March 13, 2021

Wildlife Experiences in the Serengeti

It’s always a thrill when our travelers return from a journey with tales of adventure and inspiring wildlife experiences. See these wonderful wildlife photos from Keith and Nancy, 20-time WT adventurers who recently returned from the Serengeti on a private departure of our Tanzania: The Great Migration Safari.

A trip to the Serengeti during January and February meant we could see the wildlife with very few other people around.

Tanzania boasts the crowned crane as its national bird. Its magnificent plumage attracts much attention.

The giraffe is the nation’s national animal.

Graceful of movement and tranquil of temperament, the giraffe represents Tanzanian acceptance in a culturally and religiously diverse environment.

During the early wet season, we were able to spot the Kori bustard in its mating plumage.

…and we also got to see other wildlife with their young, including this hippo calf.

Elephants are known to have strong relationships. We enjoyed watching them care for their young.

This gnu calf stayed with its mother, but many others got separated and wandered alone. Gnus are less concerned with their young than elephants.

Even the predators take it easy. In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we were surprised to find hyenas lounging around the water hole like tourists at a hotel swimming pool. Even the nearby zebras were unconcerned.

In the south Serengeti, rock formations known as “simba kopjes” (lion heads) are a favorite hideout for lion. We spotted this male lion gazing over a rock during a game drive.

Leopards hunt at night and sleep during the day, so it takes a trained eye to find them after sunrise. We were lucky to see this one lounging in a tree.

Normally this tree is the site for our sundowner, however, this lion took the staff by surprise; they had to move our sundowner to a different tree! This is why you always look up before you get out of the vehicle!

While the meat-eaters are in no danger of extinction, we were pleased that the “law of the jungle” seems to rely primarily on peaceful co-existence.

— Text and photos by 20-time WT adventurers Keith and Nancy Price, Tanzania: The Great Migration Safari.