February 15th – 6:00 am

I can’t wait to get started on this journey! I landed in Arusha, Tanzania last night. It’s my first morning in the beautiful Serengeti National Park.

The first stop is definitely to see the famous African “big five”. That’s the lion, rhino, leopard, elephant and cape buffalo. The best time to see the wildlife that the Serengeti is known for is right at dawn. I’m most excited to see the kings of the savannah: lions! It’s said that this park is home to over 3000 lions, making it the single most populated park in the world. Also, this time of the year is perfect for spotting adorable lion cubs!

February 15th – 11:30 am

Just 5 hours since I embarked on this guided game drive and we already spotted a pride of lions basking in the warm sun! Now, we’re observing a herd of elephants grazing on the sun-kissed grass. It’s so relaxing watching them peacefully walk around — I can even feel the vibrations with every step they take.

Only about 20 years ago, these graceful giants were brought to the brink of extinction here in the Serengeti by poachers, people who hunted animals illegally. But by 2014, a survey showed an increase of about 4,000 elephants since.

Now, they roam protected in the vast openness of the Serengeti. We can thank the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) for their steady rise in numbers and continued protection.

February 16th – 12:00 pm

Yesterday I had to stay inside the safari jeep while watching the wildlife. Today, we’re going to the Retina Hippo Pool in the Central Serengeti, one of the only places in the park where we’re allowed to travel on foot. This pool was an amazing sight; roughly 200 hippos sloshing in the muddy waters!

February 16th – 2:00 pm

We left the Retina Hippo Pool but we’re not going too far because also in the Central Serengeti area are thousands of wildebeest. My timing is spot-on, too; February marks the wildebeest migration calving season, where about 8,000 wildebeest are born every day! By summertime, these calves will join millions of wildebeest in the most exhilarating period in their migration, including the well known river crossings.

February 16th – 10:00 pm

I’m back at the campsite now — what a day! This park is bursting with life. From the playful hippos to the gentle elephants, the Serengeti truly is a place of unforgettable, raw wilderness. It certainly earns its spot on any bucket list. And, by visiting the park, tourists generate revenue that goes toward the park’s conservation. Another way to ensure the Serengti’s beauty lives on is to donate to nonprofits such as the Frankfurt Zoological Society.

Works Cited

“Wildlife in Serengeti National Park – Tanzania.” Serengeti.com,

www.serengeti.com/wildlife-serengeti.php.

Safari Ventures. “What Is Wildebeest Migration Calving Season?” Safari Ventures, 29 June 2020,

www.safariventures.com/what-is-wildebeest-migration-calving-season/.

“Retina Hippo Pool Central Serengeti Tanzania – Africa Wildlife Safaris.” Great Adventures

Safaris, 7 May 2022, www.greatadventuresafaris.com/retina-hippo-pool-central-

serengeti-tanzania/.

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