Though the highlight of any Serengeti safari is the great migration, it is an all-year-round safari destination. There are plenty of animals that do not migrate, including healthy populations of predators. The Serengeti National Park offers superb game viewing with sizeable populations of Africa’s Big 5 species, elephants, buffalos, rhinos, lions, and leopards, as well as cheetah, serval, caracal, giraffe, numerous antelope species, and rare African painted wolves. Among the big game sightings, the Serengeti is also home to over 500 bird species, including endemic species like Fischer’s Love Bird.
In addition to the abundant wildlife, the Serengeti National Park boasts spectacular scenery that is ideal for avid photographers. Taking in the breathtaking vistas, it is easy to understand why the Maasai call this spectacular area Siringitu, meaning “the place where the land moves on forever".
- The central Seronera region is one of the best places to witness over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they migrate across the Serengeti Masai Mara ecosystem. This is the heart of the great migration and boasts abundant wildlife, predators, and quintessential acacia-dotted African landscapes. Note: the central Seronera region is a year-round safari hotspot and offers excellent big game viewing 12 months a year.
- Witness the calving season in the southern Serengeti. Over 8,000 wildebeest are born per day during January and February. This incredible explosion of life is matched only by the gathering of predators - lions, cheetahs, jackals, hyenas, painted wolves, and leopards – who come to feast on the bounty.
- Float above the great migration in a hot air balloon, and experience endless Serengeti savannah landscapes. Take off at dawn and drift with gentle winds before eating a champagne breakfast to cap off a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Experience Africa in a mobile tented camp. Listen to lions roar and hyenas cackle as you spend your nights beneath the African stars for a unique Serengeti safari experience.
- The Serengeti National Park is a leading Big 5 safari destination. The park has over 3,000 lions and is known for some of the best predator action in Africa.
The wildebeest migration of the Serengeti/Masai Mara ecosystem is arguably the greatest natural spectacle in Africa. Every year over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and Thomson's gazelles migrate through the Serengeti National Park’s vast plains in search of fresh grazing and water.
This is a 365-day-a-year journey that begins in the southern Serengeti with the calving season and climaxes in the north with the Grumeti and Mara River crossings. These two flash points are underlined by the vast herds moving through the central Seronera region before fading into ellipses as the herds dissipate and then gather again in the south to repeat the cycle.
Witnessing these vast herds of large mammals makes it onto every safari bucket list for good reason. The sheer volume of animals, the vast African landscapes, and the life and death drama that follows in the form of predators like wild dogs, lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, have no parallel.
The biggest attraction in the Serengeti is undoubtedly the annual great wildebeest migration. The spectacle of hundreds of thousands of animals kicking up dust as they move across the endless plains, give birth, and face death crossing crocodile-infested rivers, will keep you riveted to the edge of your front-row safari vehicle’s seat.
The great migration is actually an all-year-round event, as the animals follow the rains in a circular pattern. With a protected area of over 30,000 sq km, it’s good to know the where and when of witnessing the greatest show on earth.
Starting in January, the wildebeest begin gathering in the southeastern plains of the Serengeti. You want to be in the Ndutu region between January and March to witness the birth of about 500,000 wildebeests. This incredible explosion of life is matched by gut-wrenching predator action as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and other predators descend to take advantage of the vulnerable young.
From April to May the wildebeest start moving towards, and into, the western corridor. This is the rutting season filled with testosterone-fueled bulls, jousting it out for the right to sire the next generation of wildebeest. In May, as the young gain strength, the pace quickens. Huge columns stretch across the plains as they fill the central Seronera region.
The vast majority of safari enthusiasts want to see the wildebeest crossing crocodile-infested rivers. While June and July are the best months to see the Grumeti River Crossing, the Mara River crossing into Kenya generally happens in August. From here the herds split and there are many more animals in the Masai Mara during September and October.
By November, the short rains have begun, and the wildebeest start making their way south and back into the Serengeti. The mega herds dissipate, and much of the drama that accompanies the northern movement is lost. The wildebeest are gathering strength, taking advantage of the new sweet grass, and preparing for the cycle to begin again in January.
