The Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania, covering around 14,750 square kilometers (5,700 sq mi). It is part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem, which extends into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
The name “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai word “Siringet”, meaning “the endless plains.”
The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is world-renowned for its incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and the Great Migration, often called the “greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth.”
Serengeti is home to one of the largest concentrations of wildlife on the planet.
Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino (although rhinos are very rare here, mostly in protected areas).
Predators: The park has one of the highest numbers of lions in Africa (over 3,000 lions). You’ll also find cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackals, and wild dogs.
Herbivores: Large herds of zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, gazelles, impalas, topis, elands, hartebeests, and hippos.
Birds: Over 500 bird species, including ostriches, secretary birds, crowned cranes, marabou storks, vultures, and kori bustards.
The Serengeti is most famous for the annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles.
This migration is a circular journey of survival across the Serengeti and Masai Mara, following the rains and green pastures.
Key moments:
December–March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti near Ndutu; thousands of calves are born daily.
April–June: Herds move through central Serengeti, heading north.
July–August: The famous Mara River crossing—an iconic, dramatic event where wildebeest and zebras cross crocodile-filled rivers.
September–October: Herds spread across northern Serengeti and Masai Mara.
November: They return south as rains arrive again.
This migration is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
The Serengeti is a diverse landscape, featuring:
Endless grasslands (plains) in the south.
Woodlands and savannahs in central areas.
River valleys and acacia trees in the west.
Hills and kopjes (rocky outcrops) in the north.
This variety of habitats supports its abundant wildlife and makes it visually stunning.
Southern Serengeti (Ndutu & Seronera): Wide plains, calving season for wildebeest, and big predator activity.
Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley): Known for year-round wildlife, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Western Corridor: Features the Grumeti River and dramatic wildebeest crossings.
Northern Serengeti: Less crowded, great for Mara River crossings and a quieter safari experience.
Visitors to Serengeti can enjoy:
Game drives (morning, afternoon, or full day).
Hot air balloon safaris (spectacular sunrise views over the plains).
Walking safaris with experienced guides.
Cultural tours with Maasai communities.
Photographic safaris—Serengeti is a paradise for photographers.
Options range from budget camping to luxury lodges and tented camps, often with breathtaking views of wildlife. Examples include:
Public campsites for budget travelers.
Mid-range tented camps and lodges.
Luxury lodges like Four Seasons Safari Lodge or Singita properties.
December–March: Calving season in the south.
June–October: Best for river crossings and predator action.
Year-round: The Serengeti always has wildlife, but the type of experience depends on the season.
In short: The Serengeti is not just a park—it’s a living theater of nature, showcasing raw wildlife drama, breathtaking beauty, and unforgettable safari experiences.
Serengeti National Park is in northern Tanzania, about 335 km from Arusha. It’s part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem and borders Kenya’s Masai Mara to the north.
The Serengeti is world-renowned for the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains each year. It’s also home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and offers some of the best safari experiences in Africa.
The Serengeti can be visited year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons:
Dec–Mar: Calving season in the southern Serengeti (great for predators).
Jun–Aug: Dramatic river crossings in the western and northern Serengeti.
Sep–Nov: Herds spread across northern Serengeti and Masai Mara.
By road: From Arusha or Moshi (approx. 7–8 hours).
By air: Daily flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar to Serengeti airstrips such as Seronera, Ndutu, or Kogatende.
You can see a wide range of wildlife, including:
Predators: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas.
Herbivores: Wildebeest, zebras, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, antelopes.
Birds: Over 500 species, including ostriches, eagles, and vultures.
Rare sightings include rhinos and African wild dogs.
At least 3–4 days are recommended to explore different parts of the park. A longer safari (5–7 days) allows you to witness more wildlife behavior and different landscapes.
Game drives (morning, afternoon, or full-day).
Hot air balloon safaris (incredible aerial views at sunrise).
Walking safaris (with armed rangers).
Cultural visits with Maasai communities.
There are options for every budget:
Budget: Public campsites.
Mid-range: Tented camps and lodges.
Luxury: World-class safari lodges and exclusive camps.
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