Wildlife in Serengeti National Park

Wildlife in Serengeti National Park : The primary motivation for visiting the Serengeti National Park is to witness wildlife in its expansive, pristine habitat. We promise you won’t be let down in the slightest! There is simply too much to see and learn about when it comes to animal viewing in the Serengeti, so it is difficult to list all the highlights. From the famous Big 5 of Africa, to countless herds of zebra and wildebeest, hundreds of bird species, and many smaller critters like the enchanting dung beetle, there is something for everyone.

The Big Five in Serengeti National Park

The Big Five represent the pinnacle of African safari experiences; witnessing these magnificent animals – the lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and Cape buffalo -moving freely within their natural environments is an unforgettable experience. But why are those particular species included in the Big Five? You might inquire. Isn’t a giraffe also quite large? This is a fun fact: the title “Big Five” does not refer to the size of the animals; rather, it was created by big game hunters. These creatures turned out to be the hardest to hunt, primarily because of how fierce they could be when cornered. Fortunately, the Big Five in the Serengeti are now exclusively “shot” with a camera. You can cross the Big Five off your list with the aid of your guide and tracker.(In the meantime, don’t forget that seeing other animals, such as hippos or giraffes, is equally thrilling.)

The Lion

Seeing a pride of lions in their natural environment will be imprinted in your memory, making them the kings of the African savannah. Good news! There are some very big prides of lions living in the Serengeti National park, and they are not too difficult to find. Lions are highly gregarious animals and live in prides. In a group, the females hunt more than the males, but the majority will gladly scavenge if given the opportunity, as they enjoy to spend roughly 20 hours a day dozing under trees.

The Leopard

They possess an incredible coat – the leopard, also referred to as “The Prince of Darkness” – and stride with a graceful elegance. Out of the Big Five, this one is the quietest and most elusive. Leopards are great at hiding from view; they can blend in seamlessly when they wish to remain unseen. It is most likely that you will see a leopard curled up on a tree branch in the Serengeti. Their favourite position is in the big branches of the sausage tree. Therefore, always remember to look above. A leopard may be eating high up in a tree, safe from lions and other predators, so don’t annoy him.

The Buffalo

The buffalo, which has few predators, is one of the most deadly creatures in Africa and is not at all like the sluggish bush cow you might picture. Although lions may attempt to chase after a calf, they will probably pay the price as the enraged herd exacts their punishment. Buffalo frequently congregate around waterholes because they must drink every day. Despite their relatively short fuse, particularly when hurt, their smart gaze – a novelist once put them this way: “They look at you like you owe them money” – makes them fascinating to watch. Buffalo are abundant in the Serengeti; it’s likely that you’ll come across herds of at least 1,000 of these fascinating creatures.

The Elephant

Observing the largest land mammal in the world in its native environment is an incredible experience. These grey giants prowl the plains and vanish into the trees of the Serengeti. Elephant females have close-knit tribes and can have 50-year family ties. After 12 years, males frequently depart from the clan to roam alone or form bachelor herds. Elephants regularly come to the waterholes near the lodges. When left alone, elephants are calm, but if they sense danger, move aside. There is nothing more terrifying than being pursued by a beast that can lift seven stacked vehicles’ worth of weight and lets out a loud trumpet.

The Rhino

At 2,500 kg, the rhino is a heavyweight of prehistoric proportions. In Africa, rhinos come in two varieties: black and white. The white rhino is, as one might anticipate, grey like the others rather than white. After early Dutch immigrants used the word “wijd” (wide), alluding to its large lips, the name “white” was misconstrued. Regretfully, the rhino possesses a horn that is more valuable in gold than it is. Due to poaching, the number of rhinos in the Serengeti habitat has drastically declined over the past few decades—from 1,000 to fewer than 70.One of the hardest creatures to see in Serengeti National Park is the rhino, as the female only gives birth every five years. However, if you have an expert guide by your side, you just might be lucky!

Other Wildlife in Serengeti National Park

Because the Serengeti is a special transitional region, it is home to a wide range of species. There is a remarkable range of vegetation and ecosystems throughout the park as a result of the clear transition from rich flat soils in the south to poor hilly soils in the north. Riverine woodlands are a special kind of ecosystem, a haven for crocodiles and hippos alike. Long-neck giraffes and numerous other ungulates (hooved mammals) that are present year-round include elands, zebras, topi, kongoni, impalas, and Grant’s gazelles are among the other common creatures. All three of the huge cats are visible, as mentioned. Lions are everywhere and frequently encountered during hunting. On the plains of the southeast, cheetahs are often sighted, while leopards are usually spotted relaxing in one of the large trees near the Seronera River. While wild dogs are very uncommon, hyenas are frequently seen.

Birdwatching in Serengeti National Park

After visiting the Serengeti, chances are excellent that you will develop an interest in birdwatching even if you aren’t already. This is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 500 species identified. The majority of guides would gladly show out all the rare species found here, such as the Fischer’s Lovebird, which is painted vivid green and yellow, or the Kori bustard, which has a striking white beard. The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is home to five bird species that are unique to Africa, half of which are restricted to the Tanzanian side of the ecosystem. It is also one of Africa’s Endemic Bird Areas, a region significant for habitat-based bird conservation.

The Best time for Birdwatching

Fortunately, you can enjoy year-round excellent bird viewing in the Serengeti, with the ideal months to do so being early November to late April. This is not only the time of year when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa arrive, but it’s also when resident species build their nests. This makes it simple to identify birds when they have bright breeding plumage.