12 AWESOME FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE SERENGETI BEFORE YOU VISIT

Cheetahs are just one of the many animals you will see in the Serengeti National Park / Image: @muffujohar786

The Serengeti: it's Tanzania's most recognized national park that everyone wants to visit. From being the setting for one of the world's largest animal migrations to being the home of the legendary Masaai tribe, it's easy to understand why most people include a stop here on their trip to Tanzania.

But how well do you really know the Serengeti? Whether you're planning a safari with us or a visit to Tanzania's tribes, here are some awesome facts you need to know about Serengeti National Park.

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A confusion of Wildebeest crossing the river during the Great Migration in the Serengeti National Park / Image: @perventuator

1. The Serengeti Is Located in North-Central Tanzania, Bordering Kenya

Before we get into our 12 fascinating facts about the national park, you'll need to know where the Serengeti Plains are. The park is situated in north-central Tanzania, right on the border with Kenya, spanning a whopping 30,000 square kilometers.

If you're heading to the Serengeti, your journey will likely begin in the city of Arusha, which is about 6-7 hours (419 km) from the park. Arusha is conveniently connected to Kilimanjaro International Airport, which offers numerous international flight routes, making it easy to fly in and start your adventure from there. Most luxury lodges in the Serengeti will offer you a transfer from the airport upon request, or if you would like to go one step further, you could book a private charter to take you right into the heart of the park.

2. The Great Migration Begins in the Serengeti

If you're thinking of visiting the Serengeti, you've probably heard of the Great Migration. This remarkable 800 km journey begins in the southern Serengeti, where millions of wildebeest embark on their trek north, eventually crossing into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Their long journey is driven by the need to follow the rains so the animals can find land to graze on along the way on their lengthy trek.

Hippos assemble in a Serengeti lake. Hippos are a common sighting in the Serengeti National Park / Image: @perventuator

3. Around Two Million Animals Pass through the Serengeti Every Year

It's difficult to pinpoint the exact number of animals moving through the Serengeti game park during the Great Migration, but estimates suggest that the figures are at around two million. This figure includes roughly one million wildebeest, 500,000 Thomson's and Grant's gazelles, 200,000 zebras, 4,000 lions, 5,000 to 6,000 cheetahs, and about 7,500 hyenas. And that's before you consider all the other species that roam the park for the entire year.

4. The Serengeti Is a Unesco World Heritage Site

In 1981, the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site; it was recognized under Criterion (vii) for being the place where the largest natural animal migration passes through, including millions of species such as wildebeest and zebras. On top of that, UNESCO recognized the park under Criterion (x) for its rich and diverse ecosystem.

Stunning endless plains of the Serengeti. Zebra and wildebeest rest during the Great Migration at sunset / Image: @perventuator

5. Tourists Visiting the Serengeti Must Pay Entrance Fees

As a visitor, you'll have to pay entrance fees to the Serengeti National Park. This payment goes towards enhancing the experience for visitors and conversation efforts, so you know your money is going towards a good cause.

At the time of writing this article, these are the fees for anyone wanting to visit the Serengeti in Tanzania:

Peak season:

  • Adult - TZS 190742.24 ($70)

  • Child (5 to 15) - TZS 54497.78 ($20)

  • All children under the age of 5 - free

  • Expats/residents - TZS 95371.12 ($35)

  • Expat child (5 to 15) - TZS 27248.89 ($10)

  • EA or Tanzanian citizens - TZS 10,000 ($3.67)

  • EA or Tanzanian citizen child - TZS 2000 ($0.73)

  1. Low season:

    • Adult - TZS 163493.35 ($60)

    • Child (5 to 15) - TZS 54497.78 ($20)

    • All children under the age of 5 - free

    • Expats/residents - TZS 95371.12 ($35)

    • Expat child (5 to 15) - TZS 27248.89 ($10)

    • EA or Tanzanian citizens - TZS 10,000 ($3.67)

    • EA or Tanzanian citizen child - TZS 2000 ($0.73)

6. The Meaning of the Word 'Serengeti' Is ‘Open Endless Plains'

By definition, the meaning of the word Serengeti translates to 'open endless plains.' Serengeti is actually a word used by the Masaai people. It comes from the word 'Siringet,' which means 'the place where the land runs forever,' which is very fitting for a national park that covers 30,000 square kilometers.

