Self Drive to Serengeti National Park – 4×4 Car Hire Serengeti Guide
One of the most iconic parks in northern Tanzania is Serengeti National Park and one of the paradises there is in the country. Its name simply means a place of endless plains, clarifying its beautiful and breath taking landscapes. This true symbol of untamed beauty seats in northern Tanzania and covers an area of 14,750 square kilometers made up of vast plains riverine forests and rolling savannahs among others.
It is a famous destination for the Great Wildebeest Migration which is one of the world’s most spectacular animal movements throughout the year. Besides this great movement, it also hosts the famous big five which include leopards, lions, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. It is also one place in Africa that harbors a large number of predators such as cheetahs and hyenas, crocodiles and hippos, with over 500 bird species.
Routes to Serengeti National Park
The fastest way to get to Serengeti National Park is starting from Arusha, in northern Tanzania, which takes about 5-7 hours to the central location of Serengeti though depending on where you enter from.
Chauffeur driven or self drive to Seregenti National Park
One can therefore decide to have an off-road safari to this park either by self-drive or a chauffeur driven safari. You can always choose from these two as they all have their pros and one can choose according to preference.
Self-drive
Having a self-drive to Serengeti National park grants you utmost flexibility- changing your travel plan according to what you want and also ensure privacy as some people come as families and do all activities as so, with no third party.
However, self-drive to Serengeti needs one who is not a first time traveler of driver. The park tracks are not very friendly to first time travelers as they are rough and get worse during the wet season where they become muddy and slippery. Therefore, one needs great experience and even know defensive driving so as to navigate these paths.
Chauffeur driven cars
Chauffeur driven trip to Serengeti will involve one having an experienced driver usually hired from the car rental company. These ones can easily maneuver the difficult tracks of the national park and also act as guides providing information about the animals and other things you may need to know about.
Cars to hire to Serengeti National Park
Land Cruiser hard top: This 4×4 vehicle can accommodate up to 5 people and with a high ground clearance that allows the vehicle to easily navigate rough paths minus damaging the under carriage.
Land Cruiser Extended: As the hardtop, the vehicle carries 7 persons and still has a high ground clearance and with wide windows that permit easy game viewing.
Safari van: For those intending to explore in large numbers, this is the best vehicle for you and it is also a 4×4.
Land Cruiser V8: This vehicle has large windows and has a seating capacity of 7 people.
Best times to visit Serengeti National Parks
Serengeti National Park is a year-round safari destination however, the best time depends on what you desire to sight.
Dry season (June to October): This is the best season for wildlife viewing as vegetation is sparse, leaving animals in a clear environment.
Calving season (December to March): This is the best season best for predator action.
Wet season (April to May): It is a green season characterized by lush scenery and fewer crowds usually termed as the low season and also has challenging roads that are usually muddy and slippery.
It is important to note that Self Drive to Serengeti National Park is not a mere safari destination but a once-in-a-lifetime adventurous experience. Starting from the eye-satisfying and dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife to the unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, the park delivers an authentic African safari that remains unmatched anywhere in the world.