Wildlife in the Serengeti National Park

in Wildlife 101 by Araneta&Tan — July 15, 2009 at 8:48 am | 0 comments

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is probably one of the most famous national parks in the world and is quite simply heaven on Earth if you’re a wildlife photographer. In fact, even if you’re only an amateur photographer I would imagine it would be pretty hard to go away from the park without at least a few good snaps.

I’m sure that the Serengeti doesn’t really need too much of an introduction, but here we just wanted to introduce you to some of the many types of impressive animals which you might be able to capture on film on a trip to the Serengeti.

The Great Migration

Great Migration

The Great Migration is really a once in a lifetime sight (unless you’re lucky enough to make it to the Serengeti more than once in your life!) where the park’s 2 million wildebeest travel across the plains in search of fresh grass. If you think that a bunch of wildebeest surely can’t be that impressive, you couldn’t be more wrong.

And there is a good possibility that you will see a lot more animals as well, for example dotted between the wildebeest you are quite likely to see gnus and zebras. Many of the Serengeti’s predators know that a whole herd of wildebeest is likely to make for an easy dinner, and plenty show up to take advantage. We’ve personally had some of our best action shots during the Great Migration, featuring lions, leopards, cheetahs and crocodiles.

The Big Five

Big Five

Once upon a time, the “Big Five” were the five animals which every hunter wanted to bag as a trophy. Today, they’re the animals which every photographer who visits Africa wants to capture: the lion, the leopard, the rhino, the elephant and the Cape buffalo.

It’s not as easy as you might think to get a good shot of each of these five, although with the help of a good guide and a lot of patience you could be well on your way. The effort it takes to get a shot of each of the five just adds to the satisfaction you will feel when you complete the set.

East African Birds

East African Birds

The Serengeti National Park will spoil every bird lovers with a very impressive variety of East African birds. Any first time safari visitors to Tanzania expects to see only the big mammals but they are all amazed with the new knowledge, discovery and interest they take home with them after they spot all the beautiful, unique and colourful birds all over the Serengeti plains. These birds will surely take your enjoyment to another level and you will be guaranteed amazingly wonderful bird shots after your trip.

Plan Your Own Trip

So as you can see, the Serengeti National Park is just paradise for any nature and wildlife photographer and/or nature and wildlife lover. We would strongly urge anyone who gets the opportunity to go, to grab the chance with both hands, and you too could experience this beautiful place – a paradise not to be missed in this lifetime.

We ourselves offer amateur and serious digital photographers the chance to join us on a Photographic Safari so you too can be on your way to adding photos of these amazing creatures and breathtaking landscapes to your portfolio.

If you would like more information on planning your own trip send us an e-mail at info@aranetatan.com.