The Serengeti National Park is arguably the best-known wildlife sanctuary and the only remaining natural grazing ecosystem to be found in the world. It is a World Heritage Site, Biosphere Reserve and one of the New Seven Wonders of Africa. The park lives up to its ancient Maasai name “Siringeti” meaning “Endless Plains”, and within its boundaries are more than three million large mammals. The Serengeti offers arguably the most dazzling game viewing in Africa, some 35 species of plains animals may be seen here including the so-called “Big-Seven”- Buffalo, Elephants, Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Cheetah and African Hunting dog.
Unfortunately, very few of the latter remain in the Serengeti. Originally exterminated as a threat to domestic stock they have recently become victims of distemper. However, after being decimated by poaching, the black rhino population of the Serengeti has developed well in recent years thanks to constant surveillance and the shielding of the animals from mass tourism. There are now around 30 black rhinos in the Moru Kopjes area but they may be difficult to see as visitors are only allowed to drive through the area on certain roads. White rhinoceros are not found in the Serengeti. In May, or early June, huge herds of wildebeest and zebra begin their spectacular 600-miles pilgrimage. In their wake follows the predators- lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, and jackals- while vultures circle overhead and some of Africa's biggest crocodile lie in wait.
Other animals frequently seen in the Serengeti include aardvark, baboons, caracals, civet, bat-eared fox, genet, giraffes, hippo, honey badger, hyrax, mangoes, ostrich, pangolin, serval, both grant's and Thomson's gazelle, vervet monkey, warthog and some 20 types of antelope including eland. Hartbeest or kongoni, impala, kudu, reedbuck, roan, topi, waterbuck and the much smaller dikdik, duiker, klipspringer, and oribi. There is, of course, also a great profusion of birdlife. Over 500 species have been recorded including bee-eaters, bustard, cranes, eagles, flamingo, herons ostrich, guinea fowl, hoopoe, parrots, vultures, and the bizarre, long-legged secretary birds. Tourist attractions include Game drive, Balloon safaris, Short nature hike at Naabi hills, Walking safaris, Photographing safaris, Camping, Bush meals and Visit historical and cultural sites.
The park is easily accessible, both by Good tarmac Road about 255km from Arusha town to Naabi Hill (entry point for the Serengeti National Park), 5-6 hours from Naabi to Seronera (park HQ), By air: Tour company can organize private flights from Arusha to Seronera, The Lobo, Ndutu and Kirawira airstrip are open as well.
