How to have an unforgettable 2023-2024 Serengeti Safari Tour: Tanzania’s oldest national park and most well-known safari location is the Serengeti. Being historically significant, blessed with diverse terrain and a wealth of animal life, and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Serengeti is a place of “outstanding value to humanity.” Visiting the Serengeti is like taking part in your own wildlife documentary, only more vivid, visceral, and inspiring than anything you’ve ever seen on film.
The Great Wildebeest Migration, another of the Serengeti’s claims to fame, is a breathtaking drama on a grand scale. Every year, around two million animals go counterclockwise around the park in search of fresh water and grass. The Serengeti’s animals must fight for their existence every day, since both predators and prey are constantly looking for food.
But how do you make sure you see the highlights of a vast and interesting list of locations if it’s your first time going on Serengeti safari in the Serengeti? We are here to help you make the best choices and customize your Serengeti experience by taking the guesswork out of the decision-making process.
HOW DOES THE SERENGETI CHANGE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?
One of the planet’s oldest ecosystems, the Serengeti, has remained mostly unaltered for more than a million years. Because of the area’s diverse species and topography, it has been able to adapt to rapid climate changes over thousands of years and human intrusion over the past few decades.
We’ll go over seasonal fluctuations in the Serengeti’s flora and wildlife and what it means for you as a traveler to give you an understanding of how the Serengeti landscape changes throughout the year.
January-February
Throughout January and February, the vegetation will be lush and green, with hot, muggy days that occasionally rain and chilly early mornings and late evenings. In the southern Serengeti, hundreds of thousands of wildebeests will be giving birth to calves, with over 8,000 being born daily. The likelihood of seeing animals, including the Big Five, is very good. Big cats are particularly active and hunt helpless calf calves.
End of March–May
The rainy season, which lasts from the end of March through May, is when heavy rain is most frequently experienced. Since the animals no longer need to seek out certain drinking sites, wildlife observations become a little more challenging as the animals become more dispersed throughout the parks. Now that low season has arrived, it is lush, green, and a great time to go bird watching. Several uncommon bird species are in their nesting season, and migrating birds are still present. And now is the ideal time to reserve your Serengeti safari if you want to save money on lodging and enjoy peace and quiet with fewer people around.
June-October
The Serengeti will be visited by thousands of Serengeti safari fans from all over the world from June to October, which is the busiest travel period. Since there are no longer any rains and wildlife must continue to migrate around in search of dwindling water sources, it is also referred to as the “dry season”. Since many animals remain close to the surviving water sources, you’ll have an easier time spotting them. For the dramatic life-or-death river crossings, which take place during the dry season, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest assemble first at the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor and then later in August at the Mara River in the northern Serengeti.
November-December
This time of year, often referred to as the shoulder season, is when the wildebeest migrate south along the Serengeti’s eastern boundary. It can be an excellent time to go, with fewer crowds, even if it’s less popular than the peak season. Depending on the locale, it may be hot and muggy with brief rainstorms and overcast skies. Trekking, bird watching, and nature hikes are still available to visitors.
WHEN TO VISIT SPECIFIC REGIONS IN THE SERENGETI
The vast Serengeti region, with its rich ecosystem, spans about 9200 square kilometers of land. Since the landscape undergoes significant seasonal changes, it is nearly impossible to experience the Serengeti in its entirety in a single trip. Knowing when to be in the right place at the right time is important, given the whims of the weather.
Central Serengeti— All Year Round
If you are unable to schedule your trip for a specific time of year, you would be wise to schedule a trip to the Seronera River Valley in the Serengeti’s center. The Seronera River ensures that there is abundant foliage and fauna throughout the entire year in the valley. Moreover, you can see the wildebeest herds traveling south for calving season during the shoulder season in November and December.
Grumeti and the western corridor— May until July
Want to witness a scared stampede of thousands of zebras and wildebeests crossing crocodile-infested waters? Yes? Finally, from late May to early July, you must be sure to visit the Grumeti River in the national park’s western corridor. These hostile waters must be crossed by the wildebeest herds as they migrate north in order to reach the fresh meadows and water on the other side.
