Searching for top reasons to visit Serengeti National Park? The oldest and largest national park in eastern Africa is Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It was gazetted in the 1960s to protect wildlife, including lions that were facing serious threats. The name Serengeti comes from the Masai language and means the land that never ends. This name fits well because of the wide open plains that stretch across the park. These plains support many animals and are one of the main top reasons to visit Serengeti National Park.
One of the strongest top reasons to visit Serengeti National Park is the wildebeest migration. Wildebeests are the most well known animals in the park. During the dry season, they move in search of greener grass and water. This movement takes them from Serengeti National Park into the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Watching thousands of wildebeests move across the plains is a key experience for many visitors.
Witness the wildebeest migration
Wildebeests belong to the Bovidae family, the same family as cattle. A group of wildebeests is called a herd. Females are usually brighter in color than males and have long hair along their backs. Their name comes from the term wild beast, first used by the Dutch in southern Africa.
There are two main types of wildebeests seen during this movement, the western white bearded wildebeest found in the Serengeti Mara region and the eastern white bearded wildebeest found around the Gregory Rift.
Visit the Masai villages
Another of the top reasons to visit Serengeti National Park is the chance to visit Masai villages. The Masai people have lived near the park for many years and have learned to live peacefully with wildlife. Today, many Masai people work as guides, drivers, lodge staff, and craft sellers. Visiting their community projects supports conservation and helps local families.
Explore wildlife on horseback
Horseback safaris are a unique activity and are also among the top reasons to visit Serengeti National Park. After basic training, visitors ride with a ranger for safety. This allows close viewing of animals such as giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and antelopes.
Olduvai Gorge
Olduvai Gorge is one of the most important archaeological sites in East Africa. It is often called the Cradle of Mankind and is another of the top reasons to visit Serengeti National Park. The site lies about 40 kilometers from the Ngorongoro Crater and offers insight into early human history.
See the Moru Kopjes
The Moru Kopjes are found in the central grasslands of the park and are home to endangered black rhinos. Seeing these rare animals is a top reason to visit Serengeti National Park. The area also features ancient Masai rock paintings.
