Mara and Simiyu regions, northern Tanzania · Tanzania
Endless golden plains, the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth and some of the best lion and leopard viewing in Africa.
Photo: Eric Kilby · CC BY-SA 2.0
The Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest and most famous national park, a World Heritage Site covering a vast ecosystem of open grassland, kopjes (rocky outcrops), riverine forest and woodland. The name comes from the Maasai word for "endless plains", and standing on them at dawn it is easy to see why.
The park is best known for the Great Migration, in which around 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, travel in a loop through the ecosystem in search of fresh grass. Calving takes place on the southern plains in January to March, the herds head north through the western corridor and the centre, and the dramatic Mara River crossings in the north usually happen between July and October. Even outside the migration the park holds one of the densest populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs and elephants in Africa.
Safaris here are done in 4x4 vehicles with pop-up roofs, with game drives at dawn and late afternoon. Seronera in the centre is the most reliable base year-round, while the northern Kogatende area and the western corridor follow the herds. Budget time and money for a stay of at least three to four nights, since distances are long and the best viewing is early and late in the day.
Why visit
The Serengeti offers wildlife viewing on a scale few places can match.
One of the largest animal movements on Earth.
Lions, leopards and cheetahs are easy to find.
Open horizons and huge skies.
Float over the plains at sunrise.
From mobile tented camps to luxury lodges.
Main attractions
The park is divided into regions, and where you go depends on the season.
The central hub, with permanent water and the best year-round predator viewing, especially leopards in the riverine trees.
Tip Go out before breakfast, when cats are still active.
Calving grounds of the wildebeest, from about January to March, with predators on the hunt.
Tip Book early, since camps are small and in demand.
Crocodile-filled river crossings in May to July as the herds move north.
Tip Crossing timing varies from year to year.
Dramatic river crossings, usually July to October, in the far north.
Tip Allow several nights and patience for the crossing.
Granite outcrops with rock paintings and Maasai history, and rare black rhino.
Tip Combine with a picnic lunch.
A pool packed with hippos, a short walk from the vehicle with a ranger.
Tip Keep a safe distance.
Things to do
Safari days are built around early starts and long drives.
Leave camp before dawn when predators are active.
Tip Pack a layer, since mornings are cold.
A silent flight over the plains, followed by a bush breakfast.
Tip Book ahead, as flights can be cancelled in bad weather.
In the north, wait at the Mara River for the herds to cross.
Tip Bring patience and a packed lunch.
With an armed ranger in permitted areas.
Tip Wear neutral colours.
Learn about pastoral life and buy crafts.
Tip Choose a community-run visit.
Lions rest on granite outcrops at midday.
Tip Use a bean bag for steady shots.
Local food
Food on safari is usually prepared by the camp or lodge.
Maize porridge served with beef or beans.
Where to try it Lodges and local eateries in Arusha.
Grilled meat, popular across Tanzania.
Where to try it Roadside stops on the way.
Flat bread served with most meals.
Where to try it Camps and market stalls.
Light fried dough, ideal with tea.
Where to try it Breakfast tables.
A cooked breakfast on the plains.
Where to try it Balloon safari operators.
Accommodation
Where you stay shapes your safari, from tented camps to lodges.
Transport
Most visitors fly to the park or drive from Arusha.
You will use a safari vehicle, almost always with a driver-guide.
When to go
The dry season from June to October is the classic time for river crossings and easier game viewing.
Calving season on the southern plains, with predators and green grass.
Dry weather, migration in the north and top wildlife viewing.
Long rains, lower prices and fewer vehicles.
Short rains, herds moving south and lush landscapes.
Worth planning around: April and May, when rains can make roads difficult.
Itinerary
A short safari built around the central plains.
Settling in
Cats and kopjes
Sunrise from above
Following the herds
Travel tips
A few tips make safari life easier.
FAQ
At least three to four nights.
It moves through the year, with river crossings usually in the north from July to October.
Yes, but a driver-guide greatly improves sightings.
Yes, with guides and common-sense rules.
For many, it is a highlight, though pricey.
Daily fees are high for non-residents and are included in packages.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Serengeti National Park, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha Region, Tanzania
A UNESCO World Heritage caldera 600 metres deep and 20 kilometres wide, with dense wildlife, flamingo lakes and Maasai communities on the rim.
Don't miss Descending into the crater at dawn and finding a black rhino in the mist.
Explore Destination — Ngorongoro CraterManyara Region, northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Two compact parks on the northern circuit, famous for dry-season elephants, baobab landscapes, birdlife and the Rift Valley escarpment.
Don't miss Watching elephant herds feed beneath ancient baobab trees in the dry season.
Explore Destination — Tarangire and Lake ManyaraArusha Region, northern Tanzania, Tanzania
A bustling gateway city with markets, cafes and museums, plus Arusha National Park, Mount Meru treks and Lake Duluti.
Don't miss Walking among giraffes with a ranger in Arusha National Park, with Kilimanjaro on the horizon.
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