What is the Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park?
What is the best time to visit Serengeti National Park for the great wildebeest migration experience? High chances are that you have ever dreamt of Africa or undertaking African safaris and when you did, you most likely dreamt about the beautiful Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It will interest you to know that tons of wildlife documentaries and films have been recorded in the incredible Park and it is with a good reason. One thing that stands out about this Park is the fact that it hosts one of the Earth’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences- the Great Wildebeest Migration.
About Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa. This is in addition to being one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. Serengeti a National Park covers an area of approximately 14,763 square kilometers. The park is home to many wildlife, bird, and plant species. It is also in this Park that visitors can gaze upon the Great Migration in awe or encounter the elusive leopards and the fastest land animal- cheetahs in their natural habitats. Talk to us for an opportunity to plan your wildlife safari and explore the sweeping Serengeti Plains that are dotted with trees and Rock Kopjes from which the lions control their Kingdom.
Are you Planning a trip to Tanzania?
Anyone planning a trip to Africa should put Serengeti National Park on their itinerary. You probably have lots of questions, as naturally, you would wish it to be a trip of a lifetime and it will be if planning is done properly. The biggest question is likely to be, “When is the best time to visit?” Worry not as we are here to assist. Simply read on!!
Planning a safari to Tanzania’s Serengeti is already thrilling, but visiting at the best time is even better. Firstly, Serengeti National Park can be visited all year round, and there is no such thing as a “bad time” to visit this beautiful safari destination. It will interest you to know that the best season to go depends on what you hope to see or do. The focal point of many travelers’ planning is, with a wonderful reason, to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration (also referred to as “the World Cup of Wildlife). Nonetheless, our Serengeti safaris go beyond the Great Migration.
The Best time to visit Serengeti National Park for the Great Wildebeest Migration
Serengeti National Park offers incredible wildlife safaris all year round, but visitors just need to understand the best time to go if interested in experiencing one of the Earth’s unforgettable spectacles- the Great Wildebeest Migration.
For instance, the wet season is the best time to experience huge migrating herds on the southern side of Serengeti National Park. The Northern and Western Corridors are the most amazing places to visit during dry months. However, bear in mind that nature is generally unpredictable in this part of the World. For this reason, witnessing the phenomenal River crossing with wildebeests and other animals struggling to cross the waters and crocodiles snapping at their hooves is by luck. Therefore, when you are choosing the best part of Serengeti at the perfect time, huge herds will be spotted and breathtaking sights to behold.
The best time to visit Serengeti National Park to avoid crowds
To avoid the crowds or even to experience Serengeti National Park without disturbance, it is advisable to split your Serengeti tour into two. The first part of the safari should be spent in the heart of the Great Wildebeest Migration action. Here, you will of course experience heavy vehicle traffic but worth the effort. The second part of the itinerary involves venturing into a remote and out-of-season location such as the western corridor. This is most likely between August and October. If you are planning to visit the Mara-Serengeti area, it is best to do it during November, December, January, February, March, April, May, and June.
While lower visitor traffic is experienced in the mentioned areas, the quality of wildlife viewing is second to none. Or almost just as good as the popular Seronera area. It is important to note that it is impossible to spend time in the Serengeti (even in the high season) and not see other visitors. However, if you just wish to have the untouched Serengeti to yourself, then traveling in the low season is the perfect plan.
Generally, the months of mid-March, April, and mid-May (long rains) as well as November, to mid-December (short rains) are known as periods in which visitor numbers are low and the Safari Camp rates much lower. Bird watching is always at its best during these months. However, being a wet season, the rains can be experienced on most days, although they rarely interfere with your safaris.
Many choose the dry season, here is why
Most visitors to Serengeti National Park choose the dry season (which runs from late June through October) for their safari, and it is for a good reason. Animals gather around watering points to quench their thirst and vegetation is sparse hence providing optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. The dry season is therefore the best time to visit Serengeti National Park for game drives.
The icing on the Cake is that the Great Wildebeest Migration is also at its absolute prime during the dry season. Hence the chances of witnessing the jaw-dropping River crossing are at its best. October is known as the transitional month between the dry and rainy seasons. Thus Serengeti will be the driest it becomes all year and also incredible to spot lots of wildlife.
When the rainy season finally gets in full swing and the downpours have begun, vegetation comes to life. The landscape becomes a verdant green Oasis, hence allowing wildlife to hide easily. This makes animals hard to see. However, exploring Serengeti from November to mid-December brings the most amazing chance to see newborn animals. This is the start of the birthing season.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Serengeti National Park can be visited all year round because every season provides different opportunities. For instance, in the dry season, the dense vegetation thins out and animals are easier to sight also, they gather around waterholes and rivers hence providing breathtaking viewing experiences. There are fewer chances of Malaria, considering there are fewer mosquitoes during the dry season. The dry season is the perfect time to spot the Great Migration. This includes the breathtaking river crossings, if lucky. On the low side, Serengeti gets crowded during these months. Visiting Serengeti National Park in the wet season means enjoying the chance to see Calving, especially in the southern corridor. More so, a verdant and green landscape, and fewer visitors as well as discounted Camp rates.
