The Serengeti: A Timeless Wilderness

Serengeti is synonymous with safari and immediately conjures up those iconic images that are seared into our collective psyche as representative of Africa. This is ironic because the Serengeti is unique—there is no other place like it in Africa.

And even within Serengeti, there exists the equally unique Ngorongoro Crater—the original Garden of Eden that is a zoological paradise with no equal.

Seeing the savannah heave and sway with the collective movement of uncountable wildebeest defies description. It fills the eye from horizon to horizon and punctuates the air with the monotonous ‘gnuu’ing’ of innumerable voices.

The Great Migration: A Perpetual Motion of Life

At its heart, the Serengeti is defined by the Great Migration—a breathtaking spectacle of movement as over three million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles embark on their annual circular journey, dictated by the rains and the promise of fresh pasture. This cyclical pilgrimage spans the Serengeti and into Kenya’s Masai Mara, a testament to the raw and untamed rhythms of nature.

Key Stages of the Migration:

• Calving Season (January-March) – The southern Serengeti and Ndutu region become a nursery as thousands of wildebeest calves take their first steps, drawing the attention of predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

• Rut and Northward Journey (April-June) – The herds begin their arduous trek north, crossing woodlands and facing off with lurking predators in the Grumeti River.

• The Mara River Crossing (July-October) – One of nature’s greatest dramas unfolds as wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters to reach the lush plains of the Masai Mara.

• Return to the Serengeti (November-December) – The cycle resets as the herds move southward once again, rejuvenating the Serengeti with their presence.

Last Chance Safaris aligns itself with this constant movement, partnering with mobile camps that shift with the herds to ensure unparalleled access to the action, wherever it may be.

Wildlife Beyond the Migration

While the Great Migration is the Serengeti’s most famous phenomenon, the region is teeming with year-round wildlife encounters. Vast prides of lions reign over the savannah, solitary leopards stalk the riverine forests, and cheetahs patrol the plains in pursuit of their next meal. The Serengeti is also home to elephants, giraffes, and a vibrant array of birdlife, making every game drive an unpredictable adventure.

Ngorongoro Crater: The Lost World

Bordering the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater is a world unto itself. This collapsed volcanic caldera shelters an extraordinary density of wildlife within its lush, enclosed ecosystem. Black rhinos graze in the open grasslands, massive tusker elephants wander the crater floor, and flamingos line the soda lakes in dazzling hues of pink. This natural amphitheater offers unparalleled game viewing, making it a must-visit addition to any Serengeti itinerary.

Activities in the Serengeti

• Game Drives – Experience the Serengeti from the comfort of an open vehicle, with expert guides leading you to unforgettable encounters.

• Hot Air Balloon Safaris – Drift above the plains at sunrise, witnessing the landscape unfold in golden hues as wildlife roams below.

• Walking Safaris – Step off the vehicle and immerse yourself in the finer details of the Serengeti, from tracking animal footprints to listening to the symphony of the wild.

• Cultural Visits – Engage with the Maasai people and gain insight into their ancient traditions and deep connection with the land.

Why Visit the Serengeti?

Few places on Earth rival the Serengeti’s sheer scale, biodiversity, and raw natural beauty. Whether you come to witness the Great Migration, explore the Ngorongoro Crater, or simply soak in the vastness of the African wilderness, this iconic destination promises an experience unlike any other.

Plan your Serengeti adventure with Last Chance Safaris and witness one of nature’s most spectacular theaters come to life.