ASPIRE Pick of the Week: More Reasons to Visit Serengeti

You may have guessed correctly: 2020 and all the craziness that came along with it.

But Serengeti offers more than just a quick escape from a crazy year. This vast ecosystem which sits in northern Tanzania and extends its reach to southwestern Kenya means ‘endless plains’ in the Maasai language. It is home to the Serengeti National Park and a number of protected game reserves and conservation areas maintained by the governments of Tanzania and Kenya. Beyond its untamed, peaceful vistas of grasslands, open plains and rivers, however, the Serengeti stands out for one spectacular reason: it is the only place on the African continent where the Great Migration still takes place, causing UNESCO to add the National Park to its World Heritage List in 1981.

A lone elephant at the Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park. Image courtesy of Harmony Safari Expedition

Why visit Serengeti?

In case you are not sold on its vast, peaceful, wild plains that connect you to the earth which supports your existence, you may be convinced by Forbes Bucket List Travel: The Top 21 Destinations for 2021 which features a study agents of Ovation Travel Group carried out that is a compilation of the top leisure destinations based on advance sales and client aspirations. Serengeti happens to be number two on this list.

What should you expect to see at Serengeti?

Well, you already have an idea. Plenty of vegetation and animals. But to be exact, when you visit the National Park at least, you are sure to see the Big Five (although rhinos rarely make an appearance) and witness the Great Migration, which sees millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle traversing the open plains of the park in search of fresh grass from seasonal rains, moving northwards into the neighbouring Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, and then returning south to the Serengeti again. Being a live observer at the dramatic scenes of huge herds on the move, crossing rivers and vast plains and pursued by predators looking for their next kill may be the motivation you need to face life and all the many challenges it will always throw at you.

The Great wildbeest Migration at the Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park features the yearly Great Migration of wildebeest. Image courtesy of Back to Africa Safaris

In addition to all of these natural beauties, safari camps that dominate the area have lined up enough activities they believe guests, including you, would find interesting.

When should you visit Serengeti?

We would have said now, as quite a number of tourists are still holed up in their countries due to the Coronavirus, and visiting now would mean that you would be dwelling in this natural haven with as little human interruptions as possible.

The big cats at Serengeti
Visiting Serengeti now would mean interacting with nature with as little human interruptions as possible. Image courtesy of Discover Africa

However, most camps prefer early bookings, and even if they could allow for on the spot reservations, you may already have plans for the holidays. Which is why 2021 would be a great time to pay this natural wonder a visit. However, it is advised you engage the services of a travel agent that organises safari trips so that you can get the best deals and advice on what time of the year is best to fix your trip.