Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is Tanzania's most famous national park and one of the world's great wildlife destinations. Spanning over 14,763 km² of open savannah, woodland and kopjes, it is best known for the annual Great Migration — the largest movement of land mammals on Earth — when over 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra thunder across the plains in search of fresh grazing.

Wildlife in the Serengeti

The Serengeti hosts one of the densest concentrations of predators in Africa. Lions roam in large prides across the central Seronera Valley; leopards drape themselves over acacia branches; cheetahs sprint across open plains; and spotted hyena and wild dog complete the roster of Africa's apex hunters. Elephant, giraffe, buffalo and hippo are permanent residents. Over 500 bird species have been recorded, making it equally rewarding for birdwatchers.

The Great Migration

Following the rains and the grass, the Migration is a year-round cycle. Between December and March, over a million wildebeest calve on the southern short-grass plains — a magical spectacle with newborns taking their first steps within minutes of birth. By June–July the herds have reached the Western Corridor and the dramatic Grumeti River crossings begin. The iconic Mara River crossings, with crocodile-filled waters and thundering herds, peak from July through October in the north.

Best Time to Visit

The Serengeti rewards visitors year-round, but your ideal timing depends on what you want to see. The dry season (June–October) offers excellent game viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. The green season (November–May) brings the calving, fewer crowds and lower prices. For the famous river crossings, plan for July–October in the Northern Serengeti.