Overview

Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world, located in northern Tanzania. Covering an expansive 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 square miles), the park is renowned for its endless plains and extraordinary concentration of wildlife. The Serengeti is perhaps best known for the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, embark on a dramatic journey across the plains in search of water and fresh grazing grounds.

The name “Serengeti” is derived from the Maasai word “Siringet,” which means “the place where the land runs on forever.” This iconic park is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) and hosts one of the highest concentrations of predators on the continent. Serengeti National Park is also part of the larger Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem, which extends into Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

Key Attractions

The Great Migration

The Great Migration is one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelles move in a cyclical journey through the Serengeti and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The migration is driven by the seasonal rains and the availability of fresh grazing land.

• Calving Season (January to March): The migration begins in the southern Serengeti near the Ndutu and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where wildebeest give birth to hundreds of thousands of calves. This season attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, offering exciting predator-prey interactions.
• Grumeti River Crossing (May to June): As the herds move northward, they must cross the Grumeti River, where large numbers of crocodiles await.
• Mara River Crossing (July to September): The most dramatic part of the migration occurs in the northern Serengeti near the Mara River, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras risk their lives crossing the crocodile-infested waters.
• Return to the South (October to December): After spending time in the Maasai Mara, the herds move back south, completing the migration cycle.

Big Five Safaris

The Serengeti is one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five:

• Lions: Serengeti has one of the largest populations of lions in Africa, with over 3,000 individuals. They can often be seen in pride resting in the shade or hunting on the open plains.
• Leopards: Leopards are elusive but can be found in the park, particularly in the Seronera region, which has dense riverine forests where leopards prefer to stay.
• Elephants: Large herds of elephants roam the park, especially in the northern and central Serengeti.
• Buffalos: African buffalos are common throughout the Serengeti, often seen grazing in large herds.
• Rhinoceros: Although rare, black rhinoceroses can be spotted in certain areas, such as the Moru Kopjes region.

Seronera Valley

Located in the heart of the Serengeti, the Seronera Valley is known as one of the park’s prime wildlife viewing areas. This region is famous for year-round sightings of predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as large herbivores like elephants, giraffes, and buffalos. The permanent water sources in the valley ensure that wildlife remains abundant throughout the year.

Moru Kopjes

The Moru Kopjes are granite outcrops that rise from the Serengeti’s plains, providing shelter for wildlife and offering a stunning scenic contrast to the surrounding grasslands. These kopjes are a favorite resting spot for lions, and visitors may also see black rhinos and Maasai rock paintings here.

Grumeti and Mara Rivers

The Grumeti and Mara Rivers are significant features during the Great Migration, where wildebeest and zebras cross the rivers to continue their journey. The river crossings are known for their drama, as crocodiles lie in wait for the migrating herds. The northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, is particularly known for hosting one of the most exciting parts of the migration.

Wildlife in Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is home to a wide range of wildlife species, beyond just the Big Five. The park hosts more than 500 species of birds and over 70 large mammal species. Some of the most common animals include:

• Cheetahs: Known for their speed, cheetahs are often seen hunting on the Serengeti’s open plains.
• Hyenas: Hyenas are common in the Serengeti, where they scavenge and hunt in packs.
• Zebras and Wildebeests: These herbivores are the backbone of the Great Migration and are seen throughout the park.
• Giraffes: Serengeti’s giraffes are commonly spotted grazing on acacia trees across the plains.
• Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelles: These gazelles are frequent prey for predators and are often seen grazing in large herds.

Safari Activities in Serengeti National Park

Game Drives

Game drives are the most popular way to explore the Serengeti. Guided drives offer visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, as well as other species like giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs. Morning and late afternoon drives provide the best chances of seeing predators in action.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

For a unique and unforgettable experience, hot air balloon safaris allow visitors to glide over the Serengeti plains at sunrise. This bird’s-eye view provides a different perspective on the park’s wildlife, and you may witness the Great Migration from the air, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.

Walking Safaris

In certain areas of the Serengeti, walking safaris are available, offering a chance to experience the park on foot. Accompanied by an armed ranger, walking safaris allow visitors to get up close to the smaller creatures and plant life that are often overlooked on game drives while learning about animal tracks and the local ecosystem.

Birdwatching

With over 500 bird species, the Serengeti is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Common birds include the lilac-breasted roller, ostrich, and secretary bird, as well as various species of eagles, vultures, and flamingos. The park’s varied habitats support a diverse range of avian life.

Cultural Visits to Maasai Villages

Many safari tours offer the opportunity to visit a traditional Maasai village located near the Serengeti. These cultural visits provide insight into the Maasai people’s way of life, their connection to the land, and their iconic beadwork and clothing. Visitors can experience Maasai dances, learn about their cattle-herding traditions, and interact with local families.

Best Time to Visit

Serengeti National Park is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see:

• Dry Season (June to October): This is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense, making them easier to spot. The dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration occur during this period, particularly from July to September.
• Wet Season (November to May): The landscape turns lush and green, making it a beautiful time for photography. Calving season (January to March) is ideal for seeing newborn wildebeests and witnessing predator-prey interactions. Birdwatching is also at its peak during the wet season as migratory birds arrive.

Accommodation

Serengeti National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets:

• Luxury Lodges: For those seeking a high-end experience, lodges like Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti and Singita Grumeti Reserve provide luxurious rooms, gourmet dining, and stunning views.
• Tented Camps: Semi-permanent and mobile tented camps such as Serengeti Safari Camp and Serengeti Under Canvas offer an immersive experience, often following the migration to ensure prime wildlife viewing.
• Public Campsites: For budget travelers, there are several public campsites within the park, offering a more basic but authentic experience under the stars.

Getting There

Serengeti National Park is accessible by both air and road:

• By Air: The park has several airstrips, including Seronera Airstrip in the central Serengeti. Daily flights operate from Arusha, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam, making air travel the fastest and most convenient way to reach the park.
• By Road: The Serengeti is about a 6-7 hour drive from Arusha, passing through Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara. Many safari tours include the Serengeti as part of a multi-park itinerary.

Why Visit Serengeti National Park?

• Great Migration: Witness one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles on Earth, as millions of wildebeests and zebras move across the plains.
• Big Five Safaris: The park offers excellent opportunities to spot Africa’s Big Five, particularly lions and leopards.
• Diverse Landscapes: From vast grasslands to riverine forests and granite kopjes, the Serengeti provides a stunning variety of ecosystems.
• Cultural Encounters: Visit nearby Maasai villages to learn about their culture and deep connection to the land.
• Unforgettable Safari Experiences: With a range of activities such as hot air balloon rides, walking safaris, and game drives, Serengeti offers diverse ways to explore its wilderness.

Serengeti National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the very best of African wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable safari adventures.