Serengeti National Park
Safari suitability: 10/10
Find your tourThis park has it all and an incredible tourism infrastructure to boot.
What YAS members think
Highlights
- Annual migration of over two million ungulates
- The big five are present here
- Vast, open plains with the ability to get away from crowds and have your own ‘private’ safari.
About Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous parks in Africa and is certainly Tanzania’s most famous and visited park. Established in 1951, it is also Tanzania’s oldest national park. Measuring around 14,763 km² or 5700 miles², it is over six times the size of its contiguous park in Kenya—the Masai Mara. The Serengeti and Masai Mara are very similar in terrain and in the types of wildlife sightings, but off-road driving is severely limited in the Serengeti whereas it is freely allowed in the Masai Mara. By restricting where the safari vehicles can travel, the wildlife of the Serengeti are less accessible to tourist and are able to live in a more wild environment.
Serengeti wildlife
Serengeti is home to the big five and big seven, which are the big five plus cheetah and wild dog. Probably the biggest claim to fame for the Serengeti is its annual migration of herbivores. All year-round over three million herbivores travel throughout the Serengeti, in a clockwise fashion, in search of the most lush and nutritious grasses. While the main stars of the migration are the blue (or white-bearded) wildebeest, of which there are over two million, the annual migration also includes herbivores such as zebras and various species of antelope.
Regions of the Serengeti
The Serengeti is generally divided into four sections:
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Central Serengeti
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Eastern and Southern Serengeti
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Northern Serengeti
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Western Serengeti
Central Serengeti
The central region of the Serengeti is a very fertile area with year-round water supplies. At the heart of the Serengeti is the Seronera Valley, with its lush green grasses and rivers. The year-round water results in resident prides of lions and other predators that do not need to follow the migration as they’ve adequate prey around the water supplies. Almost any safari to the Serengeti will include a few days in the central region as there is always ample wildlife to be seen.
Eastern and Southern Serengeti
The eastern and southern regions are where the short grass plains are, which makes for an excellent viewing locale for cheetahs. The area is more open here and one can see a large number of elephants and, during the migration, prides o f lions.
Northern Serengeti
As one heads north, the land becomes more rolling and is dotted with trees. The migration passes through this area on its way up to Kenya and must cross two rivers in the north: the Grumeti River and the Mara River. Both rivers are home to the Nile crocodile and crossings are a sight to behold. This region is also home to the largest population of elephants.
Western Serengeti
The western corridor is the least visited but has much to offer. The Grumeti River also runs through here and makes for excellent game viewing when the migration passes through. This area tends to be more open than that of the north and central and regions.
When to see the annual wildebeest migration in the Serengeti
| Month | Wildebeest location in the Serengeti |
| January | Central Serengeti, Eastern and Southern Serengeti |
| February | Eastern and Southern Serengeti |
| March | Eastern and Southern Serengeti |
| April | Central Serengeti, Eastern and Southern Serengeti |
| May | Central Serengeti. Western Serengeti |
| June | Central Serengeti. Western Serengeti |
| July | Western Serengeti, Northern Serengeti |
| August | Northern Serengeti |
| September | Northern Serengeti |
| October | Northern Serengeti |
| November | Northern Serengeti, Central Serengeti |
| December | Central Serengeti, Eastern and Southern Serengeti |
The Serengeti is often considered the best wildlife reserve in Africa, and it offers an unparalleled concentration of wildlife.
When is the best time to visit the Serengeti?
The Serengeti is a top safari destination at any time of year. January through early March is when the ungulates of the great migration give birth.
Looking to see baby wildebeest faces? Visit in January or February.
After a cheaper safari? March through May is the long rain season, which has its benefits, including lower lodging prices, less tourists and flowers.
Want that wildebeest river crossing photo? July through October sees the migration in northern Serengeti, where wildebeest must cross the perilous Mara River.
