People often ask me 'what are the best things to do in Serengeti?' Well, the whole experience of being on safari in this amazing national park is absolutely full of wonder and couldn't be more highly recommended, but what if you've chosen to come on safari and you want to make the most of your time here?
Of course, I am going to tell you that you definitely won't regret choosing a balloon safari as one of your excursions, a quick scan of our TripAdvisor reviews should convince you of that; so many people say that it was the highlight of their safari. One of the things that isn't often explicitly mentioned is that you get to see the area from above, and if you are anything like me and you like to situate yourself and know where you are, the perspective from the balloon will help you to know where you are amongst the surroundings of Serengeti for the rest of your stay.
The migration? Yes, that is why many people come - the sheer volume of biomass is humbling, the noises fill the air and it is an unforgettable spectacle. But don't let it dominate your wildlife viewing in case you miss all the other extraordinary things that are there to be seen.
Cats! Big and small, Serengeti is blessed with plenty of cats of all shapes and sizes, the majesty of the lions, elusiveness and beauty of the leopards, sheer elegance of the cheetah, incredible to be able to see them. Also there are the smaller members of the family, serval, caracal and the wild cats, which come in all manner of colours in the southern plains and Ndutu.
Hippo Pools. Whether in Central Serengeti, Western or Northern, the hippos are well worth a visit, in the Seronera, Grumeti or Mara rivers, stop and see, hear and smell them!
Picnic in the wilds. If you can take a picnic breakfast or lunch with you, it is worth it, ask your guide or camp manager to help arrange it and then stop in one of the many picnicing areas to enjoy the priviledge of filling your tummy and your senses at the same time.
The Scenery. Serengeti is gorgeous even without the animals! Marvel at the short grass plains, fill your horizons with the hills and mesas of central and northern serengeti, enjoy the woodland of Ndutu or the forests of the Western Corridor and the acacia-studded plains and riverlines of North and Central Serengeti.
The Weather. No, I'm not being funny here, when you have skies as big as this, there's almost always some spectacular weather happening somewhere in sight, usually providing an awesome backdrop to your photos and views.
What have I missed? Soooo much but that will have to be for another post!