The Serengeti National Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those who love visiting once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list destinations. Spanning over 14,750 square kilometers, this iconic park is known worldwide for its breathtaking cinematic landscapes and incredible wildlife. Home to more than 70 mammal species and over 500 bird species, the Serengeti offers unparalleled encounters with the animal kingdom.
The park is best known for the Great Wildebeest Migration, a spectacular annual event in which millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores journey across the plains in search of greener pastures. This awe-inspiring phenomenon and the Serengeti’s vast savannahs, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests make it one of Earth’s great natural wonders.
Beyond the migration, the Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems support an array of flora and fauna, from towering giraffes and elusive leopards to vibrant birdlife. As one of Africa’s oldest and most significant protected areas, the Serengeti is a haven for wildlife and a testament to the continent’s enduring ecological importance. Whether you’re an avid wildlife photographer or a first-time safari-goer, the Serengeti promises the adventure of a lifetime.
We hope the following guidance inspires you and provides helpful information. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch. Please also check out our range of African Safaris in Tanzania before you go.
Tanzania’s flagship park, the Serengeti, is situated in the country’s northwestern corner, bordering Kenya to the north. This expansive park seamlessly extends across the Kenyan border into the Masai Mara National Reserve, collectively forming the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem. Covering approximately 30,000 square kilometers (12,000 square miles) – about the size of South Carolina – this ecosystem is one of the largest and most protected in the world.
Whether you’re tracking the Great Migration or marveling at the park’s abundant wildlife, the Serengeti promises an unparalleled safari experience! (Browse our Serengeti Safari Itineraries.)
The Serengeti is unquestionably one of the world’s greatest destinations for wildlife lovers. It offers a dizzying array of activities that allow visitors to experience its breathtaking beauty and matchless wildlife. From witnessing the awe-inspiring Great Migration to exploring the park on foot, here are the top things to do in the Serengeti.
Many travelers visit the Serengeti to witness the Great Migration, one of the world’s largest animal migrations. Over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the Serengeti yearly for food and breeding grounds.
The migration cycle is a year-round event, moving from the southern plains during the wet season (December to June) to the northern regions during the dry season (July to November). Witnessing this natural spectacle is an unforgettable experience — there’s no other wildlife spectacle quite like it.
Game drives are the quintessential Serengeti safari activity. Expert guides lead these excursions, helping visitors discover the diverse wildlife, including the iconic Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. Whether in the early morning, late afternoon, or nighttime, game drives offer unparalleled opportunities to see the park’s inhabitants up close.
For a unique perspective, consider a hot air balloon flight. Drifting above the Serengeti at sunrise provides a bird’s eye view of the vast landscapes and the wildlife below. During the Great Migration, the sight of countless wildebeest moving across the plains from above is simply staggering. (Learn about ballooning with Pristine Trails on our East African Safari Activities page.)
Walking safaris offer an intimate way to explore the Serengeti. Guided by knowledgeable rangers, these excursions allow you to appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem, from the flora to the tracks and signs of various animals. Walking safaris provide a unique opportunity to see wildlife on foot and experience the bush in a more personal and immersive way.
Check out East African Safari Activities to discover more activities you can enjoy while on safari in the Serengeti.
The Serengeti is a birder’s paradise, with around 500 bird species recorded in the park. From the colorful lilac-breasted roller to the majestic African fish eagle, the diversity of birdlife is astounding. Bird watching can be enjoyed during game drives, walking safaris, or even from the comfort of your lodge or camp.
Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting a Maasai village. These visits offer insights into the traditional lifestyle and customs of the Maasai people, who have coexisted with wildlife for centuries. Engage with the community, learn about their customs, and witness traditional dances and ceremonies. This is another one of our East African Safari Activities. Explore our selection of safari experiences, and please reach out if you have any questions.
Located in the heart of the Serengeti, the Seronera River Valley is a prime area for wildlife viewing. The river supports lush vegetation year-round, attracting a variety of herbivores such as elephants, giraffes, and gazelles. This abundance of prey also draws numerous predators, making it one of the best places to observe lions, cheetahs, and the elusive leopard.
For photography enthusiasts, the Serengeti offers endless opportunities to capture stunning images of wildlife and landscapes. Specialized photography safaris provide guidance from expert photographers, helping you get the perfect shot while respecting the animals and environment.
The Serengeti is a place where nature’s drama unfolds on a grand scale. Whether you’re in Tanzania to see the Great Migration or simply here to enjoy the revitalizing power of the country’s epic landscapes, the Serengeti promises experiences that cannot be rivaled.
Serengeti National Park is an animal lover’s paradise, home to various animals. The park is renowned for the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes. Visitors can expect to see large pride of lions lounging in the sun, elusive leopards draped over tree branches, and herds of elephants moving across the plains.
Over a million wildebeest, gazelle, and zebra during the Great Migration cross the Serengeti, creating one of nature’s most spectacular displays. Additionally, the park is home to cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, and so much more. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the presence of around 500 bird species, including the red-headed cardinal woodpecker and the formidable martial eagle.
From its grasslands to woodlands and riverbanks, the Serengeti is home to many of the planet’s most striking animals.
The ideal duration for a Serengeti safari is 5-6 days. This allows ample time to explore different park regions, witness diverse wildlife and observe the Great Migration. A longer stay enhances the chances of spotting the Big Five, enjoying varied landscapes and participating in activities like hot air balloon flights and walking safaris. You can even incorporate some downtime at your lodge to enjoy swimming, spa treatments and other amenities, all with the expansive Serengeti plains as your backdrop. Tailoring the length of your stay to your interests ensures a rich and immersive Serengeti adventure.
You can book our Short Guided Wildlife Tour in Tanzania if you’re tight on time. If you’d like to undertake a more extensive tour, our African Splendour Tour might just be your dream vacation!
Serengeti North: Known for the dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration, this region offers stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Serengeti South: Famous for the calving season from December to March, this area is teeming with wildebeest and predators.
Serengeti East: Characterized by remote and less-visited areas, it offers solitude and excellent game viewing, including the Gol Kopjes. Cat populations are especially common here.
Serengeti West: Featuring the Grumeti River, it’s ideal for spotting crocodiles and large hippo pods, especially during the migration season.
Visit our Tanzania Safari Tours page to see where we travel and the wonders you can expect to see on your tour.
You’ll often hear that the best time for a Serengeti safari is during the dry season from late June to October when wildlife is easy to spot, and the Great Migration river crossings occur. However, we believe that Tanzania is a top travel destination year-round. Each season offers its own unique benefits and sightings. Please contact us if you’d like to learn more about when to travel.
The cost of a Serengeti safari varies widely based on the duration, level of luxury, and the season. We offer a range of safaris at various price points, customized to meet any traveler’s needs. Take a look at our Tanzania Safari Tours and find an option that is right for you. Our tours guarantee travelers peace of mind with first-class guides who ensure you travel comfortably, safely, and conveniently.
This concludes our short guide to the Serengeti. We hope this has inspired you to begin planning your future travels! If you have any questions, get in touch.
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