Serengeti National Park
Endless plains, legendary wildlife, and the heartbeat of Africa’s wilderness.
The Serengeti is one of those rare places that actually lives up to the hype — and then somehow goes beyond it. Stretching across northern Tanzania, this world-famous national park is home to sweeping grasslands, classic savannah scenery, and some of the most incredible wildlife encounters anywhere on the planet. Whether you're here for the Great Migration, the big cats, or simply to experience a true African sunrise, the Serengeti delivers every time.
Why the Serengeti Is So Special
The name Serengeti comes from the Maasai word “Siringet,” meaning endless plains. And honestly, you’ll understand the moment you arrive. The landscape stretches as far as your eyes can see, dotted with acacia trees, granite kopjes, and thousands — sometimes millions — of animals on the move.
A few reasons travelers fall in love with the Serengeti:
- The Great Migration: Over 1.5 million wildebeest and countless zebra and gazelle move in a massive yearly cycle. It’s one of the most dramatic wildlife events on Earth.
- Big Cats Everywhere: Lions, leopards, and cheetahs thrive here thanks to the abundance of prey. The Serengeti has one of the highest lion densities in Africa.
- Huge Variety of Wildlife: Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hyenas, hippos, and over 500 bird species — it’s a wildlife photographer’s dream.
- Classic African Scenery: This is the backdrop people imagine when they think “safari.”
The Serengeti Ecosystem
The Serengeti isn’t just a national park — it’s a vast ecosystem spanning nearly 30,000 square kilometers. It connects seamlessly with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Kenya’s Masai Mara, and several protected reserves.
The main regions include:
- Southern Plains (Ndutu) — Wide-open grasslands and the famous calving season (Dec–March).
- Central Serengeti (Seronera) — Year-round wildlife, especially big cats.
- Western Corridor — The lush Grumeti River area with June–July crossings.
- Northern Serengeti — Remote, peaceful, and home to dramatic Mara River crossings (July–October).
Each region offers something unique, making every visit a little different — and incredibly rewarding.

The Great Migration (Season by Season)
One of Earth’s most impressive natural events, the Great Migration follows a predictable rhythm:
- Dec–March — Southern Serengeti: calving season, thousands of newborns, predators everywhere.
- April–May — Herds move north through lush green landscapes.
- June–July — Western Corridor: Grumeti River crossings.
- July–October — Northern Serengeti: Mara River crossings.
- Nov–Dec — Herds return south, completing the cycle.
Even outside migration hotspots, the Serengeti is rich with wildlife all year.
Activities in the Serengeti
There’s more to do than just game drives — though you’ll definitely enjoy plenty of those!
- Game Drives (morning, afternoon, or full-day)
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris at sunrise
- Bush Breakfasts & Sundowners
- Walking Safaris in specially designated areas
- Photography — golden light, wide horizons, and wildlife everywhere
When to Visit
The Serengeti is amazing all year, but the experience shifts with the seasons:
- Best for River Crossings: July–October
- Best for Calving & Predator Action: December–March
- Best Weather: June–October
- Best Value (Green Season): April–May
Accommodation
You’ll find a wide range of accommodation options, such as:
- Comfortable tented camps
- Mid-range safari lodges
- Luxury retreats overlooking the plains
- Exclusive camps in remote northern regions
Most blend beautifully into the surroundings and give you front-row wildlife access.
Practical Information
- Location: Northern Tanzania
- Park Size: 14,750 km²
- Closest Airports: Seronera Airstrip, Kogatende Airstrip, Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Great Combinations: Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara, Zanzibar
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Serengeti is more than checking a destination off your list — it's stepping into a place where nature still feels wild and wonderfully alive. The golden grasslands, the endless plains, the lion silhouettes at sunset… they all come together to create moments you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
If you dream of a true African safari, the Serengeti is where that dream becomes real.