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We have come back from one of the most amazing trips in Serengeti National Park. Everything about Serengeti is extraordinary. The road to Serengeti goes through Ngorongoro Conservation Area, partly along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. The road epitomizes everything about wild Africa—rugged and full of game. There is a dry spell now in Serengeti and the endless plains are steaming with a blazing mirage. The plains are awash with thousands of Grant’s gazelles and zebras. A few male wildebeest who have come to scout for the rest accompany the zebras.

We camped within central part of Serengeti, an open camp site with Dotted Acacias. The nights are full of drama, with lion roars, hyena whoops, and leopard rumbles just a distance from our tents. Each day we got out at 6:30 in the morning, a good timing for observing wild animals. There was plenty to do for students—from observing tourist wildlife viewing patterns, carnivore interacts, and antelope vigilance behavior, and learning the birds of the Serengeti.

The field exercises were inter-spaced with guest lectures. We had captivating lectures on wild dog behavior, wildlife disease ecology, and management issues in Serengeti.  This was a wonderful chance for students to exchange contacts with field researchers. Each day was a treat, with amazing sightings of lions, cheetahs, serval cats, and leopards. This makes Serengeti a “gem” for game viewing and field learning. We were lucky to witness lions make kills, reminiscent of scenes from National Geographic.