Serengeti National Park
ABOUT SERENGETI
A Timeless Wilderness
The Serengeti is Tanzania’s most celebrated wilderness, a vast ecosystem of open grasslands, acacia-dotted plains, river valleys and rocky kopjes. Wildlife moves freely across this remarkable landscape, creating exceptional game viewing throughout the year.
Best known for the Great Migration, the Serengeti is also home to abundant resident wildlife, including lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and countless plains animals.
Quick Facts
SIZE
Approx. 14,750 km²
FAMOUS FOR
Great Migration
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Year-round
HIGHLIGHTS
Big cats, vast plains & migration
COMBINE WITH
Ngorongoro & Tarangire
Endless Plains. Extraordinary Encounters.
Few places deliver wildlife encounters on the scale of the Serengeti. Its vast ecosystem supports an extraordinary variety of animals, from immense herds of wildebeest and zebra to some of Africa’s most iconic predators.
Lions are frequently encountered across the plains, while cheetahs favour open grasslands and leopards are often found around riverine woodland and rocky kopjes. Elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, hyenas and numerous antelope species complete an exceptionally rich wildlife experience.
Incredible Wildlife
Year-Round Wildlife
Iconic Landscapes
The Great Migration
THE GREAT MIGRATION
A Natural Wonder
Each year, vast herds of wildebeest and zebra move through the greater Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water. Their journey follows seasonal rainfall, creating one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles.
Different parts of the Serengeti reveal different chapters of the migration throughout the year, from the calving season in the south to the movement northward and the dramatic river-crossing period around the Mara River.
Because this is a natural cycle influenced by rainfall and grazing conditions, the exact location and timing of the herds varies from year to year.
EXPLORE THE SERENGETI
One Park.
Many Landscapes.
Central Serengeti
The wildlife heart of the park.
The Seronera region offers excellent year-round game viewing and is particularly known for its concentration of predators. Open plains, river valleys and kopjes make Central Serengeti an important part of almost every Serengeti safari.
Northern Serengeti
Wild country and the Mara River.
Remote and beautifully uncrowded, Northern Serengeti is known for rolling landscapes, resident wildlife and the Mara River. During the migration season, the region becomes particularly sought after as herds move through the north.
Southern Serengeti
Where new life begins.
The short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti ecosystem become an important gathering place for migrating herds during the green season. This area is particularly associated with the wildebeest calving period.
Western Corridor
Rivers, woodland and migration routes.
Stretching toward Lake Victoria, the Western Corridor features river systems, woodland and open plains. Migrating herds pass through this region seasonally as they continue their journey north.
Serengeti Through the Seasons
The Serengeti can be visited throughout the year. Rather than having one single “best” season, the experience changes as rainfall, vegetation and wildlife movements reshape the landscape.
JAN – MAR
Green Season & Calving
The southern Serengeti ecosystem comes alive with fresh grass and large concentrations of wildebeest. Calving season can bring intense predator activity and dramatic wildlife encounters.
APR – MAY
Green & Quiet
Seasonal rains transform the plains into lush landscapes. Visitor numbers are generally lower, creating a quieter Serengeti experience.
JUN – OCT
Dry Season
Drier conditions make wildlife increasingly concentrated around reliable water sources. Migration herds generally move toward the western and northern regions as the season progresses.
NOV – DEC
Short Rains
The short rains refresh the plains and encourage the migration to begin moving south again, while resident wildlife remains abundant throughout the park.
Experience the Serengeti
Game Drives
Explore the Serengeti with a private guide, following wildlife across plains, river valleys and kopjes.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Rise above the plains at sunrise for an extraordinary aerial perspective of the Serengeti.
Great Migration Safari
Plan your journey around the seasonal movement of wildebeest and zebra through the ecosystem.
Photography Safari
Spend more time at sightings and take advantage of the Serengeti’s wildlife, landscapes and changing light.
Bush Dining
Enjoy selected breakfasts, lunches or sundowners surrounded by the wilderness.