Find out the things to do in Serengeti National Park
Setting your feet in Serengeti introduces you to an amazing experience where you will observe wildlife at any time you would like to. The attractions are thrilling where by the activities that come with them are an experience of their own. The birds of flying in the air are not to miss out since the park harbors over 500 species.
The Big 5 are spotted along the plains and the highlight of the park which are the wildebeests that migrate from the Serengeti crossing over to the Maasai-Mara of Kenya. Visiting the Retina Hippo Pool, the Moru Kopjes; home of rhinos is an unforgettable experience. Some of the things to do in Serengeti National Park are as follows;
Observe the Great Wildebeest Migration
This is among the world’s unique annual events where the largest migration occurs; this draws tourists from far and near just to witness the wildebeests migrate. This migration involves millions of wildebeests and thousands of gazelles and zebras moving from the plains of Serengeti to the Great Maasai-Mara and their main aim is to look for water and food.
In order to enjoy this you should make sure you have done enough research about the best time to travel and where to best view them from. This is so because there are times when the wildebeests are calving, migrating, being chased around by predators, crossing the Grumeti River; this event comes with a lot of wonders. Also keep in mind the accommodation so you are advised to make prior bookings.
Enjoy a Game drive
You cannot visit Serengeti and not have a game drive through the park. And it is mainly for game viewing and also bird watching; while on a game drive all you need to know is that you will have an experience you have not had in your home country because here the distance driven is long and the roads are rough so you should be ready to have “African Massages” on your way.
All you go through is worth it since you have a great time seeing wildlife along the plains such as the Lions, Leopards, Jackals, Hyenas, and Hippos among other animals. The vegetation thrills your heart and also watching predators get their prey is unforgettable but it is not for the faint-hearted.
To add on this; you can also enjoy a night game drive which gives you chance to see various nocturnal animals like the bush babies, civets, aardvarks, nightjars and also the predators that are always on the hunt.
Visit the Serengeti Visitors Centre
First thing to do when you come to Serengeti is to visit the Visitor Centre because it has enough information about the park, its history, wildlife and the ecosystem. It is situated in the Seronera area and opens from 0800hours to 1700hours daily. While driving there you are also able to spot wildlife like the brightly coloured agama lizard; it is also a great place to stop over for lunch, coffee or buying gift because it has a gift shop.
Visit a Maasai Community
The Serengeti itself has been home to the Maasai for a long time; these are a semi-nomadic group of people that lives in Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya. It is an interesting culture that draws most people’s attention especially those that want to know their origin, way of life, education traditions and custom. They are welcoming, and do handicrafts in case to earn a living. Visiting a Maasai traditional boma made of mud, cow manure and stocks is unforgettable. You can also enjoy their cultural dances, herding, and visit the village school there.
Explore the Seronera River Valley
This is found in the Centre of the park and occupies a major portion, the whole of this valley brings Serengeti to you at its best since it brims with lots of flora and fauna. What is amazing about this area is that you can choose to be there for all the days of your trip and can never run out of what to see such as zebras, elephants, lions, gazelles, wildebeests, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards and many more.
Visit the Retina Hippo Pool
This is a home to over 200 hippos and because of this Tanzania is among the countries with a big number of hippos. In fact you can spot them everywhere at any time throughout the park but all that cannot beat the enormous number of hippos found in Retina. While here you can also see the crocodiles also some herons.
Visit the Moru Kopjes
These are weathered gigantic rocks that stand in the Centre of the plains of Serengeti they appear like little mountains; these rocks provide vantage, small waterholes and shed to animals hence attracting a number of cheetahs, leopards, lions and he black rhinos. Whatever you see here is worth your time spent there.
Explore the Olduvai Gorge
Also known as Oldupai Gorge; it is situated in the middle of Serengeti and Ngorongoro and 300miles long. It is where a human skull and other 2million year old fossils were discovered by Dr. Mary Leakey. This area also has a small museum established by the same person which is where most things are kept and also most information about the gorge. It is a great place for those on research.
There are a lot of things to do in Serengeti and the nearby areas; others not mentioned above are;
Air balloon safaris
(this requires extra payments and it is luxurious but give you chance to view Serengeti from above.
Visit the Grumeti River
where most wildebeests cross over to the other side; it is an eye catching time for those into adventure as they watch wildebeests fighting for their lives from the hungry crocodiles. Also explore
the Bologonja Springs
, have nature walks among other things.
