Serengeti National Park

Northern parks

Serengeti National Park

Region
Northern
Best time to visit
June - October (dry season), February - March (calving)
Key wildlife
Lions, cheetahs, leopards, wildebeest (1M+), zebras (200K+), gazelles, rhinos, elephants, crocodiles, hippos

Serengeti National Park is Africa's most famous park, home to the largest concentration of game on the continent and millions of migrating wildebeest. 'Serengeti' comes from the Maasai language meaning 'endless plains'—and the description fits. With almost 15,000 km² (6,000 sq miles), it is Tanzania's second-largest park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Main attraction: The Great Migration

The annual wildebeest migration of more than a million animals is Serengeti's signature spectacle. Herds thunder across the plains, crossing rivers in search of water and fresh grass. Mega herds stretch up to 40 kilometres long, covering some 1,000 kilometres. It is a dangerous journey—especially at the Mara and Grumeti rivers where crocodiles await. The Great Migration is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

You can witness the migration any time of year, as the animals move in a circle between Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. Exact timing depends on rainfall patterns.

Wildlife in Serengeti National Park

Beyond the migration, Serengeti offers spectacular variety. The plains host more than 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, 225 cheetahs and 3,500 hyenas. It is one of the best places to see the Big Five—rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion and leopard—plus rare species like pangolin, East African oryx and wild dog.

Landscapes range from acacia savannas and grasslands to mountains, lakes and swamps. Each area has its own character.

Activities and experiences

  • Game drives (day and extended)
  • Hot air balloon safari
  • Walking safari
  • Birding

Travel times

  • Arusha to Serengeti: 5 hours
  • Ngorongoro to Serengeti: 2 hours
  • Lake Manyara to Serengeti: 3.5 hours
  • Tarangire to Serengeti: 4 hours
  • Flight Arusha to Serengeti: 1 hour

Ready to experience Serengeti National Park?

Plan Your Safari

Safaris visiting Serengeti National Park

6 Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Zanzibar Holiday
6D / 5NUSD 1,467+

6 Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Zanzibar Holiday

This 6-day safari and beach holiday offers a perfect combination of Tanzania’s remarkable wildlife experiences and the relaxing beauty of Zanzibar Island.

10 Day Perfect Wildlife and Cultural Safari – Luxurious Seekers
10D / 9NUSD 4,476+

10 Day Perfect Wildlife and Cultural Safari – Luxurious Seekers

This 10-day luxury safari with Elevated Tanzania Safaris offers a perfect blend of extraordinary wildlife encounters and authentic cultural experiences across Tanzania’s famous northern safari circuit.

12 Day Winter Escape Safaris and Big Five Premium Safari
12D / 11NUSD 955+

12 Day Winter Escape Safaris and Big Five Premium Safari

This 12-day premium safari with Elevated Tanzania Safaris offers an extraordinary winter escape through Tanzania’s most spectacular wildlife destinations.

8 Day Premium Wildlife Encounter Safari in Tanzania
8D / 8NUSD 3,632+

8 Day Premium Wildlife Encounter Safari in Tanzania

This 8-day premium safari with Elevated Tanzania Safaris offers an immersive journey through Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations, combining diverse landscapes with exceptional game viewing opportunities.

10 Day Ultimate Great Migration Tanzania Safari – Mara River Crossing Experience
10D / 9NUSD 3,331+

10 Day Ultimate Great Migration Tanzania Safari – Mara River Crossing Experience

This 10-day safari with Elevated Tanzania Safaris offers an extraordinary journey through Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations during the spectacular Great Migration season. Designed for travelers seeking a deeper exploration of the Serengeti ecosystem, this safari provides extended time in the most wildlife-rich regions, allowing exceptional opportunities to encounter the Big Five, large predator populations, and vast herds of migrating wildebeest and zebras.

7-Day Super Great Migration Tanzania Safari – River Crossing
7D / 6NUSD 2,377+

7-Day Super Great Migration Tanzania Safari – River Crossing

This 7-day safari with Elevated Tanzania Safaris takes you on an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife landscapes during the peak Great Migration season. From the massive elephant herds of Tarangire to the endless plains of the Serengeti, this safari offers exceptional opportunities to spot the Big Five and majestic big cats.

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