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Serengeti National Park

Northern Tanzania · Home of the Great Migration

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Location

Northern Tanzania

Best Season

July – October

Ideal For

Great Migration & Big Five

From Arusha

~4–5 hrs by road

Widely acclaimed as a top safari destination in Africa, Serengeti National Park presents an unforgettable encounter with nature. Its endless landscapes are home to the legendary Big Five, complemented by diverse wildlife such as towering giraffes, river-dwelling hippos, and stealthy crocodiles.

The Serengeti is also the stage for the awe-inspiring Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras move across the landscape in a dramatic, ever-changing journey. With more than 70 species of large mammals and over 500 species of birds, every moment here feels vibrant and full of discovery — making it an essential destination for anyone seeking the true spirit of the wild.

Covering about 1.5 million hectares, the park lies east of Lake Victoria and close to the border with Kenya. To the north, Serengeti borders the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, while to the east it is linked with the renowned Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The greater Serengeti ecosystem shapes one of the most remarkable wildlife landscapes on Earth.

Kenya or Tanzania — Which Hosts the Serengeti?

The answer is clear: the Serengeti is located in northern Tanzania. Covering about 1.5 million hectares, the park lies east of Lake Victoria and close to the border with Kenya. Although often associated with both countries, the Serengeti itself is entirely within Tanzania, forming part of a larger ecosystem that extends into Kenya's Maasai Mara.

Beyond its official boundaries, the greater Serengeti ecosystem extends much further, shaped by the vast movement of wildlife during the Great Migration. This natural phenomenon defines the region, as millions of animals traverse the landscape in a continuous cycle across Tanzania and Kenya, creating one of the most remarkable ecosystems on Earth.

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What Makes Serengeti National Park Truly Unique

The Great Wildebeest Migration

Envision the spectacle of millions of animals traversing the expansive plains of East Africa — a breathtaking phenomenon unparalleled on Earth. This is the Great Wildebeest Migration, the largest terrestrial animal movement on the planet. Approximately two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in a continuous cycle.

The Great Migration occurs within the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in East Africa, recognized as the oldest and last of its kind on the planet. Spanning northern Tanzania to southern Kenya, it includes the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Maasai Mara Reserve. The majority of the Great Wildebeest Migration takes place within Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

The Great Migration Cycle

January – March

Southern Plains & Calving Season

Ungulate herds move to the southern Serengeti plains near the Ngorongoro border, where lush grasses trigger the calving season. Around 400,000 calves are born within a two-month period, immediately attracting predators including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

April – May

Moving Northwest

The wildebeest undertake a vast migration northwest toward the central Serengeti, traversing dozens of miles. Their objective is the Western Corridor, where they encounter their first major challenge — the crocodile-infested Grumeti River.

June – July

Grumeti & Mara River Crossings

Huge herds gather along the Grumeti River before making perilous crossings. The herds then move north toward the Mara River — the most dramatic and dangerous segment. Thousands of animals face the river's powerful currents, crocodiles, and predators in one of nature's most spectacular events.

August – October

Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara

After crossing the Mara, portions of the herds stay in northern Serengeti while others venture into Kenya's Masai Mara. As October progresses, the animals shift east and begin their return south, crossing the Mara River again for their journey back.

November – December

Return to Tanzania

Following the short rains, the great herds return to Tanzania along the eastern boundary of the Serengeti, moving toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As the year closes, the plains teem with wildlife and the remarkable cycle is poised to begin again.

Key Experiences in the Serengeti

Birdwatching

Serengeti's extraordinary bird diversity rewards visitors at every turn. From large raptors like eagles and vultures to colourful starlings and bee-eaters, the park offers excellent opportunities for both casual visitors and dedicated bird enthusiasts across all habitats and seasons.

Bush Meals & Bush Breakfasts

Within the breathtaking expanse of the Serengeti, bush meals and breakfasts offer an unparalleled dining experience in the heart of the savanna. Freshly prepared meals al fresco, surrounded by open plains and the natural world, create a tranquil and deeply connecting encounter with the African wilderness.

Hot Air Balloon Safari

A hot air balloon safari stands as one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Serengeti. As dawn paints the sky, visitors are gently lifted above the plains in a serene aerial journey. Magnificent herds of wildebeest, zebras, and wildlife appear below bathed in golden morning light — a truly awe-inspiring perspective.

Game Drive

The quintessential Serengeti activity — exploring diverse ecosystems via 4x4 vehicle for close-up encounters with lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. Far more than a tour, a game drive is an immersive adventure into the heart of the African wilderness across some of the planet's most spectacular landscapes.

Night Safari Drive

Night safaris reveal a world of nocturnal activity hidden during the day. Elusive hyenas, curious genets, playful bush babies, and other rarely-seen species emerge in the darkness. These after-dark expeditions offer a completely different perspective on the Serengeti's intricate ecosystem — the wilderness in a whole new light.