Ngorongoro Expedition and Tours

BWINDI NATIONAL PARK

Complete guide to SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

The park covers an area of 331 sq km. A magnificent verdant swathe across the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley, this ancient rainforest – one of the few in Africa to have flourished throughout the last Ice Age.

Location: The Park is located in south western Uganda on the edge of western rift valley bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) shared by Rukungiri, Kabale and Kisoro districts in Uganda.

Wildlife: It is home to roughly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of these gentle giants is surely the most exciting and poignant wildlife encounter that Africa has to offer. The national park has 90 mammal species, including 11 primates, of which the black-and-white colobus, with its lovely flowing white tail, is prominent.

Birds: The forest birding ranks with the best in Uganda, with 23 highly localized Albertine Rift endemics present.

Access: The distance from Kampala to Bwindi is 550 km with some 400 km on bitumen surface via Kabale. The Kampala via Rukungiri route is a slightly shorter distance, Its take 6-8 hours drive from kampala.

Accommodation: There are luxury tented camp lodge budget rooms and camping site.

To do: Gorilla tracking, forest walks birding and game viewing at any time throughout the year though it is challenging during the rainy season.

Serengeti National Park Serengeti National Park

BEST TIME TO VISIT SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

  • December to March: Calving season is the ideal time to witness the birth of thousands of young animals. It’s also when predators are most active, hunting vulnerable newborns.

  • April to June: The migration begins, as large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other species start moving northward across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing lands.

  • July to October: Peak migration season, especially notable for the dramatic and dangerous crossings of the Mara River, where many animals fall prey to crocodiles.

  • November: Short rains signal the return of the herds to the Serengeti after months away, revitalizing the landscape and offering another spectacular wildlife display.

HOW TO GET TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

  • By Road: The Serengeti is accessible by a roughly 7-hour scenic drive from Arusha, allowing travelers to pass through various landscapes, including villages and countryside along the way. It’s a great option for those who enjoy road trips and want to see more of the Tanzanian landscape before arriving at the park.

  • By Air: For a faster, more convenient option, regular flights operate from Arusha to multiple airstrips within the Serengeti. These flights significantly reduce travel time, offering stunning aerial views of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes.

TIPS FOR VISITORS TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

  • Pack Smart: Bring lightweight, comfortable clothing suitable for varying temperatures, along with a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Stay Hydrated: Make sure to carry plenty of water, especially during extended game drives to stay refreshed.
  • Respect Wildlife: Always observe animals from a safe distance and avoid interacting with or feeding them.
  • Follow the Rules: Listen carefully to your guide and follow all park regulations for both your safety and the preservation of the environment.

Animals in Serengeti National Park

Elephant

Giraffe

Hippo

Buffalo

Leopard

Wildebeest

Wild Dog

White Rhino

Black Rhino

Cheetah