Serengeti National Park

While the Serengeti was given national park status in 1951, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1981. No wonder - after all, the diverse ecosystems, the large number of wild animals and the Great Migration are unique. Countless species - from rare water birds to majestic black rhinos and big cats - magically attract visitors to the park. Each region of the Serengeti has its own story to tell.

As a year-round destination, the park, known for its large lion populations, offers a network of trails around 1,750 kilometers long. Around 500,000 visitors seek their safari luck here every year in search of the legendary Big Five. In fact, the Serengeti is also a rewarding destination away from the wildlife tracks and gravel roads. Red-hot sunsets and the sounds of the wild animals accompany eventful days and nights under the vast Tanzanian sky.

See the Big Five once! This is the wish that accompanies most globetrotters who come to the Serengeti for unforgettable safari experiences. And indeed: Tanzania's rich wildlife promises encounters of a special kind. Find out here what surprises, big and small, await you in the steppe.

Based on our experience, June to October and December to February are the best times to visit Tanzania. This is also when the animals in the national park are most active. In addition to the Big Five, there are tens of thousands of other animal species to discover between the steppe, volcanic mountains and idyllic rivers. Peacefully grazing giraffes and agile primates, zebras and exotic birds are among the most sought-after photo motifs.

If you are traveling to Tanzania for a safari adventure, you can use the Great Migration as a guide. When the animals arrive in which region of the Serengeti National Park also depends on the prevailing weather conditions. You should therefore plan a generous time window to increase your chances of frequent animal sightings. In principle, there is a lot to discover all year round - depending on which direction you set off in.

In addition to tailor-made safari adventures, the Serengeti National Park offers a wealth of exciting activities. How about an atmospheric balloon ride, for example? Get a bird's eye view of the fascinating nature and follow river courses and vegetation borders with the naked eye. Game drives in off-road vehicles are real safari classics. Head out into the steppe with knowledgeable guides. Have your camera and binoculars ready so you don't miss anything!

Guided bush tours to the kopjes and visits to Maasai settlements are also exciting and informative at the same time. Learn all about life in the Serengeti and gain a personal impression of local customs and traditions.

Meet the locals: The Maasai have lived in the Serengeti region for many centuries. For a long time, livestock farming was the only source of livelihood for this proud nomadic people. Today, the Maasai, who are organized in extended families and village communities, are increasingly opening up to the opportunities and challenges of the modern world. Education and commercial activities such as leisure and tourism are gaining in importance. Many Maasai work as safari guides and hosts at safari lodges.

During visits to local communities, you can get to know the traditional way of life of the Maasai. The boma - circular mud huts supported by wooden posts - are the focal point of the settlements. They are surrounded by fireplaces, livestock and shelters. The colorful garments and the warm hospitality of the Maasai are also unique. Experience encounters that will stay in your heart.

Sustainable tourism is also a contemporary maxim in the Serengeti National Park. As a traveler, you can make a significant contribution to the preservation of research work, charitable projects and nature and animal protection programs. Clearly defined park rules and fixed routes ensure that the wild animals remain undisturbed. Waste disposal and the use of natural resources are also subject to fixed regulations.

Unlike many other game reserves, the Serengeti National Park is not fenced in. This allows the wild animals to roam freely from region to region. While the Maasai still had to leave their settlement areas when the national park was founded, they are now much more involved in administrative matters.