Serengeti National Park — Tanzania self-drive safaris
Serengeti National Park, located in Southern Tanzania, is a prime destination for self-drive safaris. The term Serengeti originates from the Maasai word siringit, which translates to “endless plains.” This is a fitting description, as the entire ecosystem spans over 12,000 square miles.
Serengeti is renowned for hosting the largest annual animal migration globally, with over 1.5 million blue wildebeest and 250,000 zebras, along with smaller groups of Thomson’s gazelle and elands. The park boasts the largest lion population in Africa, and that’s why it attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The prime times to visit Serengeti National Park are from January to February and from June to September — these are considered to be dry months, where you can spot animals close to water bodies. It is also advisable to plan your visit around the movements of The Great Migration, which takes place in August and September in the northern part of the park.
A drive in the Serengeti National Park
The classic Savannah grasslands, adorned with acacia trees and abundant wildlife, make Serengeti National Park undeniably the most captivating. To the southeast, the short grass plains, interspersed with granite outcrops and home to Olduvai Gorge, transition into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Wildlife in Serengeti National Park – Tanzania represent the quintessential African safari experience: witnessing these magnificent big five – lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and Cape buffalo – roaming freely in their natural habitat is an unforgettable Africa safari experience.
Serengeti entry fees can be costly, visitors are required to pay park fees, which contribute to the maintenance of the park, staffing, and infrastructure. Given that the Serengeti is situated in a remote part of Tanzania, transportation expenses can be significant. You can either have a guided tour or a self-driving safari, which normally starts from Arusha or Karatu. Due to the vastness of the Serengeti, we recommend a minimum of four days to thoroughly explore the park and locate the wildlife. Its large size necessitates time spent driving around in search of the Big Five, which can be time-consuming. Moreover, in four days, you will encounter varying weather conditions and a diverse range of safari experiences.
What is Serengeti National Park famous for?
The Serengeti is renowned for its massive herds of plains animals, particularly gnu (wildebeests), gazelles, and zebras. It is the only location in Africa where extensive land-animal migrations continue to occur. This park, a major international tourist destination, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981. When comparing Tanzania’s Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti is perfect for those seeking to witness expansive, open landscapes and significant migrations. In contrast, the Ngorongoro Crater is more suitable for travellers who desire a more concentrated wildlife experience with assured sightings. Both locations provide outstanding game drives, so the decision ultimately hinges on individual preferences. In the Serengeti National Park, the top predators are lions and hyenas. These predators, particularly lions, tend to hunt their prey near waterholes within the park. These water sources also serve as excellent spots for observing various wildlife species during a safari, especially during the dry season from June to October.