Serengeti National Park – Complete Guide to Wildlife, Seasons & Safaris
Trip Length
3 day / 2Night
Starts/End
Zanzibar
Fly-in/Out
Serengeti
Lice Guides
German, French & Spanis
Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s most famous wildlife reserve, renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration, exceptional predator density, and year-round safari experiences across diverse ecosystems.
Serengeti National Park is one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. Located in northern Tanzania, the park is celebrated for its endless savannah plains, dramatic wildlife encounters, and the annual Great Migration involving millions of wildebeest and zebras. For travelers seeking an authentic African safari, the Serengeti represents the heart of wildlife conservation, natural beauty, and unforgettable adventure.
As local Tanzania safari specialists, we consider the Serengeti not just a park, but a vast living ecosystem that changes with the seasons. Understanding its regions, wildlife patterns, and travel logistics is key to experiencing it at its best.
Where Is Serengeti National Park Located?
Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve to the north. Together, these two protected areas form the greater Serengeti–Mara ecosystem.
The park covers approximately 14,750 square kilometers, making it one of the largest national parks in Africa. Its vast size allows wildlife to roam freely and supports large populations of predators and herbivores.
Serengeti National Park is commonly accessed from:
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Arusha (by road or flight)
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Zanzibar (by fly-in safari)
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Northern Tanzania safari circuits
Why Serengeti National Park Is World-Famous
Serengeti National Park is internationally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is widely regarded as one of the best safari destinations on Earth.
Home of the Great Wildebeest Migration
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The Serengeti hosts the largest wildlife movement on the planet. Each year, over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate across the ecosystem in search of fresh grazing. This migration is continuous and cyclical, not a single event, offering wildlife spectacles throughout the year.
Exceptional Predator Density
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The Serengeti is famous for its high concentration of predators, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Few places in Africa offer such consistent big-cat sightings.
Vast, Untouched Landscapes
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The Serengeti’s open plains, granite kopjes, river systems, and woodlands create diverse habitats that support an extraordinary range of wildlife.
Wildlife in Serengeti National Park
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Serengeti National Park is home to one of the richest wildlife populations in Africa.
Big Cats and Predators
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Lions: Large prides are common throughout the park
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Cheetahs: Frequently seen in open grasslands
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Leopards: Often found along riverine forests and kopjes
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Hyenas and jackals: Abundant and active day and night
Herbivores and Plains Game
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Wildebeest
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Zebras
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Giraffes
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Buffalo
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Elephants
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Various antelope species
Birdlife
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With over 500 bird species, the Serengeti is also a paradise for birdwatchers, especially during the green season.
Serengeti National Park Regions Explained
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Understanding Serengeti’s regions is essential for planning the best safari.
Central Serengeti (Seronera Area)
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Central Serengeti is the park’s most popular and accessible region.
Why it’s special:
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Permanent water sources
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Year-round wildlife
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Excellent big-cat sightings
Best for: First-time visitors, short safaris, classic Serengeti experience
Northern Serengeti (Kogatende Area)
Northern Serengeti lies near the Mara River and is famous for dramatic river crossings.
Why it’s special:
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Great Migration river crossings
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Crocodile and predator action
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Fewer crowds than central areas
Best for: July to September safaris
Southern Serengeti (Ndutu Area)
Ndutu is part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem and becomes the focal point during calving season.
Why it’s special:
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Wildebeest calving season
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Intense predator activity
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Open landscapes ideal for photography
Best for: January to March safaris
Western Corridor
The western corridor follows the Grumeti River and is less visited.
Why it’s special:
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Migration river crossings (May–June)
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Remote and scenic
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Fewer safari vehicles
The Great Migration in Serengeti National Park
The Great Migration is a year-round phenomenon that moves clockwise through the ecosystem.
January to March – Calving Season (Ndutu)
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Hundreds of thousands of calves are born, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife encounters.
April to June – Central & Western Serengeti
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The herds move northwest, crossing the Grumeti River.
July to September – Northern Serengeti (River Crossings)
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The most famous period, featuring Mara River crossings.
October to December – Return to Central & Southern Serengeti
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The herds gradually move south as the cycle continues.
Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti offers excellent safari experiences year-round, but the best time depends on your interests.
June to October – Dry Season
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Best general wildlife viewing
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Cooler temperatures
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Easier animal spotting
January to March – Calving Season
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Newborn animals
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Predator action
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Fewer crowds than peak season
April to May – Green Season
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Lush landscapes
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Lower lodge rates
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Excellent birdlife
Safari Activities in Serengeti National Park
Game Drives
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Game drives are the primary safari activity and take place early in the morning and late afternoon.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
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Balloon safaris offer a unique aerial view of the Serengeti plains, followed by a bush breakfast.
Photography Safaris
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The Serengeti’s open landscapes and abundant wildlife make it ideal for photography enthusiasts.
