Top 8 reasons to visit Serengeti National Park

Top 8 reasons to visit Serengeti National Park

Every year, countless visitors flock to Tanzania, drawn by the wonders of Serengeti National Park. This stunning destination is not only the most famous park in Tanzania but is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most popular in Tanzania. It is located in the northeastern part of the country and covers an area of about 30,000 sq. km. To the north of the park is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, to the west are two game reserves (Ikorongo and Grumeti), and to the southwest is the Maswa Game Reserve. The name “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai language and translates to “endless plains.”

The Serengeti National Park was established in 1952 and initially included the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The park is known for its vast open plains that have rocky outcrops, rivers, and acacia trees.  This landscape provides a habitat for the Big Five mammals, such as elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, and lions, as well as wildebeests, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, African dogs, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 different species of birds.

The main attractions in the Serengeti are the Wildebeest Migration, the Hippo Pool, the Bologonja Springs, Seronera Valley, the Grumeti River, game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and bird watching, among others. We will now discuss all of the top 8 reasons to visit Serengeti National Park.

1. The wildebeest migration

One of the top tourist attractions in Serengeti National Park is the wildebeest migration. Every year, many visitors who come to Tanzania for safari are eager to witness this incredible event. Along with the wildebeest, there are also zebras and gazelles that join in on the migration. The wildebeest migration attracts tourists to the Serengeti because it offers countless opportunities to witness the great battles between prey and predator.  These animals travel long distances, depending on the weather, especially during the rainy season. This great movement happens in different zones of the Serengeti National Park, and the wildebeest move in a circular form, which varies from one month to another. The migration kicks off in the Ndutu region, located in the southern part of the park, during the calving season.

2. The Retina Hippo pool

The Retina Hippo pool is the major attraction for visitors looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Serengeti National Park. The Retina Hippo pool is located in the park’s central area; this pool is a great spot for swimming and observing wildlife. It’s formed where the Seronera River and Orangio River meet, making it a perfect habitat for more than 200 hippos. The pool is found in the Seronera sector of the park, and it offers you a chance to observe them and take great photos. Tourists are allowed to explore the pool on foot as they watch the hippos fight for the best spots. The dry season provides visitors with a wonderful and ideal time to enjoy the wonderful safari views and pictures of the hippos found within the Retima Hippo Pool.

3. Night Game Drive

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to hear the sounds of wildlife after dark? A night game drive is a great way to experience this. While you can’t usually do night drives in Serengeti National Park, some tour companies can take you to nearby reserves where it’s allowed. These areas, along with private conservancies, are home to many animals that come out at night, such a civets, aardvarks, nightjars, and bush babies. Night game drives, you might see zebras, hyenas, impala, giraffes, jackals, and foxes. This is the ideal time to spot active predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards as they hunt for food.

4. The Bologonja Springs

While on a Tanzania safari in Serengeti National Park, the Bologonja Springs is definitely a must-see spot. The springs are located in the northeastern section of the Serengeti National Park and exist in the surrounding areas. The Bologna Springs offer some of the most scenic views in the Serengeti. The springs provide water, which allows vegetation to thrive throughout the year. As you hike to this wonderful place, you’ll have the chance to spot various wildlife, including several primates, birds, and animals like buffaloes, elephants, impalas, topis, antelopes, steenboks, mountain reedbucks, and others.

5. Early morning game drives

Early morning game drives in the Serengeti are incredibly popular and one of the top 8 reasons to visit Serengeti National Park, offering the best chance to see the Big Five and other local wildlife. Animals here tend to be most active during the early hours of the day and in the evenings. These morning excursions begin at sunrise and wrap up around 11 a.m., allowing visitors to catch sight of nocturnal animals heading back to their dens and herbivores coming out to feed. You’ll also have a great opportunity to spot hyenas, wild dogs, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hippos as they return from a night of grazing. Lions in particular prefer to hunt during the cooler nighttime and early morning hours before the heat sets in.

6. The Grumeti River

The Grumeti River, found in the western section of Serengeti National Park, is a great spot for tourists who want to experience the multitude of wild animals that gather by its banks to drink. While on a safari in the Grumeti area, visitors can expect to see wildebeests and zebras. The river is also home to various wildlife, including Nile crocodiles, hyenas, cheetahs, lions, and panthers. Additionally, many different species of birds can be observed around the Grumeti River.

7. Birding in Serengeti

Birding in Serengeti National Park is an incredible experience, as the park is home to 542 different bird species. Out of these, 100 types of birds live there all year round, and 11 species can only be found in the Serengeti. Additionally, every year, migratory birds travel to the park from Europe and North Africa between November and April. Some of the standout birds you might see include the great African Ostrich, vultures, Black-headed Heron, D’Arnaud’s barbet, Dark Chanting Goshawk, White-bellied go-away bird, White-crowned shrike, Yellow-throated sandgrouse, Decken-Toko Tockus, Grey-breasted spurfowl, Grey-headed sparrow, Purple Grenadier, Red-backed scrub, Rufous-tailed weaver, Secretary birds, the Kori bustard and Variable Sunbird among others.

8. Hot Air Balloon Safari

Experience a hot-air balloon adventure in Tanzania, where you’ll glide above the park and see its wildlife from an incredible vantage point. This balloon ride in Serengeti National Park is a highlight of the trip, offering stunning views of the vast savannah and the chance to observe animals in their natural habitat.  Hot air balloon safaris are particularly popular during the wildebeest migration, allowing travelers to observe them in their thousands. These balloon safaris typically start early, around 5:00 a.m., and can accommodate between 12 to 16 people. After your flight, you’ll enjoy a delightful breakfast in the bush before continuing with the rest of your planned safari activities.