The Amazing Serengeti National Park

January 4, 2022 | By Donna Evans

To witness the migration in Africa is a beautiful and unique experience. At first, I thought, “why would anyone want to watch a long line of animals running and kicking up dust?” And then I was there – in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania – as 3 million wildebeest (as far as you could see to your left and right) galloped alongside, in front of and behind one another, adults, babies, all heading in the same direction at the same speed. Zebras and Gazelles mixed into the group, as did a few other animals here and there. And then they stopped to eat, rest, find their friends – we don’t really know what they are thinking, but we don’t care!

Humans watched in awe as nature unfolded before us. Wildebeast was heading from the plains – becoming dry at this time of year. They were en route to the north, where greener pastures were waiting in the Masai Mara of Kenya. And they knew exactly how to get there. The young calves are born in the Southern Serengeti, and predators are constantly hunting for babies. As the drought comes in May, the herds, with their young, begin the journey to the Masai Mara, chomping the grasses along the way. Lions and crocodiles are the most significant risks, but other predators, such as hyenas and cheetahs.

Once they get to the north, they eat the green grasses, and as October approaches, the rains begin. The reverse journey begins as they return to the Southern Serengeti past Seronera, where life begins again.

Migration is one of the 10 Natural Wonders of the World. Only the lucky ones get to see this.

One of the best camps to visit is Pioneer Camp, a fantastic bush camp in an outcrop of the Serengeti with views of the Moru Kopjes and Lake Magadi. They have authentic and spacious tents spaced out along the hill and rival any 5* camp. The food is delicious and creative, beautifully presented, and has options for dietary restrictions.

The solar camp is eco-friendly with bucket showers, mosquito netting, turn-down service, a swimming pool (if you have time), and amazing rangers who guide you to the best possible animal viewing areas. They love this as much as you, so it doesn’t matter how long you want to watch the lions sleeping; they are happy to oblige. Don’t forget to look at the star-filled sky when daylight ends.