by Chris
May 6, 2019

Ten Amazing Things to do in Serengeti National Park

Serengeti

The very name conjures up a wealth of images, doesn't it?

Wide open plains dotted with wildebeest, zebras, and antelope as far as the eye can see.

A pride of lions painted red-gold by the rising sun as they prowl through the tall grass in search of a morning meal.

The chortling of hippos as they wallow in their pools to escape the heat of the midday sun.

Brightly colored hot air balloons floating lazily in the crisp, clear morning air.

Tanzania's Serengeti National Park is one of the world's most beloved and recognizable wilderness areas, and there is so much more to do than 'just' go out on game drives.

Are you planning a safari to Tanzania's Serengeti National Park? Here are the top 5 things you need to do on a Serengeti safari trip in Tanzania! #serengeti #safari #tanzania #travel

10 - Go on a Nature Walk

Walking safaris are not as common in East Africa as they might be in South Africa, but there are still opportunities to stretch your legs.

Depending on where you are staying, you may have the chance to take a guided nature walk.

While not technically a walking safari, these nature walks give you a chance to learn about local flora and fauna and soak in the utter quiet of the Serengeti plains.

Ask your Shadows of Africa safari expert how you can ensure your tented camp or lodge offers guided nature walks.

9 - Enjoy a Bush Dinner

Regardless of where you are staying, your meals on the Serengeti are going to be something special. From BBQ buffets to traditional cuisine to succulent Chinese or Indian meals, you're not going to go hungry!

If you're looking to have a romantic dinner for two, many properties offer a bush dinner away from the main restaurant.

Little by candles or a crackling fire, you'll dine under the stars with table service as if you were in a five-star restaurant. A bush dinner is a great way to add a little extra romance to your Serengeti safari.

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8 - Camp Under the Stars

While we're on the subject of stars, there is something primal and magical about pitching a tent out on the Serengeti and falling asleep to the sounds of the wilderness.

Shadows of Africa are experts at arranging camping safaris. We not only provide all of your camping equipment but send along one of our staff chefs to ensure you're eating well. Got a dietary requirement? Don't worry: our chefs have you covered!

Camping on safari can be a great way to conserve your budget as well, although we don't advise it during a rainy season safari.

7 - Take a Night Game Drive

Night game drives are not allowed within Tanzanian National Parks and that holds true of the Serengeti, but it is possible to take a night game drive in one of the neighboring conservancies.

If seeing the Serengeti by moonlight and spotlight is on your bucket list, you'll need to be staying at Buffalo Tented Lodge. Buffalo Tented Lodge is one of the only properties in all of Tanzania who can lead night game drives.

You can also take a night game drive as part of your visit to Tarangire National Park, with a number of properties offering the experience.

6 - See the Moru Kopjes

Scattered around the heart of the Serengeti's Seronera region are towering piles of stones known as kopjes. Popular with lions who like to stretch out on them to soak up the sun, they are a distinctive feature of the Central Serengeti.

No game drive to the Serengeti would be complete without observing a lazy pride of lions stretching, playing, and relaxing on the stones that inspired The Lion King's Pride Rock.

It is even possible overnight close to these impressive structures, with tented camps such as Kisura Tented Camp and Ole Serai Moru Kopjes built in the shadows of these massive rock formations.

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5 - Relax by the Pool

After a long and dusty day out on safari, there are few feelings more heavenly than slipping into a deliciously cold pool and soaking in the last of the sun's rays. While not all properties on the Serengeti can boast a pool, those that do are great for families on safari with children.

Properties such as Melia Serengeti and the Four Seasons Safari Lodge boast truly impressive infinity pools from which you can indulge in a little game-viewing, with poolside service of cocktails a great way to finish your day.

Relaxing by a Hippo Pool

Of course, tourists aren't the only ones who enjoy a good soak on a hot day. The Serengeti's resident hippos love a good wallow!

The Retina Hippo Pool is located in the Seronera region of the Serengeti and is a great spot to photograph yawning hippos from the safety of your safari vehicle.

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4 - Take a Sunrise Game Drive

Many of the Serengeti's animals are most active during the cooler morning and evening hours, making a sunrise game drive the perfect opportunity to spot leopards, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and other crepuscular animals on the move. If you're intent on seeing African Wild Dogs, this is also the best time to spot the elusive pack hunters.

Shadows of Africa allows its clients unlimited game drives between 06:00 and 18:00 (park operating hours), so all you need to do is let your driver know that you'd like a sunrise game drive and he'll make it happen.

Whether you take a picnic breakfast with you or return to your lodge to take full advantage on the buffet, a sunrise game drive is an invigorating way to start your day. Just don't forget to bring a coat!

3 - Stay in a Luxury Tented Camp

There's something magical about falling asleep to the sound of lions roaring and Wildebeest... doing whatever it is they do.

Pitching a tent at the heart of the Serengeti isn't everybody's cup of tea, so the luxury tented camps of the Serengeti offer a nice balance between creature comforts and, well, creatures.

Offering the perfect blend of modern comfort and closeness to nature, the luxury tented camps of the Serengeti are hugely popular year round. Budget tented camps such as Thorntree and Kisura are the entry-level properties on the Serengeti, but luxury options like Ole Serai, Kubu Kubu, and Lemala Nanyuki are redefining the glamping experience.

Whatever your budget, it wouldn't be a visit to the Serengeti without at least one night in a tented camp. However, if you're visiting Tanzania during the rainy season, a brick and mortar lodge is the best option.

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2 - Take a Hot Air Balloon Safari

For a little added romance on your trip, you should consider adding a hot air balloon safari.

Nothing can compare to the feeling of soaring several thousand feet above the plains of the Serengeti at sunrise. You're afforded a completely unique view of the Serengeti and its inhabitants, and the silence is utterly remarkable.

Once you touch down on the open plains, you'll enjoy a decadent champagne breakfast out in the wilderness. It's the perfect way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. We've even had several clients pop the question after their hot air balloon safari!

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1 - Witness a River Crossing

The #1 attraction in all of East Africa, the annual Wildebeest Migration sees more than a million wildebeest and zebras making the arduous journey north onto Kenya's Maasai Mara. The Serengeti plays host to the migration for much of the year, but from July to September each year, you can get front row seats to the high drama of a river crossing.

Speak with your Shadows of Africa safari expert about the best time to see the river crossing and they'll arrange for your trip to take you into the Kogatende and Lobo regions of the Serengeti.

Our six-day River Crossing Safari and five-day Flying River Crossing Safari are the most popular options for seeing a river crossing, but any of our itineraries can be modified to include a visit to the Northern Serengeti.

If time allows, you should also consider a cross-country safari to both Kenya and Tanzania. This way, you'll have the chance to see a river crossing from both sides!

Here are the five things you need to add to your Serengeti safari itinerary! If you're heading to Tanzania's Serengeti for a safari trip, don't miss out on these five adventure activities! #travel #safari #serengeti #tanzania

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A Wealth of Options

As you can see, there is no shortage of things to do in Serengeti National Park.

Speak with your Shadows of Africa safari expert about how to maximize your enjoyment of your Serengeti safari.

Are you interested in an African safari?

Contact one of our safari experts and we will tailor-make a safari for you!

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