On television nobody even attempts to make the Serengeti look believable; aerial shots of a million wildebeest, a hyena that sounds like Whoopi Goldberg, lions attacking elephants. Meaning endless plains in local Swahili, the Serengeti is a freak of nature. Nowhere else in the world does the grass grow so quickly and abundantly says my guide. Even at the entrance gate it doesn't seem real, three belligerent baboons jumping through our truck window, ransacking our food and stealing my two packs of BBQ Pringles. Once through the gate it begins. Every angle, forever, and ever, ever and ever. Grass. Thousands of zebra eating the grass, seemingly millions of Thompson's gazelle skipping in the grass, herds of wildebeest nervous amongst the grass, and immediately a herd of lions hunting. Four lionesses take carful steps towards potential prey but it seems like a half-hearted chase, these lions look well fed and healthy. While the famous wildebeest migration continues all year, it is most accessible between January and March when they congregate closest to what most people's entry point to the park will be the south east corner. Wildebeest bring predators and I lose count over the number of lion packs we come across, often coming to within touching distance of these great predators. The Serengeti is a long initial drive from Arusha, so once you're there it's worth spending at least two days and nights. The budget camps are primitive, but there is a real thrill associated with sleeping in the same area you've witnessed prowling lions. Under the veil of sunrise we see a leopard on the move, slowly stalking gazelle and dipping its neck with cold precision. Unfortunately safari rangers are on the radio and within moments fifteen trucks have descended on the action and the gazelle sense something isn't right. There seems to be a competition between people on the trucks; who can see the most and most authentic scenes. However, there is a special serenity to the Serengeti. Moving away from the crowded south eastern corner there is less animals but a greater chance to appreciate the sheer beauty of the landscape. I loved stopping in the middle of nowhere and watching the animal world go by; giraffes passing, lone animals getting suspicious, and lions sleeping under a tree. While the Serengeti is extremely expensive, the cost can be justified by the bounty of its landscape. It's not a park where you get quick glimpses or hurried sightings. Nowhere else are predators so abundant, and nothing can compare to the sight of seeing herds numbering thousands. This is a once in a lifetime experience, and even when I look back at my own photos it still doesn't seem real.
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The Serengeti lives up to every bit of the hype! From the moment we entered, we were surrounded by endless plains, dotted with thousands of animals. The highlight was seeing the Great Migration in action—literally thousands of wildebeests and zebras moving as one. Lions, cheetahs, and even a leopard made appearances during our game drives. The sheer scale of the park is overwhelming, but our guide knew just where to go for the best sightings. This place is a must for any wildlife lover!
At Lush Expeditions, we believe that Serengeti National Park is an unparalleled destination that epitomizes the essence of a true African safari. Every journey into the Serengeti feels like stepping into a nature documentary, where the vast savannahs are alive with the movement of wildlife and the beauty of raw, untamed wilderness. The highlight of Serengeti is undoubtedly the Great Migration—a mesmerizing spectacle where over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains, braving predators and rivers to complete one of nature's most remarkable journeys. Witnessing this firsthand, as thousands of animals move in unison, is a privilege we’re always honored to share with our guests. The park's ecosystem supports an incredible diversity of wildlife, and our expeditions focus on delivering the best opportunities for photography and up-close encounters. From the powerful roars of lions to the swift hunt of cheetahs, every moment in the Serengeti offers something extraordinary. For families and adventurous travelers alike, the Serengeti provides the perfect blend of excitement, beauty, and education about wildlife conservation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, the Serengeti will leave you in awe, and we strive to make every safari a lifetime memory. Final Thoughts: Serengeti National Park is not just a destination—it’s a sanctuary of life and nature’s raw power. We invite you to explore it with us, discover its untamed beauty, and capture its spirit through your own eyes and lens.
The Serengeti National Park is incredible. In February we had visited a Serengeti National Park. We are more that surprised to see the beauty of the National Park. The centre of the park was decorated with different kinds of animal species.
My visit to Serengeti National Park was beyond incredible! This park truly embodies the essence of an authentic Tanzania safari. As soon as we entered, we were surrounded by vast, open savannahs teeming with wildlife. The sheer number of animals was astonishing – from large prides of lions and elusive leopards to massive herds of wildebeest and zebras, all part of the legendary Great Migration. The Serengeti is not just about the Big Five; it’s a wildlife haven where you can witness cheetahs chasing their prey, giraffes grazing gracefully, and elephants moving in majestic herds. The landscape itself is breathtaking, with endless horizons, dramatic sunsets, and the occasional acacia tree dotting the plains. What makes Serengeti National Park stand out is the feeling of being in the heart of Africa’s wild beauty, untouched and natural. Every game drive brought something new, and the knowledgeable guides from Dakado Tanzania Safari made the experience even more enriching with their insights into animal behavior and the park’s ecology. If you're planning a Tanzania safari tour, Serengeti is an absolute must-visit. It’s not just a destination, but a life-changing experience!
Serengeti national park is one of the best national park in the world because of the great animal migration which is consist of more than 2000 animals
Visiting Serengeti National Park was nothing short of a dream come true! From the moment we entered the park, we were awestruck by the sheer expanse of the golden savannah, stretching as far as the eye could see. The park truly lives up to its reputation as one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. The wildlife sightings were absolutely incredible. We were fortunate to witness the Great Migration, an awe-inspiring spectacle of thousands of wildebeest and zebras traversing the plains. Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable, pointing out various animals and providing fascinating insights into their behaviors. We saw the Big Five up close—lions lounging under acacia trees, elephants gracefully wandering, and a majestic leopard resting in the branches of a baobab. The accommodations in the park were fantastic, offering a perfect blend of comfort and rustic charm. Waking up to the sounds of the African wilderness, with elephants drinking from a nearby waterhole, is something I’ll never forget. The staff was warm, welcoming, and made sure our every need was met. One of the highlights was the sunrise hot air balloon ride. Floating above the Serengeti at dawn, watching the sun paint the landscape in golden hues, and spotting wildlife from the sky was an experience like no other. Serengeti National Park is a place of unparalleled beauty and wonder. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and adventure. I left with a heart full of memories and a deep appreciation for the natural world. I can’t wait to return!
