SerengetiNational Park
The Serengeti is home to the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, 300,000 zebra, and hundreds of thousands of gazelle sweep across 30,000…
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Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is home to the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, 300,000 zebra, and hundreds of thousands of gazelle sweep across 30,000 square kilometres of grassland in an endless cycle of birth, life, and death.
Named from the Maasai word 'siringet' meaning endless plains, the Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park, gazetted in 1951. Its ecosystem — spanning 30,000 km² from the Ngorongoro highlands to Kenya's Masai Mara — supports one of the highest concentrations of large predators in Africa: over 3,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, and the continent's largest population of cheetah.
The park divides naturally into four distinct zones. The Southern Plains (Ndutu area) host the calving season from January to March, when over 8,000 wildebeest are born daily. The Central Serengeti around Seronera offers year-round predator action in dense acacia woodland. The Western Corridor follows the Grumeti River where colossal Nile crocodiles ambush crossing herds in June and July. The Northern Serengeti, bordering the Mara River, stages the most dramatic river crossings from August to October.
Beyond the migration, the Serengeti supports over 500 bird species, ancient granite kopjes sheltering lions and klipspringers, and one of Africa's last viable populations of African wild dog. Balloon safaris at dawn offer a perspective found nowhere else on Earth — the sunrise gilding an ocean of grass as far as the eye can see.
June–October for migration river crossings · December–March for calving season
Tropical savanna with distinct wet and dry seasons
TZ, Northern Circuit
Plan Your Visit
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Distinct ecosystems within Serengeti National Park, each with unique wildlife and seasonal patterns.
Wildlife & Activities
Month by Month
The Great Migration follows a year-round cycle. Plan your visit around the spectacle you most want to witness.
Southern plains (Ndutu) — herds gathering for calving season
Southern plains — peak calving, up to 8,000 births per day
Southern to central plains — herds beginning to move
Central Serengeti — herds dispersed across the woodland zone
Central to western Serengeti — herds forming columns moving northwest
Western Corridor — Grumeti River crossings begin
Western to northern Serengeti — herds pushing toward Mara River
Northern Serengeti — Mara River crossings at their peak
Northern Serengeti / Mara — crossings continue, herds spread across border region
Northern to central — herds beginning return south following short rains
Central Serengeti — herds passing through on their way south
Southern plains (Ndutu) — herds arriving for calving season
Exceptional Lodges
Hand-curated properties ranging from intimate tented camps to landmark lodges — chosen for extraordinary service and unrivalled wildlife access.
Safari Tours
Before You Go
Pack layers — mornings and evenings on the Serengeti plains can drop to 13°C, while midday temperatures reach 28°C. A warm fleece and windbreaker are essential for early morning game drives. Bring binoculars (8×42 or 10×42 recommended), a camera with at least 200mm lens, and a dust cover for your gear.
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and a wide-brimmed hat are non-negotiable — the equatorial sun is intense even on overcast days. Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, tan) works best; avoid bright white or dark black which can spook animals.
For the best game viewing, request morning drives departing at 6:00–6:30 AM. Predators are most active at dawn. Afternoon drives from 3:30 PM onward capture the golden hour light and evening hunts.
If visiting during migration season (June–October in the north, January–March in the south), book lodges in the correct zone — the Serengeti is vast and it takes 4–6 hours to drive between the southern plains and the Mara River.
Bring US dollars in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) for tips. A general guideline: $15–20/day for your safari guide, $5–10/day for lodge/camp staff. Credit cards are accepted at some larger lodges but cash is essential at smaller camps.
Drinking water is provided by all lodges and camps. Bring a refillable bottle to stay hydrated during game drives — the dry season dust is dehydrating. Anti-malaria medication is strongly recommended; consult your doctor at least 4 weeks before travel.
Tanzania visa required for most nationalities — available as e-Visa (https://visa.immigration.go.tz) or on arrival at Kilimanjaro/Dar es Salaam airports. Cost: $50 USD (single entry) for most countries, $100 for US citizens.
Serengeti National Park entry fees (2024/2025 season): Adults $70 USD per person per 24 hours, children (5–15) $20 USD. Conservation fee of $30 per vehicle per entry. Fees are payable via TANAPA smart card or pre-arranged through your tour operator.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. COVID-19 vaccination certificate no longer required.
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry. Two blank pages required for visa stamps.
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. The nearest major hospital is in Arusha (8+ hours drive). Flying doctor services (AMREF) operate emergency evacuations from Serengeti airstrips.
Drone use is strictly prohibited inside all Tanzanian national parks without special TANAPA permit.
Through the Lens
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Serengeti National Park: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti?
The Serengeti migration shifts by zone: the Southern Plains and Ndutu area host calving from January to March, the Western Corridor has Grumeti River crossings in June and July, and the Northern Serengeti near the Mara River stages dramatic crossings from August to October. The Central Serengeti around Seronera offers year-round predator action rather than a single migration window.
Which parts of Serengeti National Park should I visit for different wildlife experiences?
The park divides into four distinct zones: the Southern Plains for January to March calving, the Central Serengeti around Seronera for year-round predators in acacia woodland, the Western Corridor for Grumeti River crocodile ambushes in June and July, and the Northern Serengeti for Mara River crossings from August to October. Ecological Wilderness Adventure can tailor an itinerary around the zone and season that match your interests.
Where in the Serengeti can I see lions, leopards, and cheetahs?
The Serengeti supports one of Africa's highest concentrations of large predators, including over 3,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, and the continent's largest cheetah population. The Central Serengeti around Seronera is especially known on this page for year-round predator action in dense acacia woodland, while ancient granite kopjes shelter lions and klipspringers.
Is the Serengeti worth visiting outside the wildebeest migration?
Yes, the Serengeti offers more than the migration, including over 500 bird species, predator-rich acacia woodland around Seronera, granite kopjes, and one of Africa's last viable populations of African wild dog. The Central Serengeti in particular is described as offering year-round predator action.
Can I take a balloon safari over the Serengeti?
Yes, balloon safaris at dawn are available in the Serengeti and offer a unique perspective over the plains as the sunrise lights up an ocean of grass. Ecological Wilderness Adventure can tailor and quote a Serengeti itinerary that includes a balloon safari on request.
How large and how old is Serengeti National Park?
Serengeti National Park covers about 30,000 square kilometres and was gazetted in 1951, making it Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park. Its name comes from the Maasai word siringet, meaning endless plains.
