“What a fantastic trip. This really is an excellent way to see wildlife very close to you. From the first time you put your canoe in the water you start seeing all the African wildlife you’ve dreamt of…”
GALLERY
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Tanzania’s oldest, largest and most famous and popular game park is a truly wondrous game-viewing destination. A World Heritage site it has recently been proclaimed the seventh worldwide wonder. The name, Serengeti, originates from the Maasai word for “endless plains” which is truly reflective of the vastness of the park and its surrounds. Famed for its migrations of wildlife, this park is one of the best and offers the most scintillating game-viewing in Africa.
Sprawling over 14,763km2, Serengeti, lies at the heart of an extensive ecosystem which includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, some smaller game reserves and protected areas and the famous Maasai Mara game reserve in Kenya. Much of the vast plains are comprised of open grassland though there are some areas with dense acacia woodland. Many parts of the plains are dotted with small rocky out crops called “koppies”. Water is generally scarce in the park and within the ecosystem as a whole. Hence, the wildlife migration is strongly linked to the rainfall patterns across the ecosystem.
Wildlife within the Serengeti ecosystem consists of huge populations of wildebeest, (estimated at 1,500,000), Thompson’s gazelle (500,000), Burchell’s zebra (500,000) while other antelope species namely impala, topi, Grant’s gazelle, kongoni and eland run in the tens of thousands. Amongst other antelope species there are dik-dik, klipspringer, roan, oribi and waterbuck. Additionally, the park has large populations of buffalo, giraffe, warthog and elephants. Amongst the primates, olive baboons and Vervet monkey dominate but there are populations of black and white colobus and a few rarely seen patas monkey.
The big cats and other predators are present in large numbers. Lions in the park are estimated at in excess of 3000 and represent one of the densest populations in Africa. Cheetahs are also numerous and it is thought that the leopard population within the park is quite high though exact numbers are difficult to ascertain due to their secretive nature. Other predators are dominated by spotted hyena but include golden jackals, bat eared fox, civet, serval, genet and African Wild Cat. A rarity among the predators is the occasional spotting of African Wild Dog. The park is home to some rhinos though their numbers have declined significantly over the last few decades.
Serengeti is a haven for birding. Key among the 500 plus species recorded are Ostrich, Secretary Bird, Kori Bustard, ground hornbill, flamingo and numerous migrating birds. Some special bird species not found anywhere else are present within the Serengeti ecosystem and include the Grey throated spurfowl, Fischer’s Lovebird, Usambiro Barbet and lilac breasted roller.
There is more to Serengeti than merely large mammals and birds. The park is home to an abundance of small creatures ranging from over 100 varieties of dung beetle to numerous lizards, insects, rock hyraxes, snakes and reptiles.
Getting there:
By air – scheduled and chartered flights.
By road- (4X4 essential) – from Arusha
What to do:
Game Drives
Walking safaris
Hot air balloon safaris
Picnicking
Visiting Ngorongoro and the Oldupai Gorge
Maasai rock paintings
Lake Natron’s flamingos
Best time:
To follow the wildebeest migration, December -July; To see predators, June- October
Accommodation:
Numerous upper end, mid range and budget lodges. Some luxury tented camps and basic campsites.
Accomodation
The view from the lodge’s spacious veranda is almost endless over the majestic Serengeti plains below. A sense of grandeur is woven throughout the turn-of-the-century manor house and private cottages through a blend of authentic European style and East African influences.
For more information Contact KOMPASS SAFARIS.
Mbalageti Serengeti is located in the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. The Lodge offers a breathtaking 360-dgree panorama view of the Serengeti Plain lands and the Mbalageti River, where one of the main attractions is the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra.
The Lodge Rooms (Standard Type) are not Tented but in a block building. The rooms are comfortably offering all amenities and are beautifully decorated. All Standard Rooms have en suite bathroom with a shower and its own veranda. The Standard Rooms are located approximately 500 meters from the main building. We offer Doubles and Twins, no Triple Rooms available. Our Standard Rooms are more of a “one night stop-over” or a budget option for the travelers.
For more information please contact KOMPASS SAFARIS.
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The camp is set in the stunning Banagi Valley, in the heart of Serengeti National Park
All guest tents as well as mess tents face the gentle plain which is home to a rich and varied fauna throughout the year
The camp is ecofriendly, 24h power & hot water are 100% solar.
For more information please contact KOMPASS SAFARIS.
Ngome safari camp is a rustic tented camp set along the path of the wildebeest migration passing in the Robanda village at the border of Serengeti National park.
Ngome safari camp is the ideal option of the adventurous traveler, it offers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and the experience of nature in its raw primitive state.
For more information please contact KOMPASS SAFARIS.
Ndutu Safari Lodge is situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the southern Serengeti eco-system. The Lodge nestles unobtrusively under a canopy of giant acacias with views towards Lake Ndutu. The lodge offers a superb base in which to explore the range of habitats that lie within easy reach. Swamps, woodland, soda lakes and the world famous Serengeti short grass plains make Ndutu Safari Lodge one of the best places to watch wildlife.
Ndutu Safari Lodge consists of 34 stone cottages that extend from the central, open-sided bar, lounge and dining room.
Each room has its own verandah that faces Lake Ndutu. All rooms have en-suite facilities. The cottages are made from local materials and offer comfortable accommodation. Please contact us for information about wheelchair access.
For more information please contact KOMPASS SAFARIS.