During a full year, the wildebeest follow a set circular route, which they have been doing since time began. Predators follow prey and the spectacle that plays out is unforgettable. It is impossible to give exact dates and times as, each year, the movements of the herds differ, according to the rainfall that year.
The hot-air balloon safaris offered over the Serengeti National Park are an amazing way to experience the vastness of this iconic African park. Taking in stunning views from above, hot-air balloon safaris offer unparalleled photo opportunities and a unique perspective on Serengeti's sprawling landscape.
There are four balloon launching sites within the Serengeti National Park: Seronera, Ndutu, the western corridor, and the northern Serengeti. Only the Seronera launch site offers balloon safaris all year round, while the other sites sync with the movements of the great migration.
Most balloon safaris begin around 4am in the morning, with pick-up from your accommodation and transport to your launch site. By around 6:45am you will be floating above the Serengeti, breathing the crisp morning air, and spotting wildlife from a bird's eye view. By 8:30am, you will be seated at a truly out-of-Africa breakfast table, surrounded by the vastness of the Serengeti, and eating a sumptuous breakfast feast with your flying party.
Hot air balloon experiences cost US$599 per person. For those who budget, and plan for this journey it is worth every penny. Despite the fact that every journey is different and dependent on the vagaries of the wind and weather, the popularity of the Serengeti balloon ride is a testament to the quality of the experience. You will need to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Serengeti National Park is located in north-central Tanzania, between the southern shore of Lake Victoria and the safari hub of Arusha. To the north, the Serengeti National Park shares a fenceless border with Kenya’s Masai Mara, allowing the free movement of ungulates during the Great Migration. The Serengeti National Park is only 14,750 km² and in addition to the Masai Mara National Park, is bordered by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Loliondo Game Controlled Area, Grumeti Game Reserve, and Maswa Game Reserve, which more than doubles its size to over 30,000 km².
The Serengeti National Park is one part of the greater Serengeti Ecosystem. The 14,750 km² sits at the center of a cluster of protected areas that preserve and protect this UNESCO World Heritage site which harbors the largest remaining unaltered animal migration in the world.
The Greater Serengeti Ecosystem is made up of the Serengeti National Park, Loliondo Game Controlled area to the east, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the southeast, Maswa Game Reserve to the south, Grumeti and Ikorongo Reserves in the northwest, and Kenya’s Masai Mara to the north. In total, this protected ecosystem makes up 31,667 km² (+/- 3.2 million hectares) of the African savannah, rocky hills called kopjes, woodland, and riverine forest.
The Serengeti National Park can be divided into four broad sections; the Northern Serengeti, Southern Serengeti, the Western Corridor that links the other two, and the Central region or Seronera.
The Northern Serengeti runs from the border with the Masai Mara, south for 100km where gently undulating Serengeti plains are crossed by rivers and dotted by occasional rocky kopjes. The Northern Serengeti sees massive herds crossing the Mara River between June and July, and from September to November. This Northern Serengeti area has permanent populations of wildlife, but the real draw is the comparatively small number who visit this area because it is far from the main gate which is located in the south.
The Seronera is the heart of the Serengeti National Park. This is quintessential Africa and boasts iconic open plains, occasional granite kopjes, distant hills, and phenomenal game viewing all year round. High densities of leopards, cheetahs, and lions hunt the abundant herbivores, as well as the migrating herds of ungulates in April and May. From the Seronera it is easy to access both the western corridor and the southern plains. All of these factors combine to make the Seronera a popular destination with tourists, and as a result, it is always busy.
The Western Corridor is crossed by two, almost parallel, rivers, the Grumeti River, and the Mbalageti River. The rivers support a band of riparian forests and sustain a healthy population of permanent wildlife which includes wildebeest, zebras, rare colobus monkeys, elephants, giraffes, hippos, giant crocodiles, and leopards. The migration passes through this area between May and July, where they pause briefly before barreling through the crocodile-infested waters, and into the Grumeti Reserve.
