{"id":297,"date":"2013-10-31T04:35:56","date_gmt":"2013-10-31T04:35:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mapsofworld.com\/travel\/?p=297"},"modified":"2022-09-19T11:06:31","modified_gmt":"2022-09-19T11:06:31","slug":"serengeti-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mapsofworld.com\/travel\/destinations\/tanzania\/serengeti-national-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Serengeti National Park, Tanzania"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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\"Serengeti<\/a>

Serengeti in Maasai language means “the place where the land runs on forever.”<\/p><\/div>\n

The Serengeti is an unspoilt and untamed wilderness and also the greatest game park in Africa. Unending horizon, limitless short-grass pastures, and sapphire skies of Serengeti bring a glint to worn souls of travelers. It’s a primordial land where only the most primitive laws of nature apply \u2014 kill or be killed, eat or be eaten! These vast plains may be a utopia for escapists and nature lovers; but to the hordes of unsophisticated beasts \u2013 like the Big Five \u2013 it is simply a playground.<\/p>\n

History<\/h2>\n

American explorer Stewart Edward White was the first outsider to visit the region in 1913. Established in 1951, it is the oldest national park in Tanzania. Its name in Maasai language (Serenget) means “the place where the land runs on forever.” It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.<\/p>\n

Things to Do in Serengeti National Park<\/h2>\n

As the lions pounce, elephants trample, hyenas cackle, hippos splash, and gazelles traverse in the blink of an eye; like the Elton John’s song \u2018Circle of Life\u2019, \u201cthere’s more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Great Migration<\/strong> \u2013 Few people ever forget the moments of beholding this greatest wildlife spectacle on earth. Nothing can rival the sight of annual migration of hoofed animals: around 1.7 million wildebeests, 200,000 zebras, gazelles, and buffaloes. This 1,000-mile-long movement starts in late November near Ngorongoro crater in southern Serengeti and reaches the Maasai Mara National Reserve in northern Serengeti.
\nWithin short period in February, almost 8,000 wildebeest calves are born each day in this grazing pilgrimage. Nature takes its course when thousands of wildebeests and zebras leap into the murky waters of the crocodile-infested Mara River and Grumeti River; most animals survive and some meet their maker by landing in crocodile’s jaws.<\/p>\n

Wildlife viewing<\/strong> \u2013 Within the boundaries of Serengeti, there are more than 70 species of large mammals and 500 kinds of birds. Take out your binoculars to feel the power of the Big Five \u2013 lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino \u2013 and meet the Little Five \u2013 antlion, rhino beetle, elephant shrew, buffalo weaver, and leopard tortoise. Go for open-jeep safaris on well-worn safari roads and wait near watering holes where antelopes, impalas, giraffes, and other animals come to quench their thirst. The western corridor offers an extremely rewarding experience for travelers keen on game viewing and birdwatching in Serengeti.<\/p>\n

Hot Air Balloon Safaris<\/strong> \u2013 After you’ve had enough of bumpy ride, opt for an enchanting hot air balloon ride over the endless plains to get a bird\u2019s eye view of the wildlife.<\/p>\n

Night Game Drives<\/strong> \u2013 Go on a game drive in night allows a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal animals like hunting lions and cackling hyenas. Tour operators, which provide such thrilling experience, can be found near Ikoma Wild Camp.<\/p>\n

Serengeti Visitor Center<\/strong> \u2013 Located near Seronera Airstrip in the small settlement of Mara, this place is an attraction in its own right. Self-guided walking paths with informative signs convey the history of Serengeti, Swahili culture and customs, and semi-nomadic life of the Maasai people in African bush. It’s as good a place as any to embark on cultural tours, adventure tours, and multiple-day jungle safaris.<\/p>\n

Shopping<\/strong> \u2013 For those who’d like to bring back something else than photographs and memories, the city of Arusha and other larger towns have curio markets. Make sure to bargain hard for carvings, masks, Maasai spears, textiles, drums, jewelry, and handicraft. The Arusha Heritage Center offers a large variety of souvenirs and crafts. Shopping in Serengeti is limited due to the absence of permanent human settlements.<\/p>\n

Nearby Attractions<\/h2>\n

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Victoria, Lake Natron, Ol Doinyo Lengai, and Mount Kilimanjaro.<\/p>\n

Location<\/h2>\n

Serengeti National Park is located in Mara Region along the northern border of Tanzania with Kenya. The national park is roughly 208 miles (335km) from Arusha and 161 miles (260 km) from Nairobi \u2014 the capital of Kenya.<\/p>\n

Serengeti National Park Map<\/span><\/h2>\n