The Home Of Wildebeest Migration
AREA
VISITORS
500,000+ per year
LOCATION
Northern Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
Your Ultimate Guide to Tanzania’s Iconic Wildlife Safari
Are you dreaming of an African safari adventure? Then, Serengeti National Park should be at the top of your list! Known for its breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and the world-famous Great Migration, this Tanzanian gem offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit, including the best time to go, what wildlife to expect, and insider tips for a trip of a lifetime.
Why Visit Serengeti National Park?
Located in northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is one of the most celebrated safari destinations in the world. It’s renowned for its vast, seemingly endless plains, diverse ecosystems, and rich wildlife, including Africa’s iconic “Big Five” – lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos. But that’s not all. The park is also home to over 500 bird species, and it’s the stage for one of the most extraordinary natural events on the planet: the Great Migration.
Highlights of Serengeti National Park:
- Witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing lands.
- Spot Africa’s Big Five and countless other animals in their natural habitat.
- Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, from vast savannahs to lush riverine forests.
- Experience a hot air balloon safari for a unique aerial view of the park.
- Explore the park’s cultural side with a visit to a nearby Maasai village.
Facts about the Serengeti National Park
- The Serengeti is home to over 1.5 million white-bearded wildebeest and 250,000 zebra.
- The Serengeti is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and leopards.
- The Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique combination of wildlife, geology, and cultural significance.
The Great Migration: Nature’s Most Spectacular Show
One of the main reasons people flock to Serengeti National Park is to witness the Great Migration. Every year, over two million wildebeest, zebras, and other antelopes journey across the Serengeti and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara in search of water and grazing land. It’s a continuous cycle of movement, mating, and survival, marked by dramatic river crossings, predator-prey encounters, and breathtaking scenes that make for incredible photography.
Key Events During the Great Migration:
- Calving Season (January to March): This is when thousands of young wildebeests are born in the southern Serengeti. It’s also a prime time for predators, who capitalize on the abundance of vulnerable prey.
- Grumeti River Crossings (May to July): As the herds move north, they face the treacherous Grumeti River. This period is famous for dramatic encounters with crocodiles.
- Mara River Crossings (July to September): This is arguably the most iconic part of the migration, with massive herds crossing the Mara River into Kenya. The crossings are intense, dangerous, and awe-inspiring.
- Return South (October to December): The herds start to return to the Serengeti, completing the cycle.
Tour ideas to get you dreaming
Featured Serengeti Safari Packages
North Serengeti Migration
7 Days 6 Nights
5 Days Ndutu Migration
5 Days 4 Nights
7 Days North Serengeti
7 Days 6 Nights
8 Days Ndutu Migration
8 Days 7 Nights
8 Days North Serengeti Migration
8 Days 7 Nights
9 Days -Tanzania Safari
9 Days 8 Nights
Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti offers something unique at different times of the year, so the best time to visit depends on what you hope to see.
- December to March: This period is excellent for witnessing the calving season in the southern Serengeti. It’s a great time to see large predator action as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas prey on the young calves.
- April to May: The rainy season sees fewer tourists, making it perfect for those looking for a quieter experience. The landscape is lush and green, and wildlife is abundant.
- June to July: This is an ideal time to catch the Grumeti River crossings. The migration is in full swing, and game viewing is superb.
- August to September: Head to the northern Serengeti for the Mara River crossings. This is peak season, so expect more tourists but also incredible wildlife encounters.
- October to November: The herds are returning south, and the landscape begins to dry out. This is a great time for game drives with less crowded sightings.
Top Activities in Serengeti National Park
- Guided Game Drives: Morning and evening game drives are the most popular way to explore the park. An experienced guide can help you locate animals and provide fascinating insights into their behavior.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: For a unique perspective, take a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti at dawn. The bird’s-eye view of the savannah and its wildlife is an experience you’ll never forget.
- Walking Safaris: In certain areas of the park, you can join guided walking safaris, offering a more intimate experience with the land and its wildlife.
- Cultural Visits: A visit to a Maasai village nearby allows you to learn about the local Maasai culture and traditions.
Wildlife Highlights in Serengeti National Park
Apart from the Great Migration, Serengeti National Park is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife. Here’s what you can expect to see on a safari:
- Lions: Known as the “King of the Serengeti,” lions are frequently spotted in prides. The park is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of lions in the world.
- Elephants: These gentle giants roam across the park, particularly in the Seronera Valley and western regions.
- Leopards: Elusive and graceful, leopards are often seen lounging in acacia trees, especially in the central Serengeti.
- Cheetahs: Fast and agile, cheetahs can often be seen hunting on the open plains.
- Buffalos: These large animals are typically found in herds and are one of the “Big Five” animals.
- Rhinos: While rare, black rhinos can be found in certain protected areas of the Serengeti.
- Giraffes, hippos, and countless antelope species: You’ll also spot giraffes munching on treetops, hippos wallowing in rivers, and various antelope species like gazelles, impalas, and topis.
Best hotels and lodges in the Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is home to some of the most luxurious lodges and tented camps, each offering unique experiences for exploring the rich wildlife and landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Here’s a guide to some of the best hotels and lodges in the Serengeti:
