Serengeti National Park

Quick Answer

Serengeti National Park is one of the best places in Africa for a safari. It is home to the Great Migration — the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles — as well as lions, elephants, giraffes and many other animals.

This guide gives you everything you need to know about visiting Serengeti: what to see, when to go, how to get there, where to stay and how to combine it with Kilimanjaro or Ngorongoro.

What Is Serengeti National Park?

Serengeti National Park is a vast protected area in northern Tanzania, covering about 14,750 square kilometres. It is famous for its annual Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move across the plains in search of water and grazing land.

The park is also home to the “Big Five” — lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos — as well as cheetahs, giraffes, hippos and many bird species.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move in a circular pattern across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in search of water and grazing land.

When Does the Great Migration Happen?

• December–March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti
• April–May: Herds move west and north
• June–July: Herds cross the Grumeti River
• July–September: Herds cross the Mara River into Kenya
• October–November: Herds return to the Serengeti

Where to See the Great Migration

• Southern Serengeti: Calving season (December–March)
• Western Corridor: Grumeti River crossings (June–July)
• Northern Serengeti: Mara River crossings (July–September)

Wildlife in Serengeti

Serengeti is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. You can see the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and many bird species.

1. Lions

Serengeti has one of the largest lion populations in Africa. You are almost guaranteed to see them during a game drive.

2. Leopards

Leopards are more elusive, but Serengeti has a healthy population. They are often seen in the woodlands and near rivers.

3. Elephants

Large herds of elephants roam the Serengeti. They are often seen near water sources and in the woodlands.

4. Cheetahs

Serengeti is one of the best places in Africa to see cheetahs. They are often seen on the open plains, hunting or resting.

5. Giraffes

Giraffes are common in Serengeti and are often seen browsing on acacia trees.

6. Wildebeest and Zebras

Large herds of wildebeest and zebras are the main attraction during the Great Migration.

7. Other Wildlife

• Buffalo
• Hippos
• Crocodiles
• Hyenas
• Warthogs
• Baboons
• Many bird species

Best Time to Visit Serengeti

Serengeti is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see.

June–October (Dry Season)

This is the best time for wildlife viewing. The grass is short, animals gather around water sources, and the weather is dry and sunny.

December–March (Calving Season)

This is the best time to see the Great Migration in the southern Serengeti, when thousands of wildebeest give birth.

July–September (River Crossings)

This is the best time to see the dramatic Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti.

April–May (Long Rains)

This is the wet season. The landscape is green and beautiful, but roads can be muddy and wildlife is more scattered.

How to Get to Serengeti

Serengeti is located in northern Tanzania, about 335 km from Arusha. The easiest way to get there is by road or air.

• From Arusha: 6–8 hours by road, or 1–2 hours by air
• From Ngorongoro: 3–4 hours by road
• From Kilimanjaro Airport: 7–9 hours by road, or 1–2 hours by air

Where to Stay in Serengeti

There are many accommodation options in Serengeti, ranging from budget campsites to luxury lodges.

• Budget: Public campsites
• Mid-range: Tented camps and lodges
• Luxury: High-end lodges and mobile camps

Safari Options in Serengeti

• Full-day game drive
• Half-day game drive
• Hot air balloon safari
• Walking safari (in designated areas)
• Cultural visit to a Maasai village
• Combination with Ngorongoro or Tarangire

Combining Serengeti with Kilimanjaro

Many climbers combine Kilimanjaro with a Serengeti safari. This is a great way to experience both the mountain and the wildlife.

• Climb Kilimanjaro (5–9 days)
• Rest for 1–2 days
• Go on a Serengeti safari (2–4 days)
• Optionally add Ngorongoro or Zanzibar

Frequently Asked Questions