The Southern Serengeti stretches from the Central Serengeti south to the edges of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Maswa Game Reserve. The landscape is scenically beautiful and seems to stretch out endlessly over grassy plains that are punctuated by the occasional granite kopjes and acacia thickets. Between December and May, huge herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles congregate here to gather strength and give birth, before beginning the migration northwards. The Southern Serengeti, particularly around Ndutu, is one of the best places to experience the calving season and the accompanying predator action.
The size of the Serengeti National Park means that the ecosystem encompasses varied biomes which include vast grasslands, kopjes, woodlands as well as riverine forests. These varied habitats are the reason that the Serengeti Ecosystem supports such a huge variety of animal life.
With vast grasslands or African savannahs, the Serengeti is home to the great migration. Huge herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles follow a circular route in search of grazing. This is the backbone of the ecosystem, a never-ending cycle of life, death, fertilization, and rebirth. In addition to these large mammals, you will also find elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, eland, and various species of antelope. Some of the shyer animals are aardvarks, pangolins, and bat-eared foxes.
The Serengeti’s abundance of herbivores means that there is also an abundance of predators. With an estimated 3,000 lions, the Serengeti National Park boasts the largest population of wild lions in Africa. In addition to the lions, you might also encounter leopards, cheetahs, serval, caracals, hyenas, jackals, and the rare African painted wolves.
While the Big 5, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, and lion, are imminently spottable in the Serengeti, keep your eyes open for the famous Little 5. Harder to spot, but no less remarkable, the Little 5 of the Serengeti are the ant lion, leopard tortoise, rhino beetle, buffalo weaver, and elephant shrew.
The rivers of the Serengeti support an abundance of wildlife too. They provide water for riparian forests which shelter small antelopes and leopards, while also providing ideal habitat for hippos and huge Nile crocodiles. The trees are a haven for smaller invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, rodents, and birds.
The Serengeti National Park is home to over 540 bird species, making it a twitchers paradise. The open plains support one of the healthiest populations of wild ostriches in Africa, Kori bustards, secretary birds, and more. The Serengeti is also home to 5 endemic species, the Usimbiro barbet, grey crested helmet shrike, grey-breasted spurfowl, rufous-tailed weaver, and the gorgeous Fischer’s lovebird. From November until April, the Serengeti also hosts a plethora of migratory birds that visit from North Africa, Asia, and Europe.
The Serengeti National Park is an all-year-round safari destination. The best time to visit the Serengeti depends largely on what you want to do and see. Most safari activities in the Serengeti pivot around the almost 2 million animals that take part in the great migration.
Generally speaking, the best time to visit the Serengeti is during the dry season between July and October. The dry season makes spotting wildlife easy, and the migration is in full swing with dense aggregations of big game and excellent predator action.
Though the great wildebeest migration is a year-round event, there are better and worse times to safari in the Serengeti. Late June to August is peak migration season and many people choose to build their safari itinerary around these dates. On the downside, prices at this time are high, and there are a lot of safari enthusiasts vying for the best spots. It is essential to book early to avoid disappointment.
The Grumeti and Mara River crossings are the most sought-after safari spectacle. The vast herds reach the Grumeti River between June and July, and the Mara River from late July through to September. This is an exhilarating safari experience. Front-row seats for this adrenaline-fueled extravaganza are at a premium, and the crowds - who gather to witness it - sometimes seem to outnumber the wildebeest.
If you are interested in game viewing but are not too concerned about seeing the famous river crossings, then consider January to March. January to March is the calving season which is punctuated by impressive predator action, particularly in the Southern Serengeti, where you want to head to the Ndutu Plains.
The Serengeti’s ‘Green Season’ runs from November to April and is a brilliant time for birdwatching. There are fewer visitors at this time of year, and the lower safari prices are made sweeter by the lush vegetation. Game viewing does not present the same volume or drama as the peak season months but is still rewarding.