One of the facts about the Serengeti is that the word ‘Serengeti’ means ‘open endless plains’ and within this image, you can see why / Image: @mariolagr

7. The Serengeti Is a Prime Location for Luxury Safaris

Compared to some of Tanzania's other national parks, the Serengeti is seen as the preferred option among luxury travelers heading off on a safari. With nearly 12 airstrips for private jets to fly into, a wealth of high-end lodges and camps, and premium tour agencies offering exclusive excursions like BornWild, if you enjoy extraordinary experiences, the Serengeti will be the perfect choice for you.

Planning a luxury safari on your own can be tiresome, as there are varying options out there. Luckily, we've made a short guide ourselves to guide you through the booking stages; read our helpful article: A Short Guide To Booking A Luxury Serengeti Safari

8. You Can Spot the Big 5 in the Serengeti National Park

Spotting the Big 5 is a must for many travelers, and you'll be able to see all of them in the Serengeti National Park, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, and leopards. There are quite a few of each of the Big 5 species scattered generously throughout the Serengeti. Although rhinos can be a bit trickier to find, it's not impossible. If you have a good guide, they will navigate the way to give you the best chance of observing them.

Spotting the Big 5 is readily available to see within the Serengeti National Park all year round. Here is an elephant sauntering through the plains in the dry season / Image: @ranakatan

9. The Maasai Are One of the Local Tribes That Live in the Serengeti

Many local tribes, including the Maasai people, live throughout the Serengeti. The Maasai tribe is arguably the most famous tribe associated with Tanzania. Some of their people live on the Kenyan side of the border, while others reside on the Tanzanian side. However, due to legislation, their movements have been more limited in recent times on the Tanzanian side.

But what makes the Maasai so special? They're a tribe that has deep traditions which come from the northwest of Kenya and South Sudan. You can easily identify them through their red clothing and the unique ornate jewelry that they wear. One other interesting fact about the Maasai is how important cattle are to their society; cattle are seen as a sign of wealth in the community, and they're often traded as a source of revenue.

In contrast to other tribes in Tanzania, the Maasai people are quite open and easily contactable for tourists with a certified guide. We can help you arrange visits to some of the Maasai settlements as an add-on to your safari package.

Four members of the famous Maasai tribe, sporting their legendary red checked garments and ornate jewelry / Image: @elliotparis

10. More Than 500 Bird Species Call the Serengeti Home

Not only is the Serengeti an excellent place for some animal spotting, but it's also a key location for birdwatchers. The park is home to around 500 bird species in total. Of course, you'll find some of the well-known names like Kori Bustards, but there's also a chance you will be able to catch a glimpse of the incredible lilac-breasted rollers if you’re fortunate.

Unlike wildlife safaris, much of the birdwatching outings take place in the central region of the Serengeti national park due to its proximity to the River Seronera, where a lot of the water bird species reside.

One of the unspoken facts about the Serengeti is that there are over 500 bird species that live within the park. Here is a beautiful lilac-breasted roller / Image: @markattree

11. The Serengeti Migration was Listed as One of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders in 2013

Back in 2013, the Serengeti Migration was given status as one of Africa's seven natural wonders alongside Mount Kilimanjaro, the River Nile, the Sahara Desert, Ngorongoro Crater, the Okavango Delta, and the Red Sea Reef.

12. Kopjes Are One of the Key Natural Features of the Serengeti National Park

When you're out on a game drive throughout the Serengeti plains of Tanzania, one of the main features you'll notice is the Kopjes. These natural landforms are granite islands that date back millions of years ago when volcanic bubbles made their way up to the earth's surface and firmed up over time. However, due to the high rainfall that the Serengeti experiences yearly, the Kopjes have been eroding at a rapid pace, although some of them are still very robust in appearance.

Lions, in particular, use the Kopjes across the Serengeti as a resting place to hide away and scout out their prey until they find a suitable time to pounce. Many game drives will include a stop at some of them to see if you can catch the big cats in action.

A lioness sits on top of a Kopje rock with the lands of the Serengeti in her gaze / Image: @denisi_z

You’ve Reached the End of Our List of Facts About the Serengeti!

It's always great to know a little information about somewhere before you visit so you can fully appreciate it when you arrive. For somewhere as incredible as the Serengeti, it's even more important as there are so many wonderful aspects and facets to the region to learn about like the highly diverse ecosystem as well as the wild species who reside there.

With these 12 fascinating facts about the Serengeti, you'll feel comfortably prepared and well-equipped with knowledge during your daily game drives through the stunning grasslands and savannah of the legendary Serengeti.

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