ABOUT SERENGITI

Spanning an area of approximately 14000 sq Km in the Mara and Simiyu region of Tanzania lies the Serengeti National Reserve. The name “Serengeti” is derived from the word ‘siringet’ which means the place where the land runs forever. The word was used by Maasai to denote the land where they grazed their cattle. Serengeti is Tanzania’s oldest park and still remains the principal tourist attraction for harbouring myriad biodiversity. The topography of the park comprises Serengeti plains which is a treeless grassland in the south, black corridor comprising swamps covered with black clayey soil and open woodlands in the north.
The Serengeti National Park is famous for its annual wildebeest migration, when some six million cross the open plains. Zebra , honey badger and Nile crocodile are some other famous species of the park. Other mammals found here include Masai lion, African leopard,African bush elephant, Eastern black rhinoceros,African buffalo, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, wildebeest, topi, eland, waterbuck, spotted hyena, striped hyena, serval, baboon, impala, East African wild dog, and Masai giraffe. The region is a paradise for bird watchers. Over 550 species of birds are found here namely rufous-tailed weaver, Fischer’s lovebird, Usambiro barbet, grey-crested helmet-shrike, grey-breasted spurfowl, Kori bustard and secretary bird.

WHEN TO GO ?

The park can be visited throughout the year. June and July are the best months for seeing the migration and February is the best month for the wildebeest calving. The dry months from June to October offer the best general game viewing. November to Febrary are best months for watching migratory birds..