Serengeti National Park

Best for Migration safaris & river crossings

Serengeti National Park Safari

A Serengeti National Park safari is one of the most iconic wildlife experiences in Africa. Located in northern Tanzania, the park is globally famous for its vast plains, dramatic wildlife encounters, and the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration. Covering roughly 14,750 km², Serengeti forms the heart of the greater Serengeti Ecosystem, a vast wilderness stretching nearly 30,000 km² across northern Tanzania and into Kenya.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often listed among the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, the Serengeti is home to one of the largest concentrations of wildlife on Earth. The park’s endless savannahs host millions of animals including wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, buffalo, and Africa’s most famous predators—lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

The Serengeti gained worldwide recognition through the work of Bernhard Grzimek and Michael Grzimek, who documented its wildlife in the famous book and film Serengeti Shall Not Die during the 1950s. Today, the park remains one of the best safari destinations for travelers seeking authentic African wildlife experiences.

Discover the Ultimate: Serengeti National Park Safari Guide.

Learn about wildlife, top attractions, things to do, the Great Wildebeest Migration, best time to visit in this Tanzania’s most famous safari destination.
Overview
Features & Attractions
Things to Do
Accommodation

Visiting Serengeti National Park

When you visit Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, you’ll experience one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, known for its vast savannah landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. The park is world-famous for the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains, often followed by predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

During your safari, you can enjoy thrilling game drives, spot the Big Five, and witness breathtaking views of wildlife roaming freely across the Serengeti. Many travelers also combine their visit with nearby attractions like Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater, making your journey through northern Tanzania an unforgettable African safari experience.

Features & Attractions

  • Vast Plains and Ancient Ecosystem

The Serengeti ecosystem is one of the oldest and most intact ecosystems on Earth. Its climate patterns, vegetation, and wildlife migration routes have remained largely unchanged for over a million years. This stability allows animals to roam freely across vast landscapes, creating one of the richest biodiversities in Africa.

The ecosystem connects several protected areas, including:

  • Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area
  • Maswa Game Reserve
  • Grumeti Game Reserve
  • Ikorongo Game Reserve
  • Loliondo Game Control Area

Together they create a massive wildlife corridor supporting millions of migrating animals.

  • Kopjes – The Serengeti’s Rocky Landmarks

Scattered across the plains are granite and gneiss rock formations known as kopjes. These ancient outcrops formed through volcanic activity and now serve as natural lookout points for predators.

One of the most famous is Simba Kopje, often called Lion Kopje, where lions frequently rest while scanning the plains for prey.

Four Unique Regions of Serengeti

1. Western Corridor

The Western Corridor follows the Grumeti River and is a key stage of the Great Migration.
Wildlife highlights include:

  • Crocodile-filled river crossings
  • Lions, cheetahs, and leopards
  • Hippos and monkeys
  • Majestic birds like the Martial Eagle

The river crossings here often feature dramatic predator encounters.

2. Northern Serengeti (Kogatende & Lamai)

The remote Northern Serengeti along the Mara River offers some of the most spectacular migration river crossings during the summer months.

Wildlife highlights include:

  • Large herds crossing crocodile-infested rivers
  • Elephants and giraffes in open woodlands
  • The tiny Dik-dik, one of Africa’s smallest antelopes

This region is quieter and ideal for travelers seeking a more exclusive safari experience.

3. Southern Serengeti

Located near the Ngorongoro Highlands, the Southern Serengeti is famous for the calving season between December and March.

During this period:

  • Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves are born
  • Predators gather to hunt
  • Dramatic predator-prey interactions occur daily

This is one of the best times for photography and wildlife action.

4. Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley)

The Central Serengeti, especially the Seronera Valley, is the most popular and wildlife-rich region.

Here visitors can enjoy:

  • Year-round wildlife viewing
  • High populations of lions, leopards, and cheetahs
  • Large grazing herds of zebra and gazelle
  • Excellent safari infrastructure and lodges

Things to Do in Serengeti National Park

  • Game Drives

Game drives are the highlight of any Serengeti safari. Morning and evening drives allow visitors to spot the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—along with countless other species.

  • Witness the Great Migration

The Great Wildebeest Migration is the Serengeti’s most famous spectacle, involving over two million animals moving in search of fresh grazing.

Highlights include:

  • River crossings at the Mara and Grumeti rivers
  • Predator attacks during migration
  • Massive herds stretching across the plains
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari

A sunrise balloon flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Serengeti plains and wildlife below. It’s one of the most unforgettable safari experiences.

  • Wildlife Photography

The Serengeti is a dream destination for photographers thanks to its open landscapes, dramatic skies, and abundant wildlife.

  • Birdwatching

With over 500 bird species, including raptors, ostriches, and colorful bee-eaters, the park is also a top birding destination.

  • Cultural Visits

Visitors can explore nearby  Maasai communities to learn about traditional lifestyles, cattle culture, and local traditions.

The Wildebeest Migration and Where to Stay

In many cases, this is decided by where the Wildebeest Migration will be. The Seronera Region (Central Serengeti) is good all year round and has a variety of accommodation options, but areas such as Grumeti, Ndutu, and Lobo are seasonal.

When to Visit Serengeti National Park (Month by Month)

Serengeti can be visited year-round, but wildlife movements change throughout the year depending on rainfall and migration patterns.
Jan, Feb & March
April & May
Jun
July & August
September & October
November
December

Best for wildebeest calving season in the Southern Serengeti

  • Excellent predator action
  • Lush green landscapes

Seronera for big cats.

Grumeti region for Wildebeest Migration.

Long rainy season

  • Fewer tourists and lower safari prices
  • Migration begins moving north

Start of the dry season

  • Migration moving through the Western Corridor
  • Great wildlife viewing

Peak safari season

  • Famous Mara River crossings in the Northern Serengeti
  • Excellent game viewing

Migration still in the north

  • Dry landscapes make animals easier to spot
  • Great for photography

Short rains begin

  • Migration starts moving south again
  • Fewer crowds

Herds return to the Southern Serengeti

  • Start of calving season buildup
  • Beautiful green scenery

Getting to Serengeti National Park

Travelers can reach Serengeti National Park via domestic flights from Arusha or Dar es Salaam, landing at several airstrips inside the park. Overland road safaris are also popular, often combined with visits to Ngorongoro Crater and other northern Tanzania safari destinations.

Proposed Itineraries

These itineraries can be customized to fit your tastes and budget

    Frequently Asked Questions about Serengeti National Park

    Where is Serengeti National Park located?

    Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya and forming part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem.

    What is the best time to visit Serengeti?

    The best time to visit depends on what you want to see. The Great Wildebeest Migration river crossings usually occur between July and October, while the calving season happens between January and March.

    What animals can you see in Serengeti?

    The park is home to the Big Five, along with millions of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, cheetahs, and hundreds of bird species.

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