When I travelled to the Serengeti National Park recently I returned feeling a bit overwhelmed because the animals, sights, sounds, vegetation, colours and hours fully packed with new adventures were larger than life. The park's name is derived from a Masaai word – Siringet - meaning endless plains.
After the long rains had blessed the wilderness of the Serengeti, I settled in with a group of four adventure-seekers via a small aircraft from Arusha.
One lovely morning, atop our open-roof land cruiser, we spent hours driving through the vast park with our guide, just listening and looking. The wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles grazed on the lush, green grass that had sprouted after the rains.
Just as we motored off from the Naabi Hill gate we encountered a sea of wildebeest and zebra that seemed to stretch from horizon to horizon, a sight that would become common as we toured the park. We were treated first hand to the Serengeti migration – a most awe-inspiring spectacle.
The call of the wild
Watching the magical world unfold in the Serengeti Park, time seemed to fly. When we heard lions roar, our guide assured us that they were very close by, something that was fascinating and frightening in equal measure.
Pretty soon, we encountered a pride of lions that had taken shelter from the sun under a young acacia tree. They were rolling around in the grass, looking lazy and harmless, as lions do most of the day.
We also encountered herds of elands roaming the arid landscape among the zebras, gazelles, topis and hartebeests, while vultures spread their huge wings underneath the sun – offering a most spectacular sight.
Despite the presence of predators, there was an infectious enthusiasm among the animals. We came across a grassy clearing where zebras, impalas and wildebeests all gathered to pass the time in the luscious lap of nature. Occasionally, a herd of giraffe gracefully glided across the road, in slow motion, their heads turned quizzically towards us.
The Serengeti offers not only adventure, but also peace and tranquillity. Flora and fauna has a magical way of banishing all anxiety. The buffalo stares at you with insulting candour and the leopard ignores you, wrapped in his magnificent, grand, sleekly fitting fur, and in the end, you cannot help but feel like you are one with the planet.
As the sky turned blood red, eagles on a dead tree proudly looked down on the world below. For the entire day, we too had been observers, taking in the magnificence that is the Serengeti, those 14,763 square kilometres of land that cover the world’s largest singular, eco-system.
Getting there:
The Serengeti National Park is nearly 335 kms from Arusha, stretching north to Kenya and bordering Lake Victoria to the west. There are scheduled flights that come in from Arusha, Lake Manyara and Mwanza. They are serviced by two airstrips, Seronera and Lobo. Visitors who come in by road are advised to make use of the four-wheel-drive technology.
Accommodation:
There are four lodges, more than 10 luxury tented camps and several campsites scattered throughout the park.
Important information:
If you travel Tanzania for the wildebeest migration, arrive in February or March to see the calving before the migration begins. Thousands of calves are all born within a six-week period before the animals start to migrate.
One of the little known Serengeti National Park facts for visitors who have never been here is that you can tour the Serengeti by hot air balloon. This can be a thrilling way to explore the park and enjoy wildlife sightseeing while relaxing.
Park fees start from $50 and will vary based on visitor status.