The Northern Plains—July to October
The wildebeest river crossings draw a lot of tourists, but the congestion during the busy season may deter them. But don’t worry if you’re determined to see this sight. You can plan your trip to coincide with the dramatic Mara River crossings and avoid the busy high season. The wildebeest migration across the predator-infested waters of the Mara into the rich grasslands just beyond reaches its height in late August and early September. Here, they can browse in peace until they make their way back down south. Since there are often fewer tourists in October, it is an excellent opportunity to view the migration unobstructed by crowds.
Southern Serengeti—late December to early march
The Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains are breathtaking during the calving season, which lasts from late December to early March. Over two million wildebeest have gathered in the area, and they surround the wild animals that are expecting offspring and battle to defend them and the 8000 calves that are born every day. They have their work cut out for them since other predators that are just as desperate are seeking any chance to feed their own pups by preying on the young wildebeest. From late December to early March, go to the southern plains (Ndutu and Ngorongoro to the east) to see views filled with animals as far as the eye can see.
TOP DESTINATIONS IN THE SERENGETI
We’ve already listed some of the most well-liked locations along the wildebeest migration route, but here are a few more:
Seronera river valley
Another remark about this enormous valley and its teeming animals is appropriate. Elephants, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, and giraffes are just a few of the animals that can be spotted at any time of day. But perhaps most significantly, the Seronera River Valley is among the top destinations if you want to have a chance of spotting the elusive leopard.
Lobo valley
Lobo Valley, which lies in the northern Serengeti, is the main attraction. One of the rare areas in the Serengeti where all three big cats—lions, leopards, and cheetahs—roam is Lobo Valley, along with Seronera Valley. Giraffes, elephants, and baboons are frequently spotted in this area. Also, you can observe tens of thousands of zebras, gazelles, and wildebeests traveling across the area from July to October.
Naabi hill
Naabi Hill, which divides the Serengeti National Park from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, serves as the park’s primary entry. After a long trip, you may stretch your legs on the trails here, which feature some of the Serengeti’s most stunning views.
Bologonja springs
A significant attraction in the northeastern Serengeti region is Bologonja Springs, which is close to the Masai Mara National Park border in Kenya. Several diverse creatures are drawn to the area’s natural freshwater springs, rich greenery, and tall, dense treetops. Come up close and personal with many of the larger animals, including giraffes and elephants, and observe uncommon antelope species, like mountain reedbucks and ibex, as well as a variety of unusual birds, from a distance.
Olduvai Gorge
Discover the beginnings of humans by going back in time. Between the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater is the 300-mile-long Olduvai Gorge, which is located in the historic Great Rift Valley. It is the location of some of the earliest fossils and stone tools dating back approximately two million years, as well as other early signs of human evolution. Visit the Olduvai Museum, which was established by Mary and Louis Leakey, if you’re going to the Olduvai Gorge. The Leakey’s were in charge of most of the gorge excavation throughout the 1950s.
Moru kopjes
In the middle of the Serengeti plains, the Moru Kopjes, one of the most fascinating rock formations in the world, offer wildlife shade and moisture. It should come as no surprise that this is a popular location for seeing wildlife, as tourists frequently encounter leopards, cheetahs, and lions out hunting. You can also see prehistoric Maasai rock drawings nearby if you’re interested in learning more about the anthropological features of the area. The “gong rock,” which the locals think is an old musical instrument, is something you won’t want to miss.
LET US HELP MAKE YOUR SERENGETI SAFARI TOUR UNFORGETTABLE.
You should stay at least three to four days to acquire a sense of the Serengeti due to the immensity of the park and its numerous noteworthy features. Of course, it will take longer than that to fully experience its allure and leave a lasting impression on your mind and memory of the unique African landscape and wildlife.
To really enjoy your Serengeti adventure and other Tanzania safaris such as the Ngorongoro crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Park, we advise purchasing a 10-day Tanzania safari package. A visit to any of these well-known attractions in the Serengeti National Park guarantees a genuinely remarkable adventure, even though practical factors will come into play depending on the season, your individual tastes, and your physical limits.