March to May is the time of the long rains which make for challenging and muddy conditions. Some lodges do close due to accessibility issues, which limits your choices. However, if you are looking for a budget safari bargain, this is a great time of year.
The Serengeti National Park experiences a semi-arid savanna climate with two distinct seasons. From December to March, the area experiences a wet, rainy season known as the long rains, due to the influence of the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria moisture. The temperature during this time is warm and humid, with average highs reaching 82°F (28°C).
June to October is the Serengeti National Park’s famous dry season. Temperatures range between 60-75°F (15-25°C). During this time game, viewing is at its best due to the dry conditions. This is also the safari high season, phenomenal wildlife viewing, and high tourist demand.
There is also a short rainy season from November to December. The short rains are unpredictable but tend towards sunny days and afternoon thundershowers. January and February tend to be dry before the long rains commence in March.
The Serengeti’s climate is normally pleasant and moderate, without ever getting too hot. It is however consistently cool at night, and in the mornings, so warm clothing is advisable.
A Serengeti safari is an unforgettable experience. It is, however, not a one-size-fits-all safari experience. The cost of a Serengeti depends on the season (high or low tourist season), the duration of your visit, the number of people in your group, your chosen accommodation, the type of safari, as well as your level of comfort. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
A 4-day to 11-day budget safari to the Serengeti can cost anything between US$1,780 to US$5,000 per person. These costs usually include everything from your collection at the airport when you arrive, to your transport, accommodation, and meals within the Serengeti National Park. Things that are usually excluded are international flights, drinks, tips, and experiences like hot air balloon rides. You can discuss all of this with your safari travel expert when you are planning your safari adventure.
For the budget-conscious traveller, overland camping trips are by far the best option. These mobile safaris are pretty basic, with accommodation in tents which are pitched each night. Tours include multiple countries, and safari highlights, and can come in at as little as US$182 per person per day.
African Budget Safaris has over 60 Tours that include Serengeti Safaris, from 4-day packages to 57-day cross-Africa epics. These safari packages cater to a range of tastes, including private getaways and family-friendly vacations. These Serengeti safari packages are priced from US$1,780 to US$10,026 per person.
When planning your Serengeti safari and asking “how much does a Serengeti safari cost?”, your best option is to talk to an experienced safari consultant. Years of experience in the safari industry, and a network of safari operators allow them to make recommendations based on your wants and needs. Contact African Budget Safaris today and start planning your dream Serengeti safari.
Once you have arrived in the East African country Tanzania, there are a few options for travellers looking to reach the Serengeti National Park.
One of the most popular ways to reach the Serengeti National Park is by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) which is located about 50km away from Arusha. Other options to reach Arusha include flying in from Julius Nyerere International in Dar es Salaam (DAR), or Zanzibar (ZNZ), and landing at Arusha Airport which services domestic flights in Tanzania. Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, and the nearest town to the Serengeti.
To reach the Serengeti from Arusha, safari goers have two options, to fly or to drive. While flying will prove a little more costly, it will save a lot of time. However, the trip from Arusha to the Serengeti National Park passes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which makes it a popular choice.
The Serengeti National Park has several airstrips which can be reached by domestic short hops from Arusha in under an hour. Driving the 325km/202 mi to the Serengeti usually takes around 8 hours. Driving through Tanzania is a bumpy but rewarding experience with spectacular scenery, and a chance to get a feel for the place and the people. Luckily, this is not an either-or situation. A popular choice is to get the best of both worlds, driving to the Serengeti and stopping off at the Ngorongoro Crater along the way, and then returning via bush plane to continue your journey.
A word for the wise, international flights arriving at Kilimanjaro International often arrive late in the evening, making an overnight stay in Arusha mandatory.
The roughly 15,000 km² that make up the Serengeti National Park may make navigating this vast area a challenge. The most popular way to explore the park is by joining a game drive in a 4x4 safari vehicle.
The Serengeti has an extensive road network making getting from airstrips to lodges, and game drives a simple process.