I would like to thank Lake Zone Climbers and Safaris for their wonderful vacation planning and organization. From beginning to end, my recent vacation to the Serengeti National Park was an incredible adventure.The ideal balance between taking in the opulent lodge amenities and seeing wild creatures in their natural habitat is what really made this experience unforgettable.
Serengeti National Park, a name that evokes images of boundless plains, iconic wildlife, and the rhythm of life in its purest form. My recent visit to this legendary park was nothing short of a mesmerizing adventure, leaving an indelible mark on my soul. From the moment we entered the park, the vastness of the Serengeti unfolded before us like a canvas painted with the colors of nature. Endless stretches of golden grasslands stretched to the horizon, punctuated by rocky outcrops and acacia trees silhouetted against the sky. It was a landscape that seemed to defy description, its beauty transcending words. As we embarked on game drives through the park, we were greeted by an astonishing array of wildlife at every turn. Towering giraffes gracefully moved through the savannah, while herds of elephants roamed leisurely in search of water. Zebras and wildebeests dotted the plains in their thousands, their movements synchronized in the timeless dance of the great migration. But it was the predators of the Serengeti that truly captured my imagination. Lions lounged lazily in the shade of acacia trees, their golden coats blending seamlessly with the surrounding grasslands. Cheetahs prowled the plains with unmatched grace and agility, their sleek forms a testament to nature's perfection. And elusive leopards, masters of stealth, watched from the branches above, their piercing gaze a reminder of the wildness that still thrives in this untamed land. One of the most unforgettable moments of our journey was witnessing a river crossing during the great migration. As thousands of wildebeests and zebras braved the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River, the air was filled with a palpable sense of anticipation and adrenaline. It was a spectacle of nature unlike anything I had ever seen before, a testament to the enduring cycle of life and death in the Serengeti. Throughout our time in the park, our guide's passion for the Serengeti and its wildlife was palpable. Their knowledge and expertise not only enhanced our safari experience but also deepened our appreciation for the delicate balance of this ecosystem. From identifying animal tracks to unraveling the intricacies of predator-prey relationships, every moment spent with our guide was a masterclass in conservation and respect for nature. In conclusion, Serengeti National Park is more than just a destination – it is a sanctuary for the soul, a place where the wild spirit of Africa thrives in all its glory. My journey into the heart of the Serengeti was a transformative experience, one that left me humbled by the beauty and resilience of the natural world. If you have ever dreamed of embarking on a safari adventure, I urge you to make Serengeti National Park your destination – for it is here that the magic of Africa truly comes alive.
An amazing place to see all the Animas of the region in their natural habitat. You can see all of the "big five" within a couple of hours. Serengeti Nation Park is truly an Africa "must see/experience". Often no need for binoculars.
What can be said about the Serengeti that hasn’t already been said? This is simply Africa as you always imagined it. Endless rolling bleached grasslands with scattered flat-topped acacia trees and animals everywhere. This is the Tanzania’ mirror image of Kenya’s Masai Mara and it’s physically much the same but on a much larger scale. Kenya’s Masai Mara is probably my single favourite park in Africa but the only reason it beats the Serengeti is because I know it better. If I had to choose between the two though, then it would simply come down to the time of year. Between roughly late-October and early June the Serengeti is home to over a million wildebeest and thousands of other grazers, but from June to October the majority of those animals head north to the Masai Mara in what’s known as the wildebeest migration. My decision as to which of the two parks would basically come down to where the wildebeest were at the time of my visit.
Driving to the Serengeti from Arusha
Most international flights will arrive at JRO, Kilimanjaro International Airport. As many of the international flights arrive in the evening, many tour operators will have guests spend their first night in Arusha, which is about 45 minutes away. Depending on where in the Serengeti you are headed, the drive will take between four and six hours. The first part of the journey will be on tarmac roads, which allow for faster speeds. The roads then turn to dirt, and become bumpier. Most people who drive to the Serengeti combine the trip with a visit to Ngorongoro Crater since the park is en route.
Domestic flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti
The Serengeti is easily accessible by plane, with domestic flights daily out of Arusha and Dar es Salaam. There are a few air strips in the Serengeti: one in the northern part, one in the western corridor and one in the central area, Seronera.
