, with a slight coolness, while from august to september the weather is rather hot and dry.
When should we avoid going to Serengeti? Mainly during the rainy season: the months most at “risk” are those of march, november and april. Below is presented an overview of the periods that should be evaluated, also and above all for the sighting of the animals. From december to march: in this period it is possible to observe some herds, which stop in particular for reproduction or giving birth purposes, in the area of Lake Ndutu from june to september: it is one of the most interesting times to visit Serengeti, because we witness the beauty of nature itself. Thousands of wildebeest move first west and then north, crossing the Mara River. Here, can be the wading phenomenon observed: crocodiles are motionless and silent, waiting for their prey.
How to visit Serengeti, the best safaris
Thanks to the safaris experiences, it is possible to visit Serengeti in the best possible way, taking a few days off from the rest of the world and admiring the animal species, the uncontested nature and the breathtaking views. We have selected for you some safaris in Tanzania not to be missed. Two extras can be added to all safaris: an experience in an air balloon or relax on the beaches of Zanzibar
Ndutu Safari
Ndutu Safari in Tanzania gives you the chance of stopping for 9 days and 8 nights, and includes a visit to the most iconic places of the place, such as Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti-Ndutu for 4 days, while in the last few days, the search for the so-called Big Five is planned.
Asante Sana Safari
With Asante Sana Safari, a 5 days and 4 nights trip, you are left speechless because of the wonders of the place. From the Ngorongoro crater to the Serengeti National Park – a stop that lasts 2 days – you can explore the African Savannah.
Hakuna Matata Safari
Another package that you can choose is the Hakuna Matata Safari, a 7 days and 6 nights trip, in which you can explore the main parks of Northern Tanzania: a tour that includes a stop between Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara.