Serengeti National Park - Facts & Guide

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About 2 million ungulates, 4000 lions, 1000 leopards, 550 cheetahs, and 500 bird species claim the plains of Serengeti National Park as home. As such, there is no doubt that countless wildlife movies have been recorded in this 15,000-square-kilometer area. In this guide, therefore, we have shared some important tips to help you plan an unforgettable experience in Serengeti National Park.

Serengeti National Park at a Glance
Animals in Serengeti National Park
Things to do in Serengeti National Park
When is the best time to visit Serengeti?
How can I get to Serengeti?
Where can I stay in Serengeti?

Serengeti National Park at a Glance

Serengeti National Park sprawls over an area of approximately 30,000 km² (12,000 sq mi) in north-central Tanzania overlooking the Kenya border. It is one of the largest and most popular protected areas and sits northwest of the adjoining Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s oldest wildlife reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, best known for its impressive array of wildlife including huge herds of plains game (wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras) and classic African scenery. It hosts one of the world’s epic animal migrations, a.k.a., the wildebeest migration which helps secure it as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and one of the ten natural wonders of the world.

In 1929, the central Serengeti became a fully-fledged game reserve, a move made in recognition of the need to preserve the special area making it possibly the first safari park in existence. In 1951, the reserve, including the Ngorongoro Crater, became Tanganyika’s first national park, with further alterations made in 1959 resulting in the park boundaries in existence today.

Animals in Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park hosts up to 2 million wildebeests, 900,000 Thomson’s gazelles, and 300,000 zebras as the dominant herds. Others include sizable populations of elands, topis, buffalos, giraffes, warthogs, waterbucks, elephants, black rhinoceroses, hartebeests, hippopotamuses, and 10 species of primates.

Where there are plains game aplenty, major predators abound and are sure to follow, among which are lions, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, and wild dogs. Serengeti is popular for its large lion population and is one of the best places to observe prowling prides in their natural habitat.

The park hosts over 500 bird species, both resident and migratory (perennially or seasonally), of which five are native and restricted to Tanzania. Serengeti National Park boasts the highest population of ostriches in Tanzania and perhaps all of Africa, with the population being significant on a global scale.

Things to do in Serengeti National Park

From the wildebeest migration to incredible year-round game viewing, here are some of our favourite reasons to go on a safari in Serengeti National Park.

1. Witness the annual wildebeest migration

The Serengeti boasts one of the last mass terrestrial animal movements left on the planet popularly known as the wildebeest migration. It is a one-stop safari park where travelers can watch large herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles of biblical proportions move across the vast plains in search of fresh grazing. It’s undoubtedly one of Mother Nature’s most remarkable displays!

Each year around the same time, large herds undergo challenges and hardships as they move from region to region. They face constant attack from Africa’s restless predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, and the notoriously huge crocodiles lurk in the rivers they must cross.

Mobile camps move regularly to stay as close to the herds as possible.
Some accommodations have easy access to river crossing points.
The calving season from February to March delivers plenty of bittersweet predator action.

2. Excellent year-round game viewing

The density of wildlife in the Serengeti provides a spectacular safari experience for travelers no matter what time of year they visit. Some proportion of the wildebeest, zebra, and antelope are periodically on the move for fresh grazing, although not all do, and none of the predators move with the herds either.

This offers travelers the opportunity to explore the plains and tourist circuits on game drives and walking safaris. The open plains, wide grasslands, and temperate climate throughout the year provide a conducive environment to spot animals. Bird watching in the Serengeti is equally incredibly rewarding, as the park boasts a varied range of over 540 bird species, both endemic and migratory.

The peak season of July to October delivers unbeatable game viewing; the Serengeti is one of the best places to sight lions in their habitat.
The low or green season from November to March is much quieter and calmer, promising fresh possibilities and offering you much more space and time to absorb the beauty of the rain-replenished landscape.
The dramatic Migration River crossing scenes run from about May to August.