For transfers to lodges and camps, closed-sided 4x4 vehicles are the norm, as these are safer when covering larger distances. Game drives on the other hand will usually be conducted in an open-top 4x4 vehicle. These are operated by experienced guides who are employed by tour companies. Their extensive knowledge and experience with the terrain will make your safari a richer hassle-free journey to all the best spots.
Exploring the park independently is also an option. Renting a 4x4 is possible, both in Arusha and at lodges within the Serengeti. A guide is optional. The roads within the Serengeti are mostly dirt tracks, rough and uneven surfaces that do require some skill in navigating, especially during the long rains.
The Serengeti has over a dozen small airstrips so getting about by air is also an option, albeit an expensive one. The largest airport in the Serengeti is the Seronera Airport which sees a large volume of traffic arriving in the center of the park. Other airports include Lobo in the northeastern region, Kogatende on the banks of the Mara River, Serengeti Kusini in the south, and Kirawira B Airstrip a short distance from the Grumeti River. Travelling by air allows for covering large distances, especially if you are hoping to make it off the beaten track.
When visiting the Serengeti National Park, there are a variety of accommodation options to choose from. Because of the huge numbers of tourists that the park attracts, there is something for everyone from budget camping to luxury lodges, family-friendly options, and mobile safaris that track the great migration.
Planning your trip to the Serengeti is more about deciding where and when you want to be. Once you have decided on Grumeti versus Mara River crossing, or Seronera versus Ndutu, finding an accommodation option that will complement your safari experience, and budget will be a cinch.
Packing for your Serengeti safari comes down to a few simple rules. Think in layers, be colour-wise, and comfortable, and never forget your luggage restrictions.
When packing for your Serengeti safari, remember to check with your safari travel consultant, and your airline, about your luggage allowance. While long-haul international flights often allow up to 30kg, a bush plane flying you from Dar es Salaam to Arusha or the Serengeti may only allow 15kg of luggage per passenger. In terms of clothes, this means lightweight and sensible.
Think in layers. While Tanzania is often warm to hot during the day, mornings and evenings do have a chilly edge. On early morning game drives, in an open vehicle, you will need a lightweight jacket, fleece, long pants, and closed shoes. If you are prone to the cold, take a hat, gloves, and a scarf just in case. These are small items that are easy to remove and keep in your day pack.
On safari, things do warm up pretty quickly, so it’s important to be able to shed your jacket and have something lightweight and cool underneath. A cool shirt that is breathable is essential. Zip-off trousers can easily convert from longs to shorts, leaving you cool and comfortable. When evening falls and you head out on a game drive, think of this process in reverse.
Colourwise, you want to keep your palette neutral for purely pragmatic reasons. Avoid black, white, and anything loud. White gets grubby very quickly, black gets very hot and attracts mosquitoes at night, and loud colours like bright yellow, neon pink, or red frighten animals and attract bees. Natural hues like beige, greens, browns, and khakis are best. They are cool, and comfortable, and will allow you to blend in while on safari game drives, without attracting any unwanted attention.
Closed comfortable shoes are best for your days on safari, and a good pair of sneakers or trainers are perfect. Unless you plan on doing any actual hiking, hiking boots are unnecessary. For time spent in camps and lodges, a pair of slip-slops can be a comfortable addition.
Is Serengeti safe? Yes. Visited by thousands of safari enthusiasts every year, the Serengeti is a safe safari destination.
The Serengeti is a malaria area, but prophylactics are both effective and accessible in your home country. To remove any anxiety in this regard it is advisable to take your medication with you.
Pack a good insect repellent to keep the bugs at bay.
Before you travel, visit your local travel clinic and find out well in advance what vaccinations are required. This is a changing landscape and does require forward planning.
The African sun can be severe. A hat and sunscreen are highly recommended and it's always a good idea to stay well-hydrated.
Your safari guides are trained, and extremely knowledgeable, and their top priority is to keep you safe (from the animals) in the wild. Always listen to their advice about how to behave and what to do while on safari.
