Serengeti National Park is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Seronera should be on every travel lover’s wish list, as it is known for its game reserves, large lion population, diverse landscapes and habitats, and the second largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world!
Travel
The destination is accessible through many routes. Tourists could drive from Karatu, Tarangire, or Manyara. Through Maasai Mara, or Zanzibar, the region can be reached by flights which land at a number of airstrips within the Park. Arusha is the primary centre for flights to the Serengeti. Drives can be boring or tiring, so flights are a faster alternative.
Wildlife
The Serengeti is home to zebras, leopards, lions, buffaloes, rhinoceros, elephants, wildebeests, antelopes, hyenas, cheetahs, gazelles, rhinoceros, giraffes, antelopes, baboons, hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, and reedbucks, as well as exotic birds like herons, grey breasted spurfowl, lovebirds, shrikes, starlings, hornbills, bustards, silverbirds, Verraux’s eagles, grey-backed fiscals, barbets, and woodpeckers!
Packing
Creating a packing list before a safari trip is a great idea. Tourists should carry essential items such as documentation, money (cash or credit), tickets and proof of bookings, and the mobile phones and laptops. It is vital to keep necessary medication, sunscreen, mosquito repellant, extra batteries, a flashlight, sanitizer, extra masks and gloves, maps, binoculars, and sleeping bags (if needed).
Clothing
Wearing light weight, light colored, breathable fabrics is a good idea, as they do not attract attention, minimize noise when walking, and provide comfort. White clothes are not ideal, as they can quickly get dirty from the dust. Dark colored clothes can attract mosquitoes and Tsetse flies. Travellers must carry layers such as a fleece, scarf, or light jacket, to protect from the cold (it gets colder at night) and sunglasses and hats to protect from the sun during the day. It is important to wear comfortable trainers, so walking around and exploring the region is easy. Tourists must also carry flip flops for comfort at the end of the day.
Weather
From March to May, the region faces the ‘big rains’, making these months the least favourable time for a visit, as bird watching is excellent, and prices are lower, but safaris may get interrupted by rainfall, A better time to visit is from November to mid December, when the ‘little’ rains do not ruin outdoor activity or game viewing, The weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. From June to October, the dry season is the most favorable for a wildlife viewing safari trip.
Sights
At Seronera River Valley, visitors can find the wildlife gathered at the watering holes where predators such as leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs come to hunt. The acacia covered Naabi hill provides a breathtaking view, and is a great location for witnessing the Great Migration of thousands of majestic wildebeests! Lobo Valley in Northern Serengeti allows visitors to see the 3 big cats: lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as other spectacular wildlife. This region is cheaper as it is less crowded, which also provides privacy and seclusion. The deep Retina Hippo Pool has 200 hippos, which can be seen from a safe distance. At Olduvai Gorge, one can find more than 60 human fossils and many ancient tools from over two million years ago! At Laetoli, ancient footprints can be seen preserved in ash! Visitors must also go to Moru Kopjes which has the Serengeti’s only black rhinos. A small herd of the endangered animal is monitored by anti-poaching rangers. Travellers can go to Gong Rock to see famous Masai rock paintings, or to Bologonja Springs for excellent wildlife viewing and bird watching, as well as enjoying the calmness, serenity, privacy and tranquility of the secluded spot.
The Serengeti can be explored by car, on foot, on cycle, through a camping trip, and even through a hot air balloon ride! The region is breathtaking and unique, and a visit can provide a great connection to nature and history.!
