Imagine waking up to the sound of a ‘laughing hyena’ or a roaring lion. Nature surrounds you the whole night. You smell it, touch it, hear it, and even dream about it, and then watch the sunrise emerge over the endless plains of the Serengeti. That’s what Serengeti camping feels like.
Serengeti is well-known in the world as the only place where nature exists undisturbedly. You can picture the Great Migration, the Big Five animals, the largest lion population, and others. Whether you want to see predators, herbivores, or birds, the Serengeti is all that a nature lover would love to see. In this article, we describe what camping is like in the middle of a premier wildlife sanctuary like the Serengeti. Let’s get right into it.
The wildlife experiences
Whether you’re a first-timer or have been there once, twice, thrice, or more, the Serengeti will surprise you with its abundant wildlife. The wildlife in it makes every safari a tale for your family and friends. Here are some wildlife experiences to expect from this classic destination.
The Big Five.
No doubt you know these animals. No worries if you don’t. The term “Big Five” was coined by old-school hunters in the past. Back then, they used to hunt animals on foot. It was very difficult to hunt lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. These animals were generally called the Big Five. The good news is that you can see all these animals in the Serengeti.
Lions are everywhere. They are highly concentrated in Serengeti than any park in the world. With their territorial nature, lions prefer savanna plains and would protect their territory from other lions.
Elephants are always trimming lush forests to pave the way in the wild. They are gentle giants playing a key role in the wild. You can spot them as you drive through woodlands, plains, and forests.
Leopards are elusive. Their number is good around the banks of the Seronera River. To maximize leopard sightings, always go for a morning or evening game drive.
Buffalos are remarkably available. They are grazers roaming around the Serengeti’s plains. These big “wild cows” form typical large herds. You can spot them from a distance. They are aggressive and unpredictable, especially when you get too close or when agitated.
The black rhinos are solitary and they are usually found in shrubs. These heavy animals are browsers, unlike their counterparts, the white rhinos, which are grazers. Therefore, they do not prefer staying in the savanna plains.
Other animals
The amount of wildlife in the Serengeti is extremely overwhelming. Imagine over 2 million hoofed animals migrating around this park, but still, you can find resident animals. Wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles depend on each other, and together they participate in the world’s biggest mammal migration, dubbed the Great Migration. The migration commences in May when animals leave the southern Serengeti in search of food and water. This journey continues until they reach the Masai Mara of Kenya after crossing the Mara River. The cycle repeats. However, plan your visit at the right time to avoid missing out on some of the wonderful events of this animal migration.
Other animals include cheetahs, hyenas, elands, impalas, dik-diks, giraffes, topis, jackals, civet cats, etc. You can enjoy watching all these animals on a game drive.
What to Expect
At 4×4 Adventures, we partner with lodges to bring this unforgettable experience. Your camp will be prepared in the evening. After an evening game drive, we head to the camp for a sundowner. Afterwards, we enjoy a bush dinner, then ring around a campfire, and have a dinner talk before you get into the tent.
You have a lot to expect. You can encounter nocturnal animals like civet cats, jackals, porcupines, etc. They usually come close to camps to look for food remnants. The sky also sets itself as a beautiful coat of stars for you to watch all night. And there are surprises too, yes, good surprises.
Responsible camping
Camping is amazing, especially in parks with abundant wildlife. As you enjoy this exceptional experience, don’t forget to protect nature. Leave no trace. After you leave the camp, make sure you appropriately dispose of all waste. Do not leave plastics as they can suffocate animals when eaten. Do not drop unextinguished cigars.
Respect wildlife. Do not go too close to animals. You might make them scared, and this may result in being overprotective. Avoid wearing perfumes, be natural. Some animals are agitated by strange smells. They may avoid you or attack you. Never take flashy photos.
Support local communities. Always book a safari with a locally-owned tour company. Also, visit local communities like the Maasai and others who have been on the front to preserve nature for a long time.
What to pack for a camping safari?
Going to the Serengeti is an amazing experience. But you need to be prepared for the ups and downs. Days are hot but nights are cooler. So, you’ll need the following items or essentials:
Clothing. Include all necessary clothing that would be needed for camping. Lightweight layers are perfect when you’re viewing wildlife in the afternoon. Heavy layers offer insulation during the night. They are perfect during the rainy season.
Bring necessary gear like binoculars, camera, flashlight, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc. Other items to bring include a tent, a sleeping bag, and a portable stove if you’re camping on your own.
Still, wondering where to go for an adventure? Give Serengeti National Park a try. The abundance of wildlife, the fame, animal migration, etc. will make your safari memorable. If are figuring out what to do next, reach out to our safari planners.