Things to do in Serengeti Tanzania

The Serengeti is arguably one of the best safari wildlife destinations in East and Central Africa. The Serengeti is the southern extension of the Masai Mara in Tanzania. An expanse of wilderness stretching as far as the eye could see. Teeming will an impressive array of wildlife species, the Serengeti remains a top safari while in Tanzania.

The Serengeti measures approximately 15,000 sq. kilometers. This is quite some expansive wildlife area taking into consideration there are other adjacent wildlife dispersal areas and the Ngorongoro conservation area. A common question is how much time do you need to explore the Serengeti, In reality a year stationed at Serengeti might not make for ample time. The Serengeti is simple expansive. The Name Serengeti is derived from the Masai word “Siringit” meaning Endless Plains.

Wildlife Safaris at Serengeti Tanzania

The Serengeti is known for its abundance in wildlife and thus makes Wildlife safaris the major activity in Serengeti. On a typical drive into the Serengeti, you will occasionally come across Lions, Leopards Cheetahs and Buffalos, Elephants and many bird species. Around the marshes and water holes you will find Hippos with the biggest population found in the Gurumeti and Mara rivers.
Some of the best areas to experience and explore wildlife is the Seronera, Central Serengeti and the Namiri Plains. The Northern Bologonja, Kogatende and Lamai areas have also high concentration of wildlife.

The Great Wildebeest Migration

The Wildebeest migration happens virtually almost all year round and can be traced in different parts of the Serengeti. During the month of January to March the herds have congregated south of the Serengeti and into the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation area. The herds move into the central Serengeti around the March and April months.

Around May they start moving western towards the Mabalageti area and start the trek north towards the Masai Mara in Kenya.  During these times you can follow the herds as they trek towards the Gurumeti River which has a high population of Crocodiles and get to experience some amazing action in the river crossings. As July approaches, the herds start milling into the Masai Mara in Kenya and the best area to experience the epic crossings is along the Mara River – Serengeti Tanzania. This area is better known as the Kogatende and Lamai wedge. Best period to experience this is from July onwards to October. The herds will cross into the Mara with some parts of the herds remaining north of the Serengeti. You can experience the migration in this area up till around October when the herds start the return journey south.

The Landscape – Kopjes

One of the major highlights of the Serengeti is the rolling landscape interrupted with the iconic rock Kopjes. The Kopjes are rocky out crops formed by soft volcanic ash that withered away leaving these massive rocky islands of rock amidst the rolling grassland. As you drive into the Serengeti you cannot fail but notice them towards the central Serengeti and southern regions of the park. They offer refuge to some of the big cats i.e. Lions and Leopards. The Kopje rocky surface acts as a catchment and surface rain drain off area providing marshes and water points that attracts wildlife around the Kopjes.  Driving around the Kopjes during your Serengeti safari, you will not fail to find Lions that bask on the Kopjes as they soak in the African sun.

Balloon Safari over the Serengeti Plains

Take an early morning flight over the Serengeti. Glide softly and quietly over the wild animals oblivious of your presence. During the Wildebeest Migration this is a must do as you see the expansive herds aloft as the sun rises over the horizon. The Balloon safaris operate from different areas of the Serengeti, Central all year round. Its available in the Northern Serengeti region during the July to October migration season and southern Serengeti in during the calving season.

Places to stay at in the Serengeti

The Serengeti has a place for different and varied budgets. From top luxury accommodations to camping grounds for those who love to rough it up. Before booking your safari accommodation, its important to first know the location and seasonality. For instance the camp following the migration are mobile and move with the migrating herds north and back south for the calving season. Accommodations around the central Serengeti are open all year round since this is an all season location and also the park headquarters.

Some of the recommended accommodations for the Serengeti are but not limited to:

1. The Asilia Namiri Plains – This is a Luxury Camp located in the central Serengeti in the Namiri Plains. The Namiri plains are the hunting grounds for Cheetahs, Leopards and Lions.

2. Sametu Camp – Located in the central Serengeti, this is a mid-range tented camp. The Camp faces the open plains with few tents and personalized service. It’s well located for wildlife safari in the central Serengeti.

3. Ole Serai Turner Springs – The Ole Serai chain of camps are well spread over the Northern and Southern Serengeti. With the Ole Serai Kogatende, Ole Serai Moru Kopje and the Ole Serai Turner Spring, this Semi Luxury Camp is well located and with 180 Degrees views in all the tents, it comes in well recommended among the Semi Luxury Camps.

4. The Nimali Mara – This is a luxury permanent tented camp best during the northern Migration season. The camp is set in the remote Kogatende area with individual rooms, out door showers and incredible views over the Serengeti.

The above camps are a few of the many in the Serengeti. Contacts us for more information on a comprehensive list of camps and lodges in Serengeti.

Getting to Serengeti Tanzania

The Serengeti is located approximately 260 Kilometers from Arusha town. Arusha is the safari headquarters for northern Tanzania and therefore most travelers into the Serengeti will come from Arusha. This drive takes about  5 to 6 hours and therefore its advisable to have a stopover inn between at either Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro. Your safari provider can assist you plan on the travel distances to avoid long drive times and back tracking while on safari.

Crossing at Isebania Kenya Tanzania

Driving from the Kenya Tanzania border at Isebania, the distance is about 160 kilometers and takes about 3 to 4 hours driving to Serengeti via the Ikoma gate entrance. Driving in from Mwanza, the distance to the western entrance Ndabaka gate is approximately 140 kilometers and takes about two hours.

There are daily scheduled flights into the Serengeti and to different airstrips over the park. The main airstrip is the Seronera airstrip with most flights from Arusha, Zanzibar and Tarime flying into Seronera.
The choice of Airstrip will also be determined by your choice of accommodation. It’s always advisable to contact your choice of airline with the camp details and they should be in a position to advise the best routing.
There are now direct flight from the Serengeti to Kigali Rwanda and Uganda and therefore much easier combining the Gorillas experience with wildlife in Tanzania. The flight to Kigali Rwanda is via Mwanza for Immigration and takes about an hour.

Seronera Visitor Information Centre

At the heart of the Serengeti is the Seronera Visitor Information Centre. This is a resource Centre with shops and information regarding the Serengeti and the migration. The Serengeti Seronera information Centre is a worthwhile stop for purchases of maps and other resources for further reading.

See you at Serengeti Tanzania.

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