Serengeti National Park Travel Information - Tanzania
~ Be moved by the breathtaking spectacle of the great migration in the Serengeti’s dynamic ecosystem.
Serengeti National Park is the only place where you can witness the awe-inspiring sight of millions of migrating wildebeest traversing the vast Acacia-dotted plains. This park is not only a cradle of human life but also offers a glimpse into an untouched African wilderness that feels like stepping back in time. Here, amidst the endless plains, time seems to stand still, despite the constant movement of thousands of animals. Welcome to a world where nature’s wonders unfold before your eyes.
The Most Amazing Wildlife Destination on the Planet!
Describing the magic of Serengeti National Park in words is a challenge. Imagine the hum of millions of wildebeest so intense that it seems to resonate through your entire being. It’s an experience you’ll find hard to put into words when sharing with friends and family. Picture the golden hues of the endless plains at sunset—so stunning that the journey is worthwhile just to see this sight. The warm and welcoming smiles of the Maasai people will fill you with a sense of joy and connection. Whether you visit Serengeti National Park during the great migration or at any other time of the year, the feeling of being surrounded by thousands of animals is truly magical. This incredible national park is a treasure trove of nature’s wonders, offering unforgettable moments all year round.
The never-ending circle of the Great Migration
Serengeti National Park holds a special place in history as one of the very first locations to be recognized as a World Heritage Site during the 1981 United Nations meeting in Stockholm. Even back in the late 1950s, this remarkable area was acknowledged for its unique ecosystem, offering invaluable insights into the natural world’s workings and showcasing the dynamic nature of ecosystems.
Today, most travelers flock to this world-renowned national park with a single goal in mind: to witness the breathtaking spectacle of millions of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and elands embarking on their epic journey in search of water and fresh grass. This grand cyclical migration follows a seasonal pattern driven by rainfall and grass nutrients, creating a mesmerizing dance of life across the Serengeti ecosystem. Nowhere else on Earth can you witness such massive herds on the move. Unlike other famous wildlife parks that are fenced, the Serengeti remains protected yet unfenced, allowing these magnificent animals the freedom to complete their age-old journey, a tradition they’ve upheld for millions of years. Dive deeper into the awe-inspiring Great Migration.
Beyond the Great Migration
While many travelers are drawn to Serengeti National Park mainly for the great migration, there’s so much more to explore beyond this incredible event. It’s important to remember that nature follows its own path, and having realistic expectations about seeing a river crossing or a large herd is essential. A river crossing can happen in just thirty minutes, and you might miss it if you’re not in the right place at the right time. But don’t let this dishearten you; the Serengeti offers countless other reasons to visit. Whether it’s the vast, open land that seems to stretch on forever, the breathtaking skies painted with vibrant colors, or the exhilarating thrill of a dark-grey thunderstorm rolling across the horizon, the Serengeti is full of wonders.
Moreover, the park is home to one of the highest concentrations of predators in the world, including about 7,500 hyenas, 3,000 lions, and 250 cheetahs. The majestic elephants, often referred to as silent grey giants, roam the Serengeti plains and woodlands, munching on leaves and branches. Discover more about the incredible wildlife in the Serengeti wildlife. This national park is truly a treasure trove of natural wonders, offering unforgettable experiences for every visitor.
Tribes in the cradle of human life
While the animals still reign supreme across the vast Serengeti plains, this land boasts an incredibly rich history of human presence. For nearly 4 million years, not only humans but also our ancient ancestors, like the Australopithecus afarensis, called this area home. Today, the Serengeti National Park continues to be the dwelling place for several indigenous tribes. Among them, the Maasai stand out as one of the most renowned tribes, celebrated for their enduring cultural heritage. Despite the influences of modern education, civilization, and Western culture, the Maasai people have steadfastly maintained their traditional way of life, becoming iconic symbols of Tanzanian and Kenyan culture. Discover more about the fascinating Maasai people and their unique connection to this land.
Vibrancy, variety and vastness
Prepare to be amazed as you step into the world-famous Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This extraordinary land is a place of transformation, where the landscape shifts from rich, flat soils to rugged, hilly terrains in the north, inviting a diverse array of vegetation and wildlife. Whether you’re searching for majestic big cats, vibrant bird species, or even the smallest of creatures, Serengeti National Park has something for everyone. Even a brief encounter with this unique ecosystem will forever change how you view our world and its environment.
After experiencing the incredible vibrancy, variety, and vastness of this remarkable place, you’ll find yourself transformed, carrying the essence of this transitional land with you always.
History of Serengeti National Park
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, explorers and missionaries began to discover the vast Serengeti plains, documenting the incredible abundance of animals that roamed this unique ecosystem. These early accounts were brief but laid the foundation for more detailed explorations in the late 1920s and early 1930s. It was during this time that people first began to speak of the great wildebeest migrations, capturing imaginations with photographs of this stunning region.
In 1930, a vast area of 2,286 square kilometers was designated as a game reserve in what is today the southern and eastern Serengeti. Initially, sport hunting was allowed, but by 1937, all hunting activities were stopped to protect the wildlife. By 1940, the area received Protected Area Status, and in 1951, the Serengeti National Park was officially established, covering the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro highlands. The park’s headquarters were set on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Originally, the Serengeti National Park included what we now know as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. However, in 1959, the Ngorongoro area was separated from the park. This decision came after the Maasai people, who lived in the area, raised concerns about being displaced and losing grazing rights for their cattle. To address these concerns, a compromise was reached: the Maasai could continue to live and graze their cattle in the Ngorongoro Crater area, but not within the Serengeti National Park boundaries.
In 1961, the Masai Mara National Reserve was established in Kenya, and by 1965, the Lamai Wedge, located between the Mara River and the Kenya border, was added to the Serengeti National Park. This created a permanent corridor for the wildebeests, allowing them to migrate from the Serengeti plains in the south to the Loita Plains in the north. In 1962, the Maswa Game Reserve was established, and in 1967, a small area north of the Grumeti River in the western corridor was added to the park.
The Serengeti National Park was one of the first places to be proposed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO during the 1972 Stockholm conference. It was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1981, solidifying its status as a protected area of global significance.
Further reading
Inquire About Your Serengeti Safari Adventure
We hope you’ve found all the information you need to see that Serengeti National Park is the ultimate destination for your next travel adventure. If you still have questions or need more details about the various lodges or safari options, feel free to reach out. Simply fill in the contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Whether you’re curious about the breathtaking Serengeti plains, the mesmerizing wildebeest migration, or the vibrant wildlife, we’re here to help you plan an unforgettable journey into the heart of Tanzania’s natural wonders.