Serengeti National park
Tanzania's Endless Wildlife Frontier
Tanzania's Endless Wildlife Frontier
June–October — High demand, dry conditions and excellent wildlife viewing.
June–October — Strong game viewing with opportunities to experience the migration in different areas.
Great Migration, Big Five, predators and vast open savannah.
Wildebeest, zebras, lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants and diverse plains wildlife.
- Overview
Why Visit Serengeti National park
Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations, famous for its vast grasslands, abundant wildlife and the annual Great Migration.
The park is particularly rewarding for travellers who want extensive game drives, predator encounters and a feeling of being surrounded by wilderness. Unlike a destination built around one wildlife attraction, the Serengeti offers strong resident wildlife throughout the year.
Its enormous scale also means different areas provide different experiences, so choosing the right region and season matters.
- Expert Advice
Don't choose your Serengeti itinerary based only on the migration. Resident wildlife is one of the park's biggest strengths, and the best area to visit depends heavily on your travel dates.
- Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Serengeti National park
June – September
(Peak Season)
Best Overall
December – February
(Dry Season)
Great Option
March – May & October – November (Wet Season)
Budget Friendly
Wildlife Highlights
Lions
The Serengeti supports strong lion-viewing opportunities, with prides frequently encountered across suitable grassland habitats.
Cheetahs
Open plains provide excellent habitat for cheetahs, particularly in areas where visibility is good.
Leopards
Leopards occur throughout the ecosystem but remain elusive and are best found with patient guiding.
Wildebeest
Millions of wildebeest participate in the broader Great Migration ecosystem, moving between grazing areas throughout the year.
Zebras
Zebras travel alongside wildebeest and are also resident across Serengeti habitats.
Elephants
Elephants can be encountered in several areas of the park, particularly around suitable woodland and water habitats.
Giraffes
Giraffes contribute to the Serengeti's diverse large-mammal experience and can be encountered during game drives.
Buffalo
Large buffalo herds form an important part of the Serengeti ecosystem and can be seen during game drives.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN Serengeti National park
Game Drives
Explore the plains in search of predators, herbivores and seasonal wildlife concentrations.
Great Migration Viewing
Follow the migration according to the seasonal location of the herds.
Predator Tracking
Search for lions, cheetahs and elusive leopards.
Sunrise Game Drives
Experience the Serengeti's wildlife and landscapes during the cooler early hours.
Photography Safaris
Open plains and abundant wildlife provide excellent photographic opportunities.
Hot-Air Balloon Safari
Experience the Serengeti from above where licensed balloon operations are available.
Getting There
By Air
Travellers can fly from Arusha or other Tanzanian safari destinations to airstrips serving different Serengeti areas.
By Road
The Serengeti can be reached by safari vehicle from the northern Tanzania safari circuit.
From Ngorongoro
Serengeti and Ngorongoro are commonly combined in the same northern Tanzania itinerary.
From Kenya
The Serengeti can be combined with Kenya's Masai Mara, although border logistics and routing require careful planning.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Serengeti National park
Pros of Visiting Serengeti National park
Things to Consider
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Location
Serengeti National Park is in northern Tanzania and forms part of the wider Serengeti–Mara ecosystem.
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS); major safari properties commonly accept international payment methods.
Accommodation
Options range from permanent lodges to mobile and luxury tented camps across different Serengeti areas.
Mobile & Internet
Connectivity varies by location and can be limited in remote parts of the park.
Getting Around
Game viewing is primarily conducted by safari vehicle with a professional guide.
SAFETY & HEALTH
Wildlife Safety
Stay inside the safari vehicle unless your guide confirms that leaving it is safe.
Remote Wilderness
Long distances and limited services make professional guiding and good trip planning important.
Malaria
Discuss appropriate malaria prevention with a qualified travel-health professional before travelling.
Yellow Fever
Requirements depend on your travel history and countries visited before entering Tanzania.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is recommended for safari activities, medical emergencies and unexpected travel disruptions.