serengeti National Park

Home of Endless Plains and the Great Migration

Overview

about the park

The Serengeti boasts ultra-luxurious lodges, the Big Five, and the renowned Great Wildebeest Migration.

Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic wildlife conservation areas in the world, is an essential destination on any Tanzanian safari. Spanning 14,763 square kilometers, the park derives its name from the Maasai word for “endless plains.” Visitors can expect close encounters with the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and Cape buffalo) as well as a myriad of other notable and lesser-known species.

Due to the expansive terrain, diverse weather patterns, and migratory behaviors, many of the Serengeti’s animals are perpetually on the move, providing an exhilarating experience for game drives.

The park’s landscape is remarkably diverse, featuring long and short grasslands, open plains in the south, acacia savanna in the central region, and hilly, densely wooded areas in the north. The western corridor is dominated by extensive woodlands and black clay plains, with central mountain ranges. Scattered across the plains are rocky outcrops known as “kopjes,” and several rivers flow through the park, including the Seronera River in the central area, the Grumeti River in the western corridor, and the Mara River in the north. This variety of landscapes ensures a constant sense of wonder.

Why should you visit the serengeti?

The Serengeti is renowned not only for housing the Big Five but also for hosting the Great Wildebeest Migration. This incredible annual event sees millions of wildebeest, accompanied by gazelles and zebras, traversing the plains in search of greener pastures while evading predators along the way. Their epic journey continues southward through the Serengeti, then westward, north into the Maasai Mara, and back to their starting point. Predators closely follow, ready to strike, making this migration an exhilarating spectacle of wildlife encounters.

The Serengeti’s diverse landscape, featuring volcanic grasslands, expansive plains, rocky outcrops, winding rivers, and forests, provides the perfect backdrop for this natural drama. Despite the wilderness, the Serengeti boasts luxurious lodges offering prime viewing spots to admire its stunning wildlife. With a robust predator population and diverse birdlife, there’s always something to witness, especially around rivers and watering holes where animals gather. The water’s edge, home to hippos and crocodiles, is a prime spot for action.

From watching elephants cool off to observing lions and crocodiles vie for food, the Serengeti is a constant hub of activity and excitement.

What activities can you do in Serengeti National Park?

Witnessing the Great Migration

One of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles on Earth, the annual Great Migration involves millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles moving in a circular route between Serengeti and Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing grounds.
The timing varies, but the herds cross the Grumeti and Mara Rivers between June and September, where dramatic predator-prey encounters occur.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

A sunrise hot air balloon ride offers a unique, bird’s-eye view of the Serengeti’s vast plains and the wildlife that roams there.
It’s a serene and breathtaking way to experience the park, followed by a champagne breakfast upon landing.

Game Drives

Game drives are the main attraction in the Serengeti, offering the opportunity to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) and countless other animals such as zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, and wildebeests.
Drives are usually offered in the morning, late afternoon, or even at night for nocturnal species.

Cultural Visits to Maasai Villages

Visiting a Maasai village on the outskirts of the Serengeti provides insight into the local Maasai people’s traditional way of life, their customs, and their connection to the land and wildlife.
You can interact with the Maasai, learn about their daily routines, and witness traditional dances and rituals.

Camping

For a more immersive experience, you can camp within the park’s designated campsites. There are both basic public campsites and more luxurious tented camps, offering close proximity to the sights and sounds of the Serengeti at night.

Bird Watching

Serengeti is home to over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. You can spot species such as the kori bustard, secretary bird, marabou stork, and various birds of prey, as well as colorful migratory birds.

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