Serengeti travel guide

The Serengeti needs no introduction. It is the world’s greatest wildlife stage, with no prologue necessary, because here, on this stupendous savannah, you go straight to the drama. There is no finale either, because in terms of wildlife, and vast open landscapes, the big moments are there from the beginning. And it feels like it is going to go on forever.

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Serengeti travel guide

It’s a beautiful word, Serengeti, coming from the word ‘Siringet’ which is Maa (language of the Maasai) for ‘open plains’. Plains that are home to the greatest natural wildlife festival on earth: The Great Migration, when over two million wildebeest, zebra and more head north to Kenya in search of fresh fodder. It’s like Glastonbury Festival for wildlife lovers, except it goes on for longer, is wilder and the noise levels don’t need giant speakers to get your blood going. Today the term refers geographically to the Serengeti ecosystem, covering 30,000km². Most of it is in Tanzania, with the smaller section that stretches into Kenya called the Maasai Mara.

No one can return from the Serengeti unchanged, for tawny lions will forever prowl our memory and great herds throng our imagination.

– George Schaller, pioneering wildlife conservationist, biologist and author

This Serengeti travel guide refers to holidays in and around Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, which protects about half of the Serengeti and is mind blowing. Which is why, while you are there, there is one other Maa word you will want to share with your hosts: kashipa. Meaning, simply, ‘I’m happy’.

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The Serengeti is...

home to the world’s greatest wildlife show: the Great Wildebeest Migration. It goes on for months too.

The Serengeti isn't...

just about jeep safaris. You can walk, camp and even cycle. And it isn’t all sundowners at sunset on an Amex account; budget safaris are available too.

Things to do in the Serengeti…

Going on a game drive is, of course, the top thing to do in the Serengeti. You can’t avoid it; wildlife is everywhere. You can choose between a luxury safari camping, hotels or eco lodges, a small group tour or a tailor made trip with your own driver guide. Most safari holidays to the Serengeti National Park include the neighbouring wildlife wonders of Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. One of the most exciting ways for the more adventurous to see the Serengeti is from a saddle, with wonderful cycling holidays on offer. Meet with local Maasai communities and read up on the issues of their land rights and history of stewardship before you travel there. Some trips are guilty of adding on a token visit to a Maasai village at the end of a trip, after you have ticked off the Big Five, without acknowledging the fact that people are at the core of the Serengeti. There are also other tribes here, such as the Hadzabe, also known as the Hadza, who have been exploited for tourism purposes and also lost a lot of their land, although their legal rights have recently improved. Read more about the Hadza. Support local people financially during your trip but also by respecting their cultures and reading up on their important heritage in advance.

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Things not to do in the Serengeti...

Travel independently. This is not a thing in Serengeti National Park, as you can’t go off road, and you need to be accompanied by a licensed driver guide or tour operator. For self drive safaris, head to South Africa or Namibia. Disrespect your Maasai guide or any indigenous people you meet along the way. They have been stewards of these great landscapes for centuries. However, there have been a lot of issues over displacement of people in order to create the national park, many of which are ongoing as the government considers expanding the park borders towards Lake Victoria, for better water access. Ignore your driver or guide’s advice when around wildlife, especially on walking safaris. And make sure you travel with a responsible holiday company, who practices all the responsible wildlife watching guidelines. It may be a very popular tourist destination, but don’t overlook the fact that you will need to take some medical precautions. Visit your GP or travel clinic six to eight weeks before travelling to Tanzania as you may need to show a Yellow Fever certificate, get other vaccinations and get anti malarial medication. Always wear long sleeves and trousers, use mosquito nets and only drink bottled water.

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Written by Catherine Mack

Serengeti travel guide