Established in 1952, the Serengeti National Park is synonymous with Safari. Famed the world over, even those who are unaware it is in Tanzania know the name. It is home to the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth - the great migration of wildebeest and zebra and covers almost 15,000 square kilometres.

From Lake Manyara, our next safari was into the Serengeti National Park, we spent two nights and a morning here exploring. On the first day, we explored, hunting the elusive Big Five of the Safari (the lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard). We saw a lot of lions on our first day, our first view was of two resting below a small bridge, and then some lionesses under a bush. We then found a pair of lions on a mudflat before ending up seeing a pride feasting over the remains of a buffalo. We had seen Elephants up close on Lake Manyara, so on day one, just seeing them at a distance was OK, the same with Buffalo (other than the carcase of one). Rhinos were extremely rare in the Serengeti so we were told to hold our expectations low there, and we had no luck searching for Leopards.

As the light was leaving, we raced to a spot where Cheetahs had been reported, and were lucky enough to find several, and then even luckier when they started climbing on our vans exploring. The Cheetah was perhaps half a meter away from us at one point, close enough to touch if you are foolish enough. So close my camera wouldn’t focus. It was incredible.

We were out into the darkness on that first day thanks to the heavy rain causing a lot of mud that got us stuck but also required a long detour.

Our second day started with a Balloon Safari (see below) and then in the afternoon, we started off by seeing a Leopard lazing in a distant tree. I was very glad for my powerful zoom. We also found a family of Elephants who came nearby, occasionally spraying themselves with water. We also found more pride of Lions, some crossing directly in front of our car, and others waiting in the distance looking for prey.

Our final morning in the Serengeti as we travelled to Ngorongoro Crater had us find a pair of lions feasting on a zebra, the striped hide making it very obvious, as well as seeing Lions and Monkeys standing on the Pride Rock, used in the Lion King.

Masai Village

The Masai live in the national parks, herd their animals and farm the land. As you explore, you’ll encounter them, and sometimes see their villages.

Baloon Safari

A very early start to the day loaded us into a 4x4 and we headed out into the dark Serengeti. On our drive, in front of us on the road, a mother lioness and her cubs almost immediately outside of the camp.

The balloon setup is in a field, with a small camp table for some spiced cinnamon coffee and cookies whilst the light slowly grows and the balloons slowly fill. The Balloon is huge, it can hold sixteen people, two in each of the eight capsules.

The ride is smoother than you expect, though the setup and entrance are not very dignified. You clamber in whilst the basket is on its side, hook yourself to a seatbelt-like contraption connected to the floor and sit back to the ground waiting for the balloon to catch the wind and pull the whole basket upright.

We got our safety briefing from Captain Fred and took off in time to see the sunset behind us lighting up the sky with vibrant colours.

From the sky, we saw hippos, baboons, elephants and so many more, the seemingly empty plains teeming with life when the Captain pointed it out to us.

The landscape streches out around you and as you gain hight you start to realise just how huge the National Park is. As you sink slowly down, dark dots resolve to hordes of animals.

After an hour or so we landed and toasted with champagne. There is a story as to why Balloon landings are toasted this way, but if you’d like to hear it, you’ll need to take your own trip to the skies. After toasts, we jumped back in the waiting 4x4 and headed to an incredible breakfast under a spreading tree, with silver service, a loo with a view and even wifi.

We were returned to the visitors centre where we had time for a drink before we were met by the rest of our team who had spent their morning seeing a pair of Leopards. I think both groups had a little FOMO for the other’s experiences.

Animals

Baboon

Cattle

Cheetah

Crocodile

DikDik

Elephant

Giraffe

Grant’s Gazelle

Heartbeast

Hippopotamus

Hippos seen from the Balloon Safari

Hyena

Jackal

Leopard

Lion

Mongoose

Ostrich

Rock Hyrax

Tompson’s Gazelle

Warthog

Wildebeast

Zebra

Birds

Cory Bastard

Gabar Goshawk

Little Stint

Supurb Starling

Tawny Eagle

Vulture

Insects

Dungbeatle

Ngorongoro Crater

From the Serengeti, from various viewpoints, you can look down into the Ngorongoro Crater. Tiny specs, with a good camera or binoculars resolve themselves into herds of wild animals.