3. Cultural encounter

Meet the Maasai people, who are best known by travelers for their residence near the many wildlife parks and distinctive customs and dress. Visiting the Maasai allows travelers to learn, interact and experience another culture away from their own.

Visit local villages to experience traditional Maasai culture.

4. A Safari for every traveller

The Serengeti is a bucket-list safari destination that many first-time visitors to East Africa would love to tick off. The density of wildlife and extraordinary accommodations also make it a perfect destination for those who’ve been to Africa multiple times before. The intimate safari camps deliver incredible honeymoon vacations, while family-friendly lodges offer fun and age-appropriate safari amenities for kids.

Those with special dietary requirements are well catered for and accommodated, as more lodges are now offering vegetarian and vegan meals, leaving no one behind. Many camps are also venturing into other safari activities not done in the traditional way, such as mountain biking, horseback riding, and even archery.

Romantic and private camps for honeymooners and special occasions have emerged.
Family-friendly lodges with entertaining kids’ activities
A varied range of safari activities like mobile camping, nature walks, mountain biking, and horseback riding are there to be experienced.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy an impressive array of animals.

5. Experience a hot-air balloon safari

Experience an unsurpassable hot-air balloon safari on the best flight paths, allowing you to peek down into the forests, float past vultures’ nests, and observe the early-morning routines of boisterous hippos as you float through the air. After landing on the champagne – coloured plains, you’ll be served a delicious bush breakfast.

Experience the best views of the Serengeti’s breath-taking landscape vistas and even sight wildlife above.
Watch the sunrise unfurl across the ‘boundless’ plains.
Enjoy a champagne bush breakfast after landing.

When is the best time to visit Serengeti?

Best time to visit Serengeti National Park is in the dry season of June to October and January to early March. The dry months offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and this is the best timing for the wildebeest migration. Wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes to quench their thirst because of the heat and this is the best time to see them uninterruptedly.

The months of November through April offer excellent bird-watching opportunities in the Serengeti. At this time of year, European and North African migratory birds are present, and it is the nesting time for resident species. This makes it easy to see birds in their breeding plumage.

Other than timings for specific experiences, the Serengeti offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year, so travelers will have a spectacular safari experience all year round even beyond the drier months of June to October.

Note: While malaria is common in Africa, the Serengeti is no different. You should take considerable measures to protect yourself. It’s a good idea to cover exposed skin in the evening. Several vaccinations are advisable when traveling to Tanzania; seek advice from your local healthcare professional.

How can I get to Serengeti?

You can access the Serengeti through Arusha Airport, which is located just outside the town of Arusha. That means you’ll have to get there via Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is about 50 kilometres (31 miles) away. You will touch down at one of the dotted airstrips around the park accessible from Masai Mara, Lake Manyara, Arusha, or Kilimanjaro.

Note: International flights often arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport late at night, so an overnight stay in Arusha is usually necessary before setting out the following morning by charter/scheduled flight into the Serengeti.

Most safari destinations in Tanzania have extensive road networks, and closed vehicles are therefore the norm when doing long-distance road transfers between airstrips, camps, and lodges. A closed 4×4 safari vehicle generally has three seating rows and features a pop-up roof hatch that can be raised for clear game viewing and photography.

Where can I stay in Serengeti?

A variety of facilities are provided for accommodation here. There are camping grounds for Hostels, bandas, and Rest houses at the lower end. They are named Special Campsites (seasonal and owned by tour operators) and Public Campsites. Even the most basic of these 150 campsites have restrooms, kitchens, and dining areas.

Meanwhile, there are luxury lodges, tented camps, and mobile camps on the other end of the scale. The lodges are well-established resort style, some with over 80 rooms and every possible amenity. The tented camps are equally luxurious but are styled in a more traditional manner to offer guests a more authentic experience.

Below is our selection of top accommodations in the Serengeti.

Mobile camps ranging from rustic to luxurious are literally packed up and reset every day as the traveler follows the Migration’s movements.
Family-friendly properties or groups traveling together
Superb luxury lodges that are tucked away for the most romantic safari honeymoon experience.