SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Home to the Great Migration and endless plains teeming with wildlife
About Serengeti
The Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and recently proclaimed a 7th world wonder. The name "Serengeti" comes from the Maasai language, meaning "endless plains," which perfectly describes its vast, rolling grasslands that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Covering an area of 14,750 square kilometers (5,700 square miles), the Serengeti is renowned for its incredible concentration of wildlife and the annual Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 300,000 Thomson's gazelles journey through the ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water.
Beyond the migration, the Serengeti offers exceptional game viewing year-round, with high concentrations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and numerous other species. The diverse landscape includes not only the famous plains but also riverine forests, swamps, kopjes (rocky outcrops), and acacia woodlands, each supporting different wildlife communities.
Key Facts
Location
Northern Tanzania, extending to southwestern Kenya
Size
14,750 square kilometers (5,700 square miles)
Established
1951 (as a national park)
Altitude
920-1,850 meters (3,020-6,070 feet) above sea level
Wildlife in Serengeti
The Great Migration
The Serengeti's most famous spectacle is the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles move in a clockwise circuit through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water. The dramatic river crossings, where herds brave crocodile-infested waters, are particularly spectacular.
Big Cats
The Serengeti is home to Africa's highest concentration of large predators. Lions are particularly abundant, with over 3,000 lions living in the ecosystem. Leopards are commonly spotted in the central Seronera area, while cheetahs prefer the open plains. The park also hosts smaller predators like serval cats, caracals, and African wild cats.
Other Wildlife
Beyond the migration and big cats, the Serengeti supports an incredible diversity of wildlife. Visitors can spot elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, and numerous antelope species including topi, eland, impala, and Grant's and Thomson's gazelles. The park is also home to over 500 bird species.
When to Visit
December to March
Calving Season
Southern Serengeti & Ndutu
During this period, the migration is in the southern plains of the Serengeti and Ndutu area. February is the peak calving season, when approximately 8,000 wildebeest calves are born each day. This abundance of vulnerable newborns attracts numerous predators, making for dramatic hunting scenes and excellent wildlife viewing.
April to May
Long Rains
Western Corridor
This is the rainy season, with heavy downpours and muddy roads that can make travel challenging. However, it's also when the migration starts moving northwest towards the Western Corridor. The landscape is lush and green, and there are fewer tourists. Some camps close during this period, but those that remain open offer lower rates.
June to July
Dry Season Begins
Grumeti River Crossings
As the dry season begins, the migration moves through the Western Corridor and towards the Grumeti River. This is when the first dramatic river crossings occur, with herds braving crocodile-infested waters. The weather is pleasant with clear skies, and wildlife viewing is excellent as vegetation thins out.
August to October
Peak Dry Season
Mara River Crossings
This is the peak tourist season when the migration reaches the northern Serengeti and crosses the Mara River into Kenya's Maasai Mara. The dramatic river crossings are at their best during this period. The weather is dry and pleasant, though mornings and evenings can be cool. Wildlife viewing is excellent throughout the park, not just in the migration areas.
November
Short Rains
Migration Returns South
As the short rains begin, the migration starts moving south again, heading back towards the southern plains. The landscape begins to green, and there are fewer tourists. This is a transitional period with variable weather, but it can offer good value and still provides excellent wildlife viewing.
Things to Do in Serengeti
Game Drives
The classic way to explore the Serengeti is on game drives in 4x4 vehicles with pop-up roofs. Early morning and late afternoon drives offer the best wildlife viewing, as animals are most active during these cooler hours. Different areas of the park offer different experiences, from the predator-rich central Seronera to the migration areas.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
For a truly magical experience, take a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti plains at dawn. Floating silently above the savannah offers a unique perspective on the landscape and wildlife below. The flight is followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush, making for an unforgettable morning.
Walking Safaris
Walking safaris are permitted in certain areas of the Serengeti, offering a more intimate connection with the environment. Accompanied by an armed ranger and experienced guide, you'll learn about tracks, plants, insects, and smaller creatures that might be missed from a vehicle.
Photography
The Serengeti offers endless photographic opportunities, from dramatic landscapes to intimate wildlife moments. The golden light of early morning and late afternoon creates perfect conditions for photography. Consider bringing a telephoto lens for wildlife and a wide-angle lens for landscapes and night sky photography.
Cultural Visits
The areas surrounding the Serengeti are home to various cultural groups, including the Maasai and Hadzabe. Cultural visits offer insights into traditional ways of life and can be arranged through your lodge or tour operator. These experiences provide a valuable human dimension to your safari experience.