Serengeti National Park
Witness the epic wildlife migration across Tanzania's vast savanna plains
Destination Overview
Serengeti National Park is Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 square miles) of vast savanna plains, acacia woodlands, and granite kopjes, the Serengeti forms the centerpiece of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, which includes Kenya's Maasai Mara to the north.
The park is world-renowned for the Great Migration, an annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, following the rains in a clockwise circuit across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. This spectacular wildlife phenomenon, coupled with the highest concentration of predators in Africa, offers visitors an unmatched safari experience and some of the most dramatic natural encounters on the planet.
When to Visit
The Serengeti offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, but timing can dramatically change your experience. The dry season (June to October) provides the easiest wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources and vegetation is less dense. Late June to September offers the best chance to witness dramatic river crossings during the migration in the Northern Serengeti. The wet season (November to May) brings lush landscapes, newborn animals, and fewer crowds. December to March is calving season in the Southern Serengeti, when predator action is intense. April and May see heavy rains that can make some roads impassable, but accommodation rates are lower and the landscapes are vibrantly green.
Getting There
Most international visitors arrive via Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam. From Arusha, the main gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit, visitors can access the Serengeti by small aircraft to several airstrips within the park (a 1-2 hour flight) or by road through Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approximately 8 hours). Multi-day safari packages typically include transportation in 4x4 vehicles with experienced guides, which is essential for navigating the park and locating wildlife.
Highlights
Great Migration
Witness the world's greatest wildlife spectacle as over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles move in a continuous circuit following seasonal rains. The migration's most dramatic moments occur at river crossings, where crocodile-infested waters must be traversed and predators wait on the banks. This ancient cycle of life, death, and rebirth represents one of the last great natural wonders on Earth.
Seronera Valley
The park's geographical center features abundant year-round water sources, creating a wildlife hotspot regardless of season. This area offers remarkable concentrations of big cats, particularly lions and leopards that lounge in the region's iconic acacia trees. The valley's combination of open plains, woodlands, and the meandering Seronera River creates diverse habitats supporting an extraordinary variety of wildlife within a relatively compact area.
Western Corridor and Grumeti River
This narrow stretch of land extending toward Lake Victoria becomes the migration's focal point from May to July. The Grumeti River with its massive crocodiles presents a formidable obstacle for the herds. The riverine forests along the water's edge support unique wildlife including colobus monkeys and massive python snakes, while the surrounding woodlands harbor buffalo, elephant, and giraffe year-round.
Things to Do
Game Drives
Experience the classic African safari with daily game drives in specialized 4x4 vehicles. Early morning and late afternoon excursions offer optimal wildlife viewing and photography opportunities as animals are most active during these cooler hours. Knowledgeable guides help track elusive predators and explain the complex behaviors and ecosystems witnessed throughout the park.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Soar above the Serengeti plains at dawn for a breathtaking perspective of the landscape and wildlife below. This unforgettable experience typically concludes with a champagne breakfast in the bush. The aerial vantage point reveals the true scale of the migration when present and offers a unique appreciation of the Serengeti's vastness.
Walking Safaris
Connect more intimately with the environment through guided walking safaris in designated areas, accompanied by armed rangers. These excursions focus on smaller details missed from vehicles: tracking skills, identifying plants and insects, and understanding the ecosystem from ground level. Walking creates a profound sense of immersion in the wild landscape.
Cultural Encounters
Visit authentic Maasai villages near the park boundaries to learn about their semi-nomadic lifestyle, cultural traditions, and complex relationship with the wildlife and landscape. Responsible cultural tourism provides vital support to local communities while offering visitors insights into indigenous knowledge systems that have sustained human life in these regions for centuries.
Where to Stay
Luxury Safari Lodges
LuxuryExperience African elegance at permanent lodges featuring spacious suites, private verandas overlooking the plains, gourmet dining, swimming pools, and spa facilities. These properties, often built on elevated ridges with spectacular views, combine sophisticated comforts with sustainable design principles. Expert guides, customized game drives, and personalized service ensure an exclusive safari experience.
$800-$2,500 per person per night
Tented Camps
Mid-rangeEmbrace the classic safari atmosphere in permanent or seasonal tented camps that blend comfort with authentic bush experiences. Canvas accommodations feature proper beds, en-suite bathrooms, and covered verandas, while common areas include dining tents and fire pits for evening storytelling. Many seasonal camps relocate throughout the year to follow the migration, positioning guests at the heart of the action.
$400-$900 per person per night
Mobile Camping Safaris
BudgetAdventurous travelers can experience the Serengeti through mobile camping safaris, where camps are set up in exclusive wilderness sites. These range from basic public campsites requiring self-sufficiency to fully-serviced mobile operations with staff handling all camp duties. This immersive option brings nighttime sounds of the bush directly to your tent flap and offers exceptional value.
$150-$500 per person per night
Travel Tips
Pack Properly: Bring lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (avoid blue, which attracts tsetse flies), a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, good binoculars, and a camera with zoom lens. A warm layer is essential for cool mornings and evenings, even in summer.
Health Precautions: Consult a travel doctor 4-6 weeks before departure. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from an endemic country. Bring insect repellent, anti-diarrheal medication, and a basic first aid kit.
Book Well in Advance: Especially if visiting during peak migration season (June-September) or holiday periods, accommodations should be reserved 9-12 months ahead. This is particularly crucial for smaller, exclusive camps in prime locations.
Choose Responsible Operators: Select tour operators and accommodations with demonstrated commitments to conservation efforts, ethical wildlife viewing practices (maintaining proper distance from animals), and supporting local communities through employment and development programs.
Manage Expectations: While the Serengeti offers extraordinary wildlife viewing, sightings depend on luck, season, and time invested. Work with experienced guides who understand animal behavior and movement patterns, and prepare for early mornings to maximize opportunities.
Ready to Witness the Great Migration?
Plan your Serengeti safari adventure and experience one of nature's most spectacular wildlife displays in the heart of East Africa.
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