Top 11 Things to Do in the Great Serengeti
Serengeti National Park is one of the most exciting choices for an African safari. The vast golden plains inhabited by abundant wildlife, wild acacia and sausage trees, and crocodile-filled rivers, are some of the natural attractions of the Serengeti.
The Serengeti holds the world’s most significant lion population and is home to the Great Migration. This makes it rank among the ‘Ten Natural Travel Wonders of the World.’
The Serengeti is a fantastic place, and you’ll want to make the most out of your visit.
Apart from wildlife viewing, you can add the following activities to your itinerary;
1. Visit the Seronera River Valley
The Seronera River Valley is a section of the Serengeti at its natural best. Flora and fauna in the valley are unlike any other in the region. The wild animals to explore in the river valley include gazelles, wildebeests, and zebras, among others.
You may also spot predators like lions and cheetahs. The Seronera River Valley spots a variety of lodging in the Central Serengeti region.
2. Witness the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park
The Great Migration is the main attraction to the Serengeti. The most massive movement of terrestrial mammals (2 million) is a breath-taking sight to behold.
The stampede of a million animals across the vast plains with all types of predators behind them in hot pursuit will definitely make you revisit the meaning of life and the dynamics of nature. You should be keen on the timing of your visit because the Great Migration happens in cycles.
3. Visit the Oldupai Gorge
The Olduvai Gorge or Oldupai lies between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. The Gorge famously held the 2 million-year-old fossil remains of the human species.
Retrace the steps of our ancient ancestors by visiting the Oldupai Gorge.
Remember to pass by Mary Leakey’s charming Oldupai Museum for more insights. Mary Leakey is responsible for discovering the fossils.
4. Go on Air Safari
A bird’s eye view of the Serengeti National Park is one of the most remarkable experiences. You are allowed to enjoy this by booking a hot air balloon ride.
There are seven airstrips within the park from where you can book a chartered plane for an aerial tour. An air safari will show you the immense beauty and exciting landscape of the Serengeti.
5. Experience the Maasai Way of Life
The Maasai are a semi-nomadic tribe that lives between Tanzania and Kenya for years. Their organized village houses are called bomas.
The Maasai are warm and welcoming. They’re willing to talk about their lifestyle and traditions. If you don’t prefer a guided tour, you can still schedule a private trip to the Maasai villages.
6. Visit the Bologonja Springs
The Springs are the least visited by tourists, despite being a favorite spot for animals in the park. If you don’t like the hassle with other tourists, you should probably visit here first. You’ll get to see antelopes, giraffes, and elephants.
You’ll also spot the best of the 500 Serengeti bird species at the Bologonja Springs. The wildlife in this spot enjoys the least disturbance by humans.
7. Visit the Grumeti River
The Grumeti River forms part of the Great Migration experience. The river lies in the West and is crocodile-infested.
During the wildebeest migration, the crocodiles attack the wildebeests in the water for food. The Grumeti River is a fascinating scene of biodiversity. If you scare easily, then don’t watch the river!
The area around the river is also pleasant to look at, and for some photography.
8. The Retina Hippo Pool
Hippos all over the Serengeti National Park gather in the Retina Hippo Pool for various reasons. They include warm-soaking, feeding, and fighting wars. If you’re lucky, expect to find 200 hippos in their natural best.
You may also spot herons in the Hippo Pool.
9. Pitch a Tent in the Serengeti
Of all the accommodation options in the Serengeti, staying in a tent is the most phenomenal. The experience of nature in the night is unlike any other. Imagine the crickets chirping and all the dangerous predators settling in for the night.
A few places in the world can be as silent as the Serengeti. You should definitely rent a tent and set up a campsite in the park.
10. Go on a Game Drive
Game drives are a big highlight of a visit to the Serengeti. The Serengeti is a large national park, and you should plan for the best time if you want the best sightseeing opportunity.
With the best Safari services, you should expect to see all the ‘Big Five’ animals, including even the rare black rhino. It’s advisable to hire a tour guide who’s conversant with the vegetation, birds, animals, and ecosystem of the Serengeti National Park.
11. Stop at the Serengeti Visitor Center
If it’s your first time in the Serengeti, the Visitor Center is worth stopping by. You’ll guide yourself down a path of signs and exhibits about the Serengeti’s history, wildlife, and ecosystem. You’ll also see rock hyraxes, agama lizards and hundreds of bird species on the way.
The Serengeti Visitor Center is ideal for taking a walk and letting children play. It’s also a stop-over point for lunch breaks because of the restrooms, and snack and coffee shops. The Visitor Center also has an outdoor picnic section and a gift shop.
It’s located in the Seronera region and is open daily.
Other activities to do in the Serengeti include night game drives, visiting the Moru Kopjes, the Naabi Hill, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, among other activities.
The animals to expect on a nocturnal game drive include aardvarks, civets, nightjars and bush babies.
Final Thoughts
Serengeti National Park is an amazing place that you won’t forget easily, especially if you go out to experience the most. We recommend fitting in a walk if you want to appreciate the smaller animals or the local ecosystem at a closer range.
For more African Safari tips and information, please explore the other sections of our blog.