Serengeti National Park

Serengeti is one of the most famous parks in Africa. The word "serengeti" is derived from a Maasai word “Serenget”, which when translated from the Masai language, refers to “Endless Plains”, and true to the description, these plains span an astounding 14,750 square kilometers (5,700 square miles) of grassland in approximation. The landscape here is the Africa you’ve always imagined and seen depicted in the Lion King and out of Africa. Because of its popularity, this land that runs on forever draws in massive numbers of tourists every year. The endless plains of the Serengeti National Park will surely leave a lasting impression to anyone who choose to visit this part of Tanzania.

Serengeti National Park was first established in the 1920’s and was made a National Park in 1951. The park is punctuated by a variation of grassland plains, Savannah, Riverine Forest and Woodlands. Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its ecological significance and biodiversity. The park is gifted with a plethora of wildlife species with a significant mention of predators among the park's 70 mammals. The park probably hosts the largest population of Lions in all of Africa with margins reaching an estimated 3000. Other predators include the spotted hyenas, leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs among others. Serengeti also hosts other different species of mammals including Elephants, the rare Black Rhinos, Wildbeest and many more; the Serengeti's diviersity of wildlife is unrivaled. This more evident during the migration season, the annual phenomenon where hards of animals-including more thana million Wildebeest and hundres of Zebras cross the plains of Tanzania into Kenya in search of new grazing land and water. Other than mammals, the park is also home to over 500 bird species.

With elevations ranging from 920 to 1,850 meters (3,020 to 6,070 feet), the park extends 160 kilometers (100 miles) southeast from points near the shores of Lake Victoria and, in its eastern portion, 160 kilometers (100 miles) south from the Kenya–Tanzania border.

The Great Migration of the Serengeti.

Serengeti National Park is famous for its annual migration of over 1.5 million white-bearded wildebeests, an estimated 250,000 zebras, gazelles, and tens of thousands of elands, topis and Hartebeests. This migration is the second largest terrestrial mammalian migration in the world, and thus rendered as one of the seven natural wonders of Africa as well as one of the ten natural travel wonders of the world. The migration begins right within the south of the Serengeti in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Following the clockwise direction, the animals move to the North towards Masai mara reserve in Kenya. The animals gallop over the endless plains, covering a distance of 500 miles in search for food resources. This great migration of the serengeti occurs in two phases. The first phase starts from between January to March, during which there is plenty of rain suitable for calving. The second phase begins in late May, during which the animals start moving Northwest into the areas near the Grumeti river. At the start of July, the animals start moving and cross the Mara and Grumeti rivers which is usually an opportune time for the crocodiles to feast. The animals finally settle in Kenya around late August, where they remain for the rest of the dry season.

Activities

The Ultimate Safari Adventure

 Safari means “journey” in Swahili, and Ellington safaris offers lifetime journey and experience for those who wish to see Africa’s stunning wildlife in its natural habitat, this is achieved during 4*4 safari game drive, don’t forget your cameras and binoculars to record your adventure! 

Enjoy a Walking safari in the Wild Serengeti

Immerse yourself in the ultimate wild splendors of the Serengeti plains during a 90-minute guided walking safari on the wildlife sanctuary. This game walk is led by the resident Masai naturalist guide and park rangers, you’ll explore the beautiful landscape of Serengeti National Park as your guides point out animal tracks, interesting insects and useful plants.

During this extra-ordinary experience, be ready to encounter the Serengeti’s majestic animals on the move e.g. Elephants, cheetahs, lions and even notoriously hard-to-spot leopards.

Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Serengeti Plains

There is no better way of viewing the stunning Serengeti landscape and plains than the air! A sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the Serengeti plains is indeed one of the highlights of your safari as you view everything with a bird's eye. Flights take place form Northern Tanzania and last approximately one hour and is followed by a Champagne bush breakfast. Hot-air balloon safaris require an early departure from the Lodge at approximately 4:45 am; a quick wakeup coffee will be provided at the lodge and main breakfast is provided after the hot air balloon flight. For safety reasons, children are permitted from age 7 and above. On this Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Serengeti Plains, you will witness a number of animals during your movements, especially nocturnal animals. Within the proximity of river Seronera or Grumeti, there are sights of hippos and other wildlife. The pilot can always control the altitude of your balloon: sometimes taking it at treetop height and others lower, offering unique phenomenal views and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife across the plains. Just come and witness the vast magnificence and spectacular panorama of the Serengeti.

Note: The Balloon Safari experience cancellation policy applies 7 days before the date of the