When most people think of Serengeti, their thoughts revolve around the ‘great migration’, an annual natural unfolding where some 1.5 million wildebeest and thousands of zebras and other animals follow a historical trail (to or from Kenya’s Masai Mara) in pursuit of fresh grass and water. This doesn’t come as a surprise considering it is one of the most captivating encounters in Africa. The most gripping part of the migration is when they cross the crocodile-packed Mara River which has been featured in thousands of nature documentaries as one of the wildlife spectacles on earth.
However, even without this phenomenal event, Serengeti National Park would still rank among Africa’s 10 best safari destinations. Its abundance and variety of wildlife are simply unmatched. Where else can you see a large number of predators in just one day? One minute it’s leopards, a few minutes later, you are within arm’s length from lions or cheetahs that are keeping a watchful eye on the hyenas (to avoid their kill from being stolen). The big plus is the black rhinos.
Serengeti is always such a rewarding place to be. Its only limitation is that because it is such a popular destination, certain parts of it get quite crowded with tourists, especially its central Seronera area. Here, you will find a four-wheel-drive traffic jam of sorts. It waters down the wilderness vibe! But like any dark cloud, it has its silver linings. The wildlife here is well habituated to vehicles thereby guaranteeing you great photo opportunities.
The good news is that not all parts of the park are busy. You can escape the crowds by visiting the West, a gem where you will experience an unmatched sense of solitude. Here, you will find the Grumeti River area which in addition to being full of hippos and crocodiles has a green shoreline that attracts the other animals in the park. The north is equally a great alternative where you can see a single lioness strolling along a ridge in the distance without another car around. What makes it an even more thrilling and satisfying experience is the fact that there are lots of elephants here.
One of the best ways to explore Serengeti is the hot air balloon safari. Another popular add-on to your itinerary is the walking safari considering that it allows you to see more of the off-trail secrets than the game drives (because cars are restricted to trails). While it is possible to do bush camping, it is on a limited scope.
If you want to witness the migration, it is important to go to the right area, at the right time of year. The background to this is that the animals keep switching from one side of Serengeti to another depending on the season.