Which is the third largest national park in Tanzania: Serengeti National Park is considered the third largest national park in the country and covers a total surface area of around 14,763 square kilometers and is located in the eastern Mara region and northeastern Simiyu region. It was officially established as a national park in 1951, Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a crucial part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem, which extends into neighboring Kenya and includes the renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve
The national park is characterized by its beautiful landscapes of vast plains, woodlands, and riverine forests. It derives its name from the Maasai word “Siringet”, which translates to “endless plain” reflecting the stunning, seemingly infinite grasslands that dominate the scenery.
The diverse habitats found within the park foster a rich variety of flora and fauna, attracting visitors from around the world.
Additionally, Serengeti National Park is one of the richest ecosystems on the planet. The park is famous for hosting the Great Migration, a breathtaking phenomenon where approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and other herbivores. Cross the landscape in search of fresh grazing grounds. This epic journey, which usually occurs from July to October, involves crossing dangerous rivers and exposes these animals to the threats posed by crocodiles and big cats like lions and leopards.
The Serengeti is home to a diverse array of wildlife species including elephants, giraffes, hyenas’ cheetahs, wild dogs, cape buffaloes, and countless bird species, with over 500 recorded birds including both migratory and resident.
Amazing things to do in Serengeti National Park
Game drives
Game drive is one of the most popular activities in Serengeti National Park do where you will be able to explore the savannah plains in a 4WD safari vehicle with a professional driver guide. Game drives in Serengeti National Park can either be done very early in the morning, in the afternoon, or at night. During the game drives, you will follow different game tracks where you will be able to view different animals like lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards among others.
In addition to these, the game drives safaris in Serengeti National Park will lead you to other animals within the park such as the topis, the hyenas, the cheetahs, the wildebeest, the Masai giraffe, the zebras, elands, among others. During the safaris, you will also have the chance to encounter the lovebird, Kori bustard, and the secretary bird, among others.
Bird watching
Serengeti National Park is home to over 600 recorded bird species including resident and migratory birds which makes it one of the best birding destinations in Tanzania. During bird watching, you will be accompanied by an experienced bird guide who will help you to spot different bird species including Gray Crowned-Crane, ostrich, greater flamingo and lesser flamingo, Hamerkop, African Jacana, pennant-winged nightjar, somber nightjar, African open bill, black stork, Rock Pigeon, Speckled Pigeon, Dusky Turtle-Dove and Mourning Collared-Dove among others
Walking safaris
For those seeking a closer connection with nature, walking safaris offers the chance to explore the park on foot. walking safaris in Serengeti National Park can be done in the morning or in the evening following different trails including along the Seronera Valley, and Grumeti River shores among others. During the guided walking safaris, you will get up close and personal with different wildlife species, listen to sweet sounds of bird species singing in trees, view colorful butterflies, trees, and plant species among others.
The great migration viewing
One of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, the great migration sees millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores travel through the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing lands. This amazing activity usually happens every year from July to October, observing river crossings and predator-prey dynamics creates thrilling and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Hot air balloon ride
For unique and breathtaking adventure safaris in Serengeti, hot air balloon rides offer an unforgettable experience. Floating above the savannah at sunrise, you will witness the park’s beauty from the sky, while observing herds of wildebeest and zebras migrating below. This amazing activity typically ends with a celebratory breakfast in the wild, making it a perfect way to start the day of discovery.
Visit the Bologonja springs
Bologonja Springs is also one of the top attractions to see when visiting Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. These hot springs are found in the northeastern section of the Serengeti National Park and exist in the surrounding areas. During your hike to Bologonja Springs, you will have the chance to encounter other creatures that call the park home such as birds and some of the animals that you will be able to see, such as the buffaloes, elephants, impalas, topi, antelopes, and others.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about which is the third largest national park in Tanzania and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on safari while in the country.
