Discover Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Endless golden plains, the Great Migration, and Africa's greatest concentration of big cats.
Discover Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Endless golden plains, the Great Migration, and Africa's greatest concentration of big cats.
About the Park

Welcome to Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s most famous safari destination and one of the finest wildlife reserves on earth. Its name comes from the Maasai siringet - “the land that runs forever” - and that is exactly how its short-grass plains feel, stretching unbroken to the horizon under enormous skies.

Spanning roughly 14,750 square kilometres, the Serengeti is the stage for the Great Wildebeest Migration, when over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra move in an endless circle across the ecosystem. It also holds some of Africa’s densest predator populations, so a game drive here can deliver lion, cheetah and leopard in a single day.

Choosing where to safari

The Serengeti is larger than a single game-drive circuit, so where you stay matters. The central Seronera area is a strong all-year choice for varied wildlife and big cats, while northern and western sectors become especially interesting when migratory herds move through. Southern plains are important during the calving period, although rainfall can change the timing. No guide can promise a river crossing or a particular animal sighting. A good itinerary matches the region to your travel month rather than chasing a fixed migration calendar.

Practical travel tips

  • Allow time for unhurried game drives; one rushed night rarely does justice to the park.
  • Choose between a scenic overland safari and a fly-in itinerary according to your available days and budget.
  • Carry binoculars, sun protection and a light layer for early drives; stay on authorised tracks.

Many travellers combine the Serengeti with the Ngorongoro Crater. For the latest visitor regulations and seasonal planning, consult the official TANAPA Serengeti guide.

Common questions

How many nights are worth spending in the Serengeti?

Two or three nights allow more unhurried game drives than a quick overnight, while longer stays help you explore different areas. The best duration depends on your route, season and budget.

Can the Great Migration or a river crossing be guaranteed?

No. Herd movement and river crossings respond to rainfall and other natural conditions. A guide can choose a promising region for your dates, but sightings cannot be promised.

Elephants on the Mkata Floodplain in Mikumi National Park, Tanzania
Best time to visitJune-October for the dry-season game viewing and river crossings; late January-March for the wildebeest calving.

Wildlife Highlights

The Great Migration

Over a million wildebeest and zebra thunder across the plains, trailed by predators.

Big cats

Exceptional lion prides, cheetah on the plains and leopard draped in riverine trees.

The Big Five

Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and (in some areas) rhino all roam the park.

Balloon safaris

Drift over the plains at dawn for a once-in-a-lifetime view of the herds.

Kopjes & rivers

Ancient granite outcrops and the Grumeti and Mara rivers concentrate wildlife.

Getting There & Entry

  • Getting thereA scenic 6 to 8 hour drive from Arusha via Ngorongoro, or a short 1 to 1.5 hour flight to one of the park airstrips.
  • Entry requirementsPassport and Tanzania visa. The Serengeti charges per-person and vehicle fees per 24 hours; fly-in guests connect from Arusha or Kilimanjaro.

Park Fees

  • Serengeti park and vehicle fees depend on visitor category, age, travel dates and the itinerary. We confirm current TANAPA tariffs and itemise applicable fees in your safari quote.
Location

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

We handle every transfer and logistic to get you here as part of your tailor-made safari - just tell us where you want to go.

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