EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GOING ON A SERENGETI SAFARI (TIPS FROM THE EXPERT)
Everything you need to know Before going on a Serengeti Safari : Serengeti national park is one of the most fascination wildlife safari destinations in the world to visit for an excellent wildlife sightings, the park is famously known for being a rewarding Tanzania safari destination and for offering once-in-a lifetime safari experience. However, there have been numerous misconceptions about Serengeti national park. This article highlights about what you need to know before visiting this wonderland
Serengeti national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a classic Tanzania Safari famously known for the annual Great Migration known as the largest movement of animals on the planet, Serengeti national park is located in northwestern region of Tanzania. The park is continuous with Maasai Mara national reserve and borders Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the SouthEast, Maswa Game reserve to the Southwest and Ikorongo and Grumeti Game reserve to the west.
Serengeti national park covers an area of covers an area of over 14,763 square kilometers of predominately rolling grasslands, savannah, riverine forest and woodlands.
PARK ENTRANCE FEES
Tanzania is an affordable Africa safari destination, however it can get expensive depending on the park and period of time you are visiting for a Tanzania Tour. Park fees in Tanzania are categories depending on the kind of the travel/tourists that are Non-resident tourists, resident tourists and citizens, Serengeti fees are also charged basing on the age of the tourists and the season (peak season and low season).
Serengeti national park entrance fees are as follows
| Category | PEAK SEASON (16TH May – 14th March) | LOW SEASON (15th March – 15th May) | ||||
| EA (Tshs) | Non EA Citizen (US$) | Expatriate/ Residents (US$) | EA (Tshs) | Non EA Citizen (US$) | Expatriate/ Residents (US$) | |
| Of or above the age of 16 years | 10,000 | 70 | 35 | 10,000 | 60 | 30 |
| Between the age of 5 and 15 year | 2,000 | 20 | 10 | 2,000 | 20 | 10 |
| Children below the age of 5 years | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
Note
- Serengeti Park entrance vary according to season
- Before visiting Serengeti national park, check with your tour operator
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK VS MAASAI MARA
Serengeti national park and Maasai Mara national reserve are the one of the most popular safari parks on the African continent, these two areas are found in the Serengeti – Mara ecosystem and they are separated by Mara River. Serengeti national park is runs north straight up to the border with Kenya which is the southern border of Maasai Mara national reserve.
Serengeti national park and Maasai Mara national reserve have a lot of in-common, the two areas experience the world’s most sought for wildlife occurrence that is the Great Migration also referred to as the Great Wildebeest migration which is the largest movement of wildlife. In the Great Migration over 2 millions of wildebeests and hundred thousands of zebras and Grant’s and Thomson gazelles on their annual movement in search for water and green pasture following an old route.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND SAFETY
Infrastructures in Serengeti national park
Tanzania and Serengeti national park have generally developed infrastructures for utilization of tourists, infrastructures such as safari lodges, hotels, safari vehicles and roads leading to national parks and routes used to explore inside the parks are in good condition.
Safety in Serengeti national park
Regardless of what you have heard about Serengeti national park on the internet or news outlets, East Africa as a region is generally safe for tourists regardless of the kind of the tourists (solo, female or group travelers). People in East Africa are very hospitable, welcoming and friendly so expect to a great time while visiting East Africa including Tanzania’s Serengeti national park.
The best way to feel safe and comfortable while traveling in East Africa is booking a fully organized safari package, full packaged safari to Serengeti national park come with a safari vehicle for the whole trip and a 24/7 safari driver/guide among others.
Like other destinations in the world, travelers need to practice safety measure while on a Tanzania safari to Serengeti national park and other destinations.
BRING A SWEATER AND JACKET
Tanzania is an Equatorial and Tropical destination meaning it is generally warm throughout, however it normally gets chilly in the night hours, in the morning and in areas over the altitude range of 1,600 meters or 5,300 feet above sea level. Temperatures normally fall at around 10°C or 50°F.
As you are packing for a Tanzania safari to Serengeti national park, do not forget to pack a sweeter, warm clothing or a light jacket.
VISAS & YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION
Countries in East Africa including Tanzania where Serengeti national park is found require all tourists to present their visas and Yellow Fever Vaccination Cards upon arrival, Tanzania and other East Africa countries have an E-Visas where you can apply for a visa and receive it upon arrival. In Tanzania a tourist visa normally costs US$ 50.00.
Yellow Fever Vaccination is mandatory to all tourists visiting the country for Serengeti safari, before visiting the country you are strongly advised to get a yellow fever vaccination. A yellow fever Vaccination Card is compulsory as it is a proof of taking a Yellow Fever Vaccination.
