Serengeti National Park

Overview

Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations and a centerpiece of any Tanzania safari. Located in northern Tanzania, the park covers approximately 14,750 square kilometres of vast grasslands, wooded savannah, rocky kopjes and riverine habitats. Its name comes from the Maasai word Siringit, meaning “endless plains,” a fitting description of the enormous landscapes that stretch across the horizon.

The Serengeti National Park is world-famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, when millions of wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, move through the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water. However, the Serengeti is much more than the Migration. It offers outstanding year-round wildlife viewing and is home to large populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos and many other species.

Why Visit Serengeti National Park?

The main reason to visit Serengeti National Park is its extraordinary concentration and diversity of wildlife. The park supports one of the largest remaining populations of wild animals in Africa, making it one of the best places on the continent for a classic Big Five safari.

The vast open plains provide excellent visibility, allowing travelers to observe wildlife from a distance without dense vegetation obstructing the view. Lions are frequently seen resting on the plains or near kopjes, while cheetahs use the open grasslands to hunt. Leopards are more elusive but can sometimes be found resting in the branches of large trees.

The Serengeti is also one of the world’s greatest destinations for wildlife photography. Sunrise over the plains, golden grasslands, dramatic thunderstorms, predators stalking prey and massive herds moving across the horizon create unforgettable photographic opportunities.

The Great Wildebeest Migration

The Great Wildebeest Migration is the Serengeti’s most famous natural spectacle. Around 1.5 million wildebeest, together with large numbers of zebras and gazelles, move through the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems following the availability of fresh grass and water.

The exact location of the herds changes throughout the year, making the timing and location of a safari important. Different areas of the Serengeti offer different Migration experiences depending on the season.

The southern Serengeti and Ndutu region are particularly important around the calving season, while the western and northern areas become important at different stages of the annual cycle. The northern Serengeti and Mara River area are particularly associated with dramatic river-crossing experiences later in the year.

Wildlife Highlights

A Serengeti safari can provide opportunities to see:

• Wildebeest
• Zebras
• Thomson’s gazelles
• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• African elephants
• Buffaloes
• Giraffes
• Hippos
• Hyenas
• Jackals
• Elands
• Impalas
• Crocodiles
• Numerous bird species

Serengeti Landscapes

The beauty of Serengeti National Park comes from its diverse landscapes.

The Seronera Valley is known for its year-round wildlife and is one of the best areas for spotting big cats. Its combination of grassland, riverine vegetation and rocky outcrops provides excellent habitat for lions, leopards and cheetahs.

The Western Corridor features the Grumeti River and surrounding woodland. During parts of the Migration, large herds pass through this region.

The Northern Serengeti offers rolling hills, woodland and river valleys and provides a quieter safari experience. It is also one of the important areas for the Great Migration.

The southern Serengeti is famous for its short-grass plains and seasonal calving grounds, particularly between approximately January and March.

Activities

Visitors to Serengeti National Park can enjoy:

• Morning game drives
• Afternoon game drives
• Full-day game drives
• Great Migration safaris
• Wildlife photography
• Bird watching
• Balloon safaris
• Sundowners
• Bush breakfasts
• Bush dinners
• Cultural experiences
• Guided walking experiences in designated areas

Hot Air Balloon Safari

A Serengeti hot-air balloon safari is one of the most memorable ways to experience the park. Flights typically take place around sunrise, providing spectacular aerial views of the plains and wildlife below. The experience is usually followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.

Best Time to Visit

Serengeti National Park can be visited throughout the year, but the best time depends on the type of experience you want.

January to March: Excellent for the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area, particularly for the wildebeest calving season.

April to May: The green season brings lush landscapes, fewer visitors and excellent photographic conditions, although some areas may experience heavier rainfall.

June to October: One of the most popular periods for general wildlife viewing. The dry conditions make animals easier to locate, while the Migration moves through different parts of the ecosystem.

November to December: Short rains refresh the plains and the herds begin moving toward the southern Serengeti.

The Great Migration is a natural event, so herd locations can change according to rainfall and grazing conditions.

Nearby Attractions & Experiences

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Serengeti can easily be combined with the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Tanzania’s most spectacular wildlife destinations. The two destinations form an excellent northern Tanzania safari combination.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is famous for its elephants, baobab trees and large concentrations of wildlife during the dry season.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara offers beautiful scenery, birdlife, elephants, baboons and diverse habitats.

Olduvai Gorge

Located within the broader northern Tanzania safari circuit, Olduvai Gorge is an important archaeological and paleoanthropological site.

Maasai Cultural Experiences

Visitors can arrange respectful cultural experiences with Maasai communities to learn about traditional lifestyles, crafts and cultural heritage.

How to Get There

Serengeti National Park can be reached by road from Arusha as part of a Northern Tanzania safari itinerary. The journey allows travelers to combine destinations such as Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

For travelers who prefer to save time, scheduled and chartered flights operate from Arusha and other Tanzanian safari destinations to several airstrips within the Serengeti.

Because of the park’s enormous size, choosing the right airstrip and accommodation area is important when planning a safari.

Best For

Serengeti National Park is ideal for:

• Great Migration safaris
• Big Five safaris
• Couples and honeymooners
• Families
• Wildlife enthusiasts
• Photographers
• Birdwatchers
• Luxury safari travelers
• First-time safari visitors
• Adventure travelers
• Travelers combining Serengeti with Ngorongoro

Why Book with Afrikan Accent Adventures?

Booking your Serengeti National Park safari with Afrikan Accent Adventures allows you to experience one of Tanzania’s most famous wildlife destinations through a carefully planned private safari.

We can arrange a private 4×4 safari vehicle, professional safari guide, accommodation, park fees, meals and transfers, creating an itinerary tailored to your travel dates and interests.

We can also combine Serengeti with Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Zanzibar, creating a complete Tanzania safari and beach holiday.

For travelers interested specifically in the Great Wildebeest Migration, we can plan the itinerary around the expected seasonal movement of the herds and select accommodation in the most suitable region.