Even in fenced camps, it is a good idea not to walk around alone at night. If at all possible always have a guide escort you to your tent.
Food always attracts animals so it's a good idea not to keep it in your room or tent.
Plan and book well in advance to avoid disappointment. The Serengeti is popular and continues to draw safari enthusiasts from around the world.
Though most of your travel expenses will be inclusive, it's a good idea to take some cash for extras like curios, gifts, and tipping. US dollars are widely accepted but it is also a good idea to have some Tanzanian shillings in supply.
Tipping is customary in Tanzania. How much is at your discretion and depends on the quality of service, and your satisfaction. US$10 is customary per day for group and private guides, but a staff tip for behind-the-scenes is also appreciated. If guidelines aren’t obvious at your lodge or camp, check with the manager.
Tip once at the end of your stay if you are with the same lodge and guide for a few days in a row. A once-off experience requires a once-off tip.
Major credit cards are usually accepted at larger establishments and cash can be obtained from ATMs in big cities.
Tanzanians are conservative and high emphasis is placed on modesty, good manners, and courtesy.
Always ask for permission to take photographs of people. This can be a sensitive issue, and it never hurts to check in before you raise your lens.
Tanzania has two long seasons and two short seasons. The long dry season is from June to October, and the long rainy season is from March to April. In between these two broad seasons, there is a ‘short dry season’ between January and March, and a ‘short rain season’ from November to January.
The month-by-month Serengeti safari guide is a ‘rough guide’ and while we try to be as accurate as possible, shifting weather patterns do make the weather difficult to predict. Predicting the movements of the almost 2 million ungulates across this vast landscape is surprisingly difficult. While we do our best to put you in the right place at the right time, wild animals follow their own rhythms.
At the end of the short rains, January is lush and green. The parks are quieter, and the scenery is budding with new growth. The great wildebeest migration hits the southern Serengeti. It’s the start of the calving season, which is excellent for predator action too. January is great for birding with both resident and migratory birds in evidence.
The great wildebeest migration lingers in the southern Serengeti where the calving season is in full swing, especially on the Ndutu plains; over 8,000 wildebeest are born every day, and predators all come to the table. Both wildlife viewing and birding are excellent in February.
On the cusp of the long rains, March can be touch and go. In some years the clear dry mornings make for excellent safari conditions and in others, the heavy rains make some safari routes impassable.
This is your best-budget safari month in the Serengeti National Park, where it is possible to pick up fantastic cut rates. It’s wet and humid, and sometimes smaller roads are impassable, and river crossings are submerged. Only the most experienced 4x4 drivers should attempt these muddy and rutted roads, but even they usually opt to stay home.
As the month progresses, May moves from wet to dry. Roads begin drying out, and the terrain becomes more navigable. The wildebeest start filing towards, and into, the western corridor, and the bush is transitioning from green to brown. Wildlife is well-fed and ready for the coming dry season. May is considered an excellent photography month. Best of all, the tourists are yet to arrive, and you can still pick up a few good safari deals.
Wildebeest are moving north, through the Serengeti’s western corridor. The tourists have arrived to view the greatest show on earth, and the weather is dry. As the bush thins out, wildlife sightings improve. The wildebeest migration stops, and builds, at the Grumeti River, as thousands prepare to take on the life-or-death crossing.
July is an incredible safari month. The savannah is dry and the game viewing is out of this world. This is, however, no secret, and safari rates and crowds are at a premium. The central Seronera region is busy from July until September.
August is much the same as July. Peak safari season is in full swing, game viewing is excellent, but rates are high, and the top destinations are at capacity. In the northern Serengeti, the wildebeest begin to cross the Mara River into Kenya and the Masai Mara.
Peak safari season in the Serengeti sees huge lines of wildebeest criss-cross between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti National Park in search of food. An excellent safari month but still busy.
The shoulder season means fewer visitors and a quieter safari experience, rain may begin to fall but should not interfere with general weather or safari activities. Wildlife sightings are still excellent, but the Mara River crossings are over, and the wildebeest begin to disperse south.