How to Get to Serengeti National Park
By Air (Fly-In Safaris)
The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the Serengeti.
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Flights from Arusha or Zanzibar
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Land directly at Serengeti airstrips
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Ideal for short or luxury safaris
By Road
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Road safaris travel through northern Tanzania and take one to two days from Arusha.
Accommodation in Serengeti National Park
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Accommodation options vary by region and comfort level.
Luxury Lodges & Tented Camps
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Prime wildlife locations
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Ensuite bathrooms
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Personalized service
Mid-Range Lodges & Camps
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Comfortable accommodations
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Excellent value
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Strong wildlife access
Mobile Migration Camps
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Move seasonally with the migration
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Immersive wilderness experience
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Ideal for migration-focused safaris
Serengeti National Park Safaris
Serengeti safaris can be customized based on duration, season, and starting point.
Popular options include:
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Short fly-in safaris
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Classic northern circuit safaris
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Migration-focused safaris
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3 day serengeti and ngorongoro safari from Zanzibar
Private safaris offer the greatest flexibility and comfort, especially for photography and family travel.
Safety in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is considered safe when visited with a licensed safari operator.
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Professional guides are trained in wildlife behavior
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Park regulations are strictly enforced
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Lodges follow international safety standards
Serengeti National Park – FAQs
What is Serengeti National Park famous for?
The Serengeti National Park is famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the largest wildlife movements on Earth. It is also known for its exceptional population of big cats, vast open plains, and year-round safari experiences. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of classic African wilderness.
Where is Serengeti National Park located?
Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania and borders Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. Together, they form the greater Serengeti–Mara ecosystem. The park is accessible by road from Arusha or by domestic flights from Arusha and Zanzibar.
Is Serengeti National Park worth visiting?
Yes, Serengeti National Park is widely considered one of the best safari destinations in the world. It offers unmatched wildlife density, iconic landscapes, and diverse safari experiences throughout the year. For many travelers, it represents the ultimate African safari.
What animals can be seen in Serengeti National Park?
The Serengeti is home to lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs, leopards, and many antelope species. It also supports over 500 bird species, making it excellent for birdwatching. Wildlife sightings are frequent due to the park’s vast size and healthy ecosystems.
What is the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park?
The Great Migration is a continuous, circular movement of over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across the Serengeti ecosystem. It occurs year-round, with different highlights depending on the season. Famous moments include calving in the south and river crossings in the north.
What is the best time to visit Serengeti National Park?
The Serengeti can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on your interests. June to October offers excellent general wildlife viewing, January to March is ideal for calving season, and July to September is best for river crossings. Each season offers unique safari experiences.
How many days are recommended for Serengeti National Park?
A minimum of three days is recommended to experience Serengeti National Park properly. Five to seven days allows deeper exploration of different regions and wildlife behaviors. Shorter visits are possible with fly-in safaris but limit coverage.
Which part of Serengeti National Park is best?
The best region depends on the season. Central Serengeti is excellent year-round, Ndutu is best from January to March for calving season, and northern Serengeti (Kogatende) is ideal from July to September for river crossings. Choosing the right region greatly improves wildlife sightings.
Can I visit Serengeti National Park from Zanzibar?
Yes, Serengeti National Park can be easily visited from Zanzibar using domestic flights. Fly-in safaris allow travelers to land directly inside the park and start game drives immediately. This is the fastest and most comfortable way to combine beach and safari.
Is Serengeti National Park safe for tourists?
Yes, Serengeti National Park is considered safe when visited with a licensed safari operator. Professional guides are trained in wildlife behavior and safety protocols. Lodges and camps follow strict safety standards to ensure guest security.
What safari activities are available in Serengeti National Park?
The main activity is game driving, which takes place early in the morning and late afternoon. Hot air balloon safaris, photography safaris, and cultural visits outside the park are also available. Activities are designed to minimize impact on wildlife.
What types of accommodation are available in Serengeti National Park?
Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges and tented camps to comfortable mid-range lodges and mobile migration camps. Many properties are located inside the park or in nearby conservation areas. Accommodation choice often depends on budget and season.
Is Serengeti National Park suitable for first-time safari travelers?
Yes, Serengeti National Park is ideal for first-time safari travelers due to its high wildlife density and excellent guiding standards. Animal sightings are frequent, reducing the need for long game drives. The park also offers a wide range of accommodation options.
Do I need a guide to visit Serengeti National Park?
Yes, visiting Serengeti National Park requires a licensed safari guide and vehicle. Guides provide safety, wildlife knowledge, and access to the best game-viewing areas. Self-driving inside the park is not recommended for most travelers.
Why book a Serengeti safari with a local Tanzania operator?
Booking with a local Tanzania operator ensures accurate seasonal advice, better routing, and real-time knowledge of wildlife movements. Local experts also provide transparent pricing and on-ground support. This results in a more authentic and well-planned Serengeti safari experience.