The iconic plains of Serengeti have been named by the Maasai as “the land that moves on forever” and that is one reason why it’s so easy to fall in love with its wild charm. Being a world-renowned wildlife park, hundreds and thousands of people come to visit the Serengeti each year. But beyond the Great Migration, exemplary Serengeti tours and all of Serengeti’s amazingness are must-visit safari parks and attractions waiting to be explored. Without further ado, here are Serengeti’s finest neighbors:
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This:
A protected world heritage site, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is actually one of Tanzania’s most visited parks. It is basically part of the Serengeti ecosystem and so wildlife is guaranteed to be jaw-dropping. What sets it apart from other parks is that it features the famous Ngorongoro Crater, a haven for 250,000 wild animals and the world’s largest inactive caldera. The park also covers the gorgeous Olduvai Gorge, which is nearly three million years old.
Estimated distance from Serengeti: 140 kilometers
Estimated driving time from Serengeti: 3 hours
Masai Mara National Reserve
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This:
Just across Serengeti National Park and only bordered by a massive river is the famous Masai Mara. Technically, the park is located in Kenya and visitors need another visa to enter the country. But, migratory hooves don’t seem to care. Every year between July and October, millions of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and antelopes stampede across the River in a struggle for survival, clobbering their way to the other side: the Mara. This wildlife spectacle is often dubbed The World Cup of Wildlife and is swarmed by spectators from all over the world.
Aside from the iconic animal movement that takes place in the Mara in the third quarter of every year, the park is also famous for its big cats and picturesque Lion King movie scenery.
Estimated distance from Serengeti: 350 kilometers
Estimated driving time from Serengeti: 8 hours
Note: Serengeti is in Tanzania and Masai Mara is in Kenya. Make sure you have valid visas on both countries before crossing the border.
Lake Manyara National Park
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This:
Have you seen postcards of Africa with the overwhelming pink flamingos on a vast soda lake? That’s Lake Manyara National Park. The park is naturally scenic, nestled beneath the cliffs of the Manyara Escarpment and sitting on the edge of the Rift Valley. With fascinating geology, topography, and hydrology, Lake Manyara National Park remains a favorite not only among photographers and birders but also to those looking to see a unique take on the African wilderness.
Estimated distance from Serengeti: 220 kilometers
Estimated driving time from Serengeti: 5 hours
Maswa Game Reserve
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This:
An extension to the Serengeti ecosystem, Maswa Game Reserve is a best-kept extraordinary wildlife sanctuary. It features four rivers: Simiyu, Mbono, Semu and Kuna, and attracts an impressive number of wild animals from Serengeti National Park during dry season. With yellow barked acacia and wild fig trees, the reserve displays a naturally gorgeous landscape. Also, Maswa was originally a hunting concession but lately, efforts to keep poachers away have made the reserve even more wildlife-ridden.
Estimated driving time from Serengeti: 2-3 hours
Kilimanjaro National Park
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This:
Kilimanjaro National Park boasts of the incredible wildlife that includes giraffes, bushbucks, buffaloes, monkeys, and many others, but the major draw of this wildlife sanctuary is the iconic snow-capped mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountain is a dream-come-true destination for many adventure seekers, photographers, and even amateur safari-goers. It is one of the Seven Summits and is Africa’s highest peak. Thanks to its variety of trekking routes, travelers get to experience an adrenaline rush as they hike up the summit and traverse through different climatic vegetations.
Estimated distance from Serengeti: 350 kilometers
Estimated driving time from Serengeti: 7 hours
It’s really safe to say that the magic of the Serengeti never palls. If you want to explore other parts of Tanzania or see other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Serengeti National Park easily gives you access to its gorgeous neighbors. The best thing is, they’re only a few hours drive or flight away!
