Serengeti National Park, one of the most renowned wildlife reserves in Africa, is a must-visit destination for any safari enthusiast. Famous for the Great Migration, vast savannahs, and an abundance of wildlife, the park offers a wide array of activities for visitors. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or a more relaxed exploration, Serengeti safari packages provide a variety of experiences that cater to different interests and budgets. Here’s a guide to the top things to do during your Serengeti safari.
1. Experience the Great Migration
The Great Migration is perhaps the most iconic spectacle in the Serengeti. Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles embark on a treacherous journey across the plains in search of fresh grazing lands. This event is one of nature’s greatest shows and is best experienced with specialized Serengeti safari packages that include tracking the migration routes.
From July to October, the herds cross the Mara River, where you can witness the dramatic and dangerous river crossings, often pursued by predators like crocodiles and lions. If you’re visiting during these months, don’t miss the chance to see this incredible natural phenomenon up close.
2. Morning and Evening Game Drives
One of the most popular activities in the Serengeti is going on game drives. These safaris, typically included in most Serengeti safari packages, allow you to explore the park’s vast landscapes while getting up close to a diverse array of animals, including the “Big Five”—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.
Morning game drives are great for spotting predators returning from their nightly hunts, while evening drives offer a chance to see the park as the sun sets over the horizon. Many packages offer full-day game drives, allowing you to explore different areas of the park and maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities.
3. Hot Air Balloon Safari
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti. Floating high above the plains at sunrise offers breathtaking panoramic views of the park’s scenery and wildlife. From the air, you can watch animals like giraffes, elephants, and antelope move across the savannah, as well as witness the unique perspective of the Great Migration.
Many Serengeti safari packages offer hot air balloon experiences, often followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush, making this a luxurious and memorable addition to your safari adventure.
4. Visit the Seronera Valley
The Seronera Valley is one of the Serengeti’s most wildlife-rich areas and is famous for its predator sightings, particularly lions and leopards. The Seronera River attracts a variety of animals throughout the year, making it an ideal spot for game drives and wildlife viewing.
If you’re booking Serengeti safari packages that include visits to this valley, you’ll have excellent chances of spotting big cats, including cheetahs, as well as other herbivores like elephants and giraffes. This area is especially popular for those interested in photography, offering stunning backdrops for your wildlife shots.
5. Walking Safaris
Walking safaris provide a more intimate and immersive way to experience the Serengeti’s wilderness. Accompanied by an expert guide, these safaris allow you to explore the park on foot, learning about the flora, fauna, and smaller animals that are often overlooked on game drives.
Many Serengeti safari packages offer guided walking tours, where you’ll learn how to track animals, recognize footprints, and understand the intricate ecosystems that make the Serengeti so unique. This is a great option for those who want a deeper connection with the natural environment.
6. Cultural Visits to Maasai Villages
No trip to the Serengeti is complete without experiencing the culture of the local Maasai people. Many Serengeti safari packages include visits to Maasai villages, where you can learn about their traditional way of life, participate in
their vibrant dances, and hear stories about their deep connection to the land and its wildlife. The Maasai have lived in the Serengeti region for centuries, and their customs, colorful attire, and warrior traditions are a fascinating part of the cultural tapestry of Tanzania.
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to see traditional Maasai homes, watch or participate in a jumping dance, and purchase handcrafted souvenirs like beaded jewelry. These cultural tours offer insight into how the Maasai coexist with nature and how their way of life has adapted to the modern world, all while maintaining their heritage.
7. Bird Watching
For bird lovers, the Serengeti is a paradise, with over 500 bird species residing in the park. From the massive ostrich to the majestic crowned crane, the Serengeti’s diverse habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands, attract a wide variety of birds.
Many Serengeti safari packages offer specific bird-watching tours or can tailor your game drives to focus on birdlife. With patience, you can spot raptors like the martial eagle, colorful lilac-breasted rollers, and flamingos in the seasonal lakes. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just beginning, the Serengeti offers a rich and rewarding bird-watching experience.
8. Visit the Ngorongoro Crater
Often included in extended Serengeti safari packages, a visit to the nearby Ngorongoro Crater is a must for those seeking even more wildlife encounters. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a massive, ancient volcanic caldera and is one of the best places in Tanzania to see large herds of animals, including elephants, lions, and black rhinos.
The crater is particularly well-known for its dense wildlife population, offering a unique and concentrated safari experience. Game drives here allow you to see animals in a spectacular setting, surrounded by towering crater walls and lush grasslands.
9. Night Game Drives
Night game drives offer a different perspective of the Serengeti and are a thrilling way to observe nocturnal wildlife. As the sun sets, the Serengeti comes alive with animals like hyenas, lions, and leopards on the prowl. With the help of a spotlight, you’ll have the chance to spot creatures that are rarely seen during the day, like aardvarks, bush babies, and porcupines.
Not all Serengeti safari packages include night drives, so be sure to check with your tour operator if this is an experience you’re interested in. It’s a unique and exciting way to see the Serengeti’s nighttime predators in action.
10. Photography Safaris
The Serengeti is one of the world’s top destinations for wildlife photography, offering endless opportunities to capture stunning images of both landscapes and animals. Many Serengeti safari packages cater specifically to photographers, with guides who are experienced in positioning vehicles for the best shots and providing tips on how to capture the perfect moment.
Whether you’re aiming to photograph the Great Migration, a pride of lions at rest, or the sun setting over the endless plains, the Serengeti provides breathtaking backdrops and incredible subject matter for photographers of all skill levels.
Conclusion
Serengeti National Park offers a wide array of activities that cater to different interests and levels of adventure. Whether you’re watching the Great Migration, floating over the plains in a hot air balloon, or connecting with local Maasai culture, Serengeti safari packages provide countless opportunities to explore one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife reserves. Each experience is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of your time in the heart of the Serengeti.
