SERENGETI
This occurs in the Ndutu area, which straddles the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The birthing is done in unison, which works as preservation since predators can only eat so much at a time. A mother can delay birth up to one month to be in unison with the others. A newborn calf will be able to stand within 2 – 3 minutes of birth and is able to run within 5 minutes! Overall, the movement of the migration is based on the best grazing at the moment. This in turn is based on the weather. But, their migration is not the only reason to visit the Serengeti. It is great year-round. The park is known for a large number of cats (lions, cheetahs, leopards, caravels). It is also one of the best places to find black rhino
The oldest national park in Tanzania, the word Serengeti is derived from the Maasai word meaning “endless plain”. With a reputation so huge, it might seem impossible for the park to live up to its hype. But it does indeed deserve its fame. As host to most of the continual cycle of the animal great migration, this is a very good start. The Mara River crossing in the north (Kogatende portion of the Serengeti) is the most famous and spectacular portion of this cycle (Little known fact: both sides of the Mara River where the wildebeest crossings occur are in Tanzania). If you want a chance to witness this, August – September are the best bets. But there is also an excellent spectacle in February – early March. The birthing season of the wildebeest. During approximately a 3 week period over 400,000 calves are born. .
From Moshi, the central Serengeti (Seronera) is a 9 hours drive, which requires you to drive across Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), but not through the crater. There is no game viewing opportunities along this route until you arrive in the Serengeti. This long drive (and in parts a bit rough) is often broken up by visiting Tarangire, Lake Manyara or stopping at Ngorongoro Crater for the night. There are several airstrips inside of the Serengeti to fly into by small plane. There is also a medium size plane that flies from the Seronera to Zanzibar.
Accommodations in the Serengeti can range from basic camping to exclusive lodges costing more than $10,000/night. Tented camps and lodges can fill quite early in Kogatende (August & September) and Ndutu (February & March). Campsites are always available for basic camping. If very short on time, you can squeeze in a Serengeti safari in 3 days but it is quite tiring and short. At least 4 days is best. To drive to the northern Serengeti, an absolute minimum of 5 days is needed.
From Moshi, the central Serengeti (Seronera) is a 9 hours drive, which requires you to drive across Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), but not through the crater. There is no game viewing opportunities along this route until you arrive in the Serengeti. This long drive (and in parts a bit rough) is often broken up by visiting Tarangire, Lake Manyara or stopping at Ngorongoro Crater for the night. There are several airstrips inside of the Serengeti to fly into by small plane. There is also a medium size plane that flies from the Seronera to Zanzibar.
Accommodations in the Serengeti can range from basic camping to exclusive lodges costing more than $10,000/night. Tented camps and lodges can fill quite early in Kogatende (August & September) and Ndutu (February & March). Campsites are always available for basic camping. If very short on time, you can squeeze in a Serengeti safari in 3 days but it is quite tiring and short. At least 4 days is best. To drive to the northern Serengeti, an absolute minimum of 5 days is needed.
