Serengeti Park in Hodenhagen, Lower Saxony, is one of Europe’s largest and most popular wildlife parks, combining the immersive experience of a safari with a full-fledged leisure and amusement park. Covering over 220 hectares, it is home to more than 1,500 animals encompassing around 100 species, making it an extraordinary destination for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers alike.
Safari Experience and Animal Kingdom
At the heart of Serengeti Park lies the Serengeti-Safari—an expansive 110-hectare drive-through area where visitors can witness free-roaming lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, bison, antelopes, and many other iconic African species. This safari experience can be enjoyed either in your own car or via a guided safari bus, offering close-up views of the animals in large, naturalistic habitats. This provides a thrilling, educational encounter resembling a genuine African safari, complete with the sights and sounds of wildlife in motion.
Additionally, the Jungle-Safari invites guests to explore a walk-through area housing over 20 species of monkeys, including chimpanzees, gorillas, lemurs, and orangutans. This section is designed to offer an intimate and safe interaction with these fascinating primates, and features an exciting Jungle Safari tour that combines animal viewing with adventurous off-road rides and special effects.
The Petting Safari area allows children and families to get hands-on with domestic animals like alpacas, donkeys, and goats, providing a more interactive experience particularly loved by young visitors. Visitors can feed and cuddle the animals, making it a fun and educational part of the visit for kids.
Adventure Safari and Entertainment
Beyond the animal encounters, Serengeti Park boasts the Adventure-Safari area, home to more than 40 amusement rides and attractions tailored to all ages. Roller coasters, water slides, carousels, and Ferris wheels offer excitement and thrills for adrenaline lovers, while gentler rides ensure even toddlers can join in the fun. Alongside the rides, live shows, acrobatics, music performances, and interactive events weave learning opportunities into an enjoyable entertainment program.
Water World within the park provides boat tours for a relaxing family experience on serene waters, complementing the dynamic animal and adventure zones with moments of calm and beauty.
Amenities and Accommodations
Serengeti Park offers a range of facilities to enhance guest comfort, including themed restaurants serving African-inspired cuisine and picnic areas for families. The park is well equipped to accommodate visitors of all ages, featuring BabyPark areas for toddlers, accessible safari vehicles, and indoor play zones. Parking and public transportation options make visiting convenient.
For longer stays, the Serengeti Park Resort provides lodging options such as lodges in an African-inspired setting or unique accommodations like a converted double-decker bus. The resort atmosphere allows guests to extend the safari adventure into a multi-day vacation immersed in the wilds of the park’s surroundings.
Visitor Experience and Feedback
Visitors consistently highlight the park’s unique blend of wildlife and amusement, praising the quality of the safari experience and the variety of activities available. The park stands out for its educational focus, with knowledgeable staff delivering engaging information about animal behavior and conservation efforts throughout the visit. Children find the hands-on and interactive elements particularly memorable, while adults appreciate the park's spacious natural habitats and commitment to animal welfare.
Some visitors note that certain parts of the park, such as specific rides or facilities, show signs of wear, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive and worth the visit. The multiple themed areas inside the park ensure a diverse range of experiences, making Serengeti Park a versatile destination for family holidays, school trips, or wildlife enthusiasts.