A
million wildebeest... each one driven by the same ancient rhythm,
fulfilling its instinctive role in the inescapable cycle of life: a
frenzied three-week bout of territorial conquests and mating;
survival of the fittest as 40km (25 mile) long columns plunge
through crocodile-infested waters on the annual exodus north;
replenishing the species in a brief population explosion that
produces more than 8,000 calves daily before the 1,000 km (600 mile)
pilgrimage begins again.
Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park, the Serengeti is
famed for its annual migration, when some six million hooves pound
the open plains, as more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson's
gazelle join the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing. Yet even when
the migration is quiet, the Serengeti offers arguably the most
scintillating game-viewing in Africa
great herds of buffalo, smaller groups of elephant and giraffe, and
thousands upon thousands of eland, topi, kongoni, impala and Grant’s
gazelle.
The spectacle of predator versus prey dominates Tanzania’s greatest
park. Golden-maned lion prides feast on the abundance of plain
grazers. Solitary leopards haunt the acacia trees lining the
Seronera River, while a high density of cheetahs prowls the
southeastern plains. Almost uniquely, all three African jackal
species occur here, alongside the spotted hyena and a host of more
elusive small predators, ranging from the insectivorous aardwolf to
the beautiful serval cat.
But there is more to Serengeti than large mammals. Gaudy agama
lizards and rock hyraxes scuffle around the surfaces of the park’s
isolated granite koppies. A full 100 varieties of dung beetle have
been recorded, as have 500-plus bird species, ranging from the
outsized ostrich and bizarre secretary bird of the open grassland,
to the black eagles that soar effortlessly above the Lobo Hills.
As enduring as the game-viewing is the liberating sense of space
that characterises the Serengeti Plains, stretching across sunburnt
savannah to a shimmering golden horizon at the end of the earth.
Yet, after the rains, this golden expanse of grass is transformed
into an endless green carpet flecked with wildflowers. And there are
also wooded hills and towering termite mounds, rivers lined with fig
trees and acacia woodland stained orange by dust.
Popular the Serengeti might be, but it remains so vast that you may
be the only human audience when a pride of lions masterminds a
siege, focussed unswervingly on its next meal.
NOTE:- The route and timing of the wildebeest
migration is unpredictable. Allow at least three days to be assured
of seeing them on your visit - longer if you want to see the main
predators as well.
Serengeti Accommodation
GRUMETI RIVER CAMP
Set
in a remote valley in the western corridor of the Serengeti just
50km east of Lake Victoria, Grumeti is a blissful little camp that's
nestled beneath some towering riverine trees, on a oxbow of the main
river. It's a wild camp at certain times of year yet is always full
of charm, romance and character. The staff are pleasant, guides
knowledgeable, food excellent and the ten extravagantly decorated
tents give another meaning to 'life under canvas'.
KIRAWIRA CAMP
Kirawira
is a reincarnation of an elegant Victorian era outpost, set against
the imposing backdrop of the Western Serengeti. Here, guests
experience Africa as if they are among the first to travel here. Set
upon a hill with commanding views, Kirawira's twenty five luxurious
rooms have spectacular views. The knowledgeable guides, exquisite
food and friendly atmosphere, make this a camp worth experiencing.
KLEIN'S CAMP
Klein's
captures breathtaking views of an active valley, through which pass
migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra. The elephants rule this
landscape, moving in numbers unequalled anywhere else in the
Serengeti. Accommodating just twenty guests, Klein's is very
private! With beautifully furnishings, excellent food and
knowledgeable guides to take guests on walks and drives, it's an
ideal little camp suited to honeymooners or those who seek greater
attention to detail.
LOBO WILDLIFE LODGE
![[image]tanzania hotels and lodges lobo wildlife lodge](images/sereng11.jpg)
Located
in Serengeti's Lobo area, approximately 45kms from the Kenyan
border, this is one of the best lodges operated by the government,
though the seventy five rooms are simple. However, saying this, come
here for the excellent wildlife which will certainly make up for any
of the lodges discomforts. There is a beautiful lookout post near
the swimming pool, where one can view animals grazing in the plains
below the lodge.
MBUZI MAWE TENTED CAMP
Set
amid rocky outcrops or 'kopjes' as they are called locally, which
are geological features of the Serengeti, Mbuzi Mawe tented camp is
in the heart of the Serengeti National Park, half way between
Seronera and Lobo, in a low use area of the park.
The camp consists of 16 uniquely appointed luxury guest tents each
with their own en suite facilities and private veranda. Tents are
decorated in a true African luxury style with mosquito nets and four
poster beds and luxury his and hers bathrooms
The Serengeti derived from the Maasai word 'siringet' meaning
endless plains, and is home to 3 million large animals. Here, on the
vast plains, you can get a chance to witness the annual migration *
one of natures most breathtaking wonders.
Activities here at Mbuzi Mawe include daily game drives where with
the aid of your guide you will have the opportunity to experience
and appreciate first hand the harshness and beauty of this area.
Balloon flights and sundowner cocktails can be arranged.
