Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous and celebrated wildlife destinations in the world. Covering 14,750 km², it is home to the legendary Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle journey in search of fresh grazing — followed closely by predators like lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles.
The name Serengeti comes from the Maasai word “Siringet”, meaning “endless plains” — and the park lives up to its name. It offers classic African safari scenery, teeming with wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable encounters with nature.
Serengeti offers great wildlife viewing year-round, but your experience will depend on what you want to see:
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Calving season in the south; predators active |
| Apr–Jun | Migration heads north; greener landscapes |
| Jul–Oct | River crossings in the north – Mara River |
| Nov–Dec | Herds return south; less crowded |
By Air:
Daily flights from Arusha, Zanzibar, or Dar es Salaam to several airstrips (e.g., Seronera, Kogatende, Ndutu).
By Road:
From Arusha (~7 hours drive), often combined with other northern circuit parks like Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara.
1. Game Drives
Spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and hundreds of bird species. Early morning and sunset drives are the most productive.
2. Witness the Great Migration
Plan your visit around the migration’s movements. Highlights include:
Ndutu (Jan–Mar): Calving season
Western Corridor (May–Jun): Grumeti River crossings
Kogatende & Lamai (Jul–Oct): Mara River crossings
3. Hot Air Balloon Safari
Experience the sunrise over the Serengeti from a hot air balloon — a surreal and serene way to view the animals below.
4. Visit a Maasai Village
Meet local Maasai communities near the park’s edges. Learn about their traditions, homes, and culture through guided visits.
5. Photography & Bird Watching
Over 500 bird species call Serengeti home, from vultures and eagles to bee-eaters and secretary birds. The open plains also offer superb photo opportunities.
Luxury Lodges:
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Singita Grumeti Reserves
Lemala Kuria Hills
&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas
Mid-Range Camps:
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Kati Kati Tented Camp
Ang’ata Serengeti Camp
Mobile Camps (follow the migration):
Nomad Tanzania’s Serengeti Safari Camp
Asilia’s Ubuntu Camp
Book early, especially during migration months — lodges fill up fast.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda can be added before or after your safari.
Use a local safari operator for seamless logistics and border arrangements (especially for Kenya–Tanzania combo tours).
Pack layers — mornings are chilly, afternoons hot. Bring binoculars and a wide-brim hat.
Park Fees: ~$70 USD per day for non-residents (subject to change).
Ngorongoro Crater – One of Africa’s best game-viewing spots
Lake Manyara – Tree-climbing lions and flamingos
Zanzibar – Relax on white-sand beaches after your safari
Masai Mara (Kenya) – Seamless extension for full migration experience
