What is the best African safari to go on?

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania consistently ranks as one of the best African safari destinations, and for good reason. Known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the world-renowned wildebeest migration, the Serengeti appeals to both first-time safari-goers and seasoned experts alike. This vast wilderness provides an unparalleled safari experience, offering visitors a glimpse into one of the most incredible natural spectacles on Earth.

The Wildebeest Migration: Nature’s Greatest Show

One of the key attractions of Serengeti National Park is the annual Great Wildebeest Migration. Each year, over 2 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles embark on a perilous 800-kilometer journey across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. While some of this migration spills over into Kenya’s Masai Mara, the majority of it takes place within the Serengeti, as it is much larger and offers more opportunities to witness this breathtaking event.

The migration is a spectacular survival struggle as these animals face numerous predators along their route. Massive Nile crocodiles await them at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, where the dramatic river crossings occur, and big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards lie in wait for unsuspecting prey on the open plains. Even when the migration is not taking place, Serengeti’s predator-prey dynamics remain thrilling, with elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and a wide variety of antelope inhabiting the park year-round.

Serengeti’s Diverse Wildlife

In addition to the spectacle of the Great Migration, the Serengeti is home to an astounding variety of wildlife. It is one of the few places where visitors can see the Big Five (though the elusive black rhino is rarely sighted). Lions, leopards, and cheetahs roam the plains, while giraffes, elephants, and hippos populate the woodlands and river areas. The park also boasts a rich diversity of smaller animals like warthogs, jackals, and many antelope species, such as impala and gazelle.

The Grumeti and Mara Rivers are particularly famous for their huge crocodiles and large pods of grunting hippos. These rivers play a key role during the migration season, providing both sustenance and danger for the migrating herds.

The Scenic Beauty of the Serengeti

Beyond the incredible wildlife, the Serengeti’s landscapes are just as captivating. This vast, untamed wilderness is characterized by rolling savannah grasslands, dotted with picturesque acacia trees and rocky outcrops known as kopjes. These distinctive rock formations, particularly found in the southeastern part of the park, provide shelter for animals and a vantage point for predators like lions and leopards.

The Western Corridor follows the Grumeti and Mbalageti Rivers, featuring lush riverine forests, while the far north is home to the iconic Mara River, setting the stage for the infamous wildebeest river crossings. The variety of ecosystems within the park, from open plains to river valleys and woodlands, makes for stunning scenery no matter where you are in the Serengeti.

Safari Activities in the Serengeti

Visitors to the Serengeti have a wealth of activities to choose from. Game drives are the most popular, and they can be arranged for either full days or in two separate drives (morning and afternoon). Full-day drives often include a picnic lunch, allowing guests to spend as much time as possible out in the bush.

For those looking to splurge, a hot-air balloon safari offers a unique perspective. Floating above the plains at dawn, watching the sun rise over the savannah and the animals below is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Upon landing, passengers are typically treated to a champagne breakfast in the bush.

Some camps and lodges also offer night drives, allowing guests to experience the Serengeti’s nocturnal wildlife, including leopards, hyenas, and other elusive creatures. Guided walking safaris are another exciting option for those who want to explore the park on foot and gain a deeper understanding of its ecosystems and smaller creatures.

Best Time to Visit

While the Serengeti is a year-round destination, certain times of the year offer better opportunities to see specific wildlife events. For example, January to February is the calving season in the Ndutu area of the southern Serengeti. During this time, thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators and offering incredible game viewing.

June and July are ideal months to see the migration in the Western Corridor as the herds make their way towards the Mara River. For those hoping to witness the dramatic river crossings, August and September are the best months, when the wildebeest traverse the Mara River, risking encounters with giant crocodiles. In the northern part of the park, particularly around the Lobo Hills, wildlife viewing peaks from August to September as animals gather around the dwindling water sources.

Climate and Weather

The Serengeti enjoys relatively mild weather year-round. Daytime temperatures hover around 27°C (81°F), making it comfortable for game viewing. However, nights and early mornings can be chilly, especially during game drives, so warm clothing is advisable. The Dry season, from June to October, sees little rain, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources.

The Wet season, from November to May, sees more rainfall, particularly from March to April. However, the rains rarely interfere with safari activities, and the park’s landscapes become lush and green during this time. The Wet season also coincides with the wildebeest calving period, making it an excellent time for those interested in seeing newborn animals and predator-prey interactions.

Traveler Experiences

Many visitors to the Serengeti come away with unforgettable memories. Mary Fitzpatrick, a traveler from the US, praises the park as “one of Africa’s greatest parks,” highlighting the annual migration and the park’s wealth of predators as standout features. She also notes the quieter side of the Serengeti, with its abundance of birdlife and peaceful, nature-filled moments.

Stuart Butler from the UK describes the Serengeti as “classic Africa” with its endless grasslands, scattered acacia trees, and iconic African wildlife. For him, the Serengeti is the larger, wilder counterpart to Kenya’s Masai Mara, offering an equally rich safari experience but on a grander scale.