Firmly on the shoulder, November offers excellent game viewing, blue skies washed clear by afternoon showers, and lower safari tourist numbers. Rivers are still low, and roads are easily navigable. The wildebeest are moving south in search of moisture and greener pastures. November is a good month for photography.
December is the middle of the short rains, expect rain, rising humidity, and wet weather. The migration is dispersed at this point, as the wildebeest make their way south toward the Ndutu plains. Migratory birds begin to arrive in December making it an excellent month for birdwatchers. Tourist numbers are low in the first half of the month, but from mid-month, the local and international festive season tourists arrive. Book early to avoid disappointment.
| Serengeti Fun Facts |
|---|
|
The Serengeti National Park at 14,750 km² makes up almost half of the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem. Divided into two broad vegetation-defined regions, The Serengeti National Park consists predominantly of woodland and grassland. Within these broad divisions, the park has different habitats including savannah, riparian forest, woodland, acacia thickets, and kopjes. The dominant feature, however, is the open grass plains that support the movements of the wildebeest during the great migration.
To understand the geography of the Serengeti National Park you must understand the patterns of the rain. The short rains are from November to January, and the long rains are from March to May. These wet seasons are interspersed by dry seasons. As the rains stimulate growth in different areas of the vast savannah, almost two million ungulates move in search of new grazing. As the herbivores migrate, they fertilize the plains, which creates a knock-on effect of abundance for insects, insectivores, birds, carnivores, and scavengers in all shapes and sizes.
The combination of volcanic soils and the ecological impact of the great migration has resulted in one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. The biological diversity of the park is very high with at least four globally threatened or endangered animal species: black rhinoceros, elephant, wild dog, and cheetah.
It is estimated that this cycle of life has been uninterrupted for at least the last million years.
The Maasai were grazing their cattle on the Serengeti plains for about 200 years before European explorers first arrived. The area became popular for hunting which decimated wildlife populations, especially lions.
In 1921, the British set aside an area of 3.2 km², or 800 acres, as a partial game reserve, which became a fully protected area in 1929. This formed the basis for the Serengeti National Park which was formalized in 1951.
During the 1950s, the Serengeti gained international fame due to the book and film produced by the German father and son team, Bernard and Michael Grzimek, “Serengeti Shall Not Die”. This is considered one of the earliest examples of nature conservation documentary-making.
In 1959, the remaining Maasai people were controversially removed from the Serengeti National Park by the British colonial administration and relocated to the Ngorongoro highlands. In the same year, an area in the southeast of the reserve was broken off and became the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This was meant to accommodate traditional Maasai land use practices and interests. Today, the Maasai still live on the land alongside the wildlife.
The greater Serengeti ecosystem has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
The Maasai people have been grazing on the Serengeti plains for a few centuries. They are descendants of Nilotic people who migrated south in the wake of the desertification of the Saharan ranges. They are renowned for their close ties with the environment, and for the fierce protection of their way of life, cultural norms, and values. They are one of the last nomadic groups in East Africa and their way of life is increasingly under threat.
In the late 1880s and 1890s, the Maasai were decimated by drought which was further exacerbated by outbreaks of cholera, smallpox, and rinderpest. These events coincided with the arrival of colonial empires. In the 20th century, the Maasai were viewed as a thorn in the side of progress, and the removal of Maasai pastoralists from land set aside for conservation has been hugely controversial.
Today, tourism has become hugely important for Tanzania, and for the Maasai people. As a result, for the successful management of conservation areas, there is a growing need and demand for a management system that is inclusive of local Maasai communities.
Ready to start planning your dream Serengeti safari?
For an affordable private safari in the Serengeti National Park, contact African Budget Safaris today. Our friendly travel experts are here to help you plan, choose, and design the best custom safari tailored to your unique needs and budget.
Whatever you are looking for, African Budget Safaris has an East African safari package for you. To get you started, have a look at some of our Serengeti safari experiences.
Use the Google map to explore Serengeti National Park.