The following airlines travel to Serengeti National Park
As Salaam Air has grown to be a leading air carrier between the Tanzanian Islands. Our experienced team understands that customer satisfaction is important to the creation of a successful flight operation. Thus, we go above and beyond to satisfy our clients. The airline plies eight routes to promote tourism within and outside the country. We have two fuel-efficient aircraft Cessna 208B Grand Caravan and Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia, which are good for the environment and the safety of our clients.We would like to help you discover more about our Islands here on our website and at every step of your journey Visit website
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Auric Air Services Ltd is Tanzania's preferred corporate and safari airline with a wide network of domestic scheduled services with daily scheduled services to more than 30 destinations and handles approximately 8500 passengers every month. From its bases at Mwanza AirportMwanza, Julius Nyerere International AirportDar-es-salaam and Arusha Airport, Auric Air provides scheduled charter flights to some of the most remote and otherwise inaccessible destinations (parks & game reserves) within Tanzania. Visit website
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Coastal Aviation is an airline operating out of Dar es Salaam - charter flights. Coastal Aviation flying to some 100 strips located in some of the most isolated pockets of the East African Region. The scheduled Coastal network also connects visitors to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda with the world-famous Serengeti, links the emerging tourism destinations of Mozambique with the Southern Tanzania parks of Selous and Ruaha, and unites the tropical island paradises of Pemba, Zanzibar, Mafia and Fanjove Private Iaslandwith the National Parks and towns of the mainland. Our state of the art fleet is composed of 20 aircraft and has been expertly-adapted to the African safari environment, without compromise to safety and comfort. Visit website
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Flightlink is a scheduled airline with Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Air Service License (ASL) granted by Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority & Kenya Civil Aviation Authority to conduct Private & Scheduled Flight under Public Transport category within the region. All the aircraft in our fleet are chosen for their excellent safety records and their ability to perform in even in the most hostile conditions, so landing be it in the bush or on tarmac is not at all taxing. Visit website
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Precision Air is a publicly-listed Tanzanian airline and a leader in providing scheduled flight services to over 10 destinations within and outside Tanzania from its main hub Dar es Salaam. The company operates on the principle that quick, comfortable and reliable service is the best way to serve its customers. Through its customer-focused approach, many have become part of the Precision Air family. Precision Air started with its headquarters in Arusha - the midpoint between the Cape and Cairo, which is the entry point to many of Tanzania's world-renowned landmarks and national parks. The headquarters of Precision Air are now Dar es Salaam, the business complex of the country, which is home to a vast size of traffic travelling within and outside Tanzania. Visit website
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Premium Charter Service is an air charter broker based in Tanzania. We offer our valued clients a truly exclusive flying experience, one that combines luxury with the convenience of flying privately. Our network of domestic and international operators adheres to strict standards of quality. We deliver a superior experience to our clients with a high level of professionalism. Visit website
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Regional air is a recognized leader in the aviation industry in Tanzania, the airline began in 1997 with one pilot and one aircraft. They are affiliated to the long-established Nairobi-based domestic airline, Airkenya. We are based in the northern Tanzanian town of Arusha. Arusha is the starting point of safaris into Northern Tanzania, as the airline also offers charters to these various parks and game reserves. Visit website
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Safari Plus is Tanzanias first, Premium Charter operator in Tanzania positioned to offer unique flying experience while giving our customers flexibility and total control over their travel needs around the country and beyond. The Airline was established in 2009. 1 x Beechcraft King Air 350 with 8 Seats configured in executive club seating. 2 x Beechcraft 1900D with 18 Seats. Head office based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Operating base at Julius Nyerere International Airport. Approved by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority to operate both; Scheduled Air Services and Non-Schedule Air Services (Charter Services). Visit website
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Premier safari airline and charter. Safarilink is Kenya's premier safari airline with a network of connecting domestic scheduled services to all the best safari destinations within Kenya and across the border into northern Tanzania. From it's base at Wilson Airport, Nairobi SafariLink provides daily scheduled flights to Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo West, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Lewa Downs, Samburu, Lamu, Kilimanjaro, Loisaba, Migori and Diani Beach. Additionally it can also provide private charter flights if a client's particular requirement as regards destination or timing cannot be met by the scheduled services. Visit website
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TANZANAIR was formed in 1969 and pioneered aviation throughout Tanzania. Today it continues to live up to its slogan as theComplete Aviation Company. It was founded by Dinos J Samaras who managed the Company until he passed away in April 2010. It is now headed by his son John Samaras who was his deputy since 1983. With 45 years experience, TANZANAIR offers tailor-made air travel to suit the needs of its customers. With a modern fleet of twin and single-engine Cessna and Beechcraft turbine aircraft, TANZANAIRs well-established reputation leads the way in air charter services throughout the region. TANZANAIR operates out of its own purpose-built Passenger Terminal located between Terminal I and II at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. The passenger lounge is adjacent to the two hangars. It is housed within a secure wall enclosed compound with ample parking facilities. Visit website
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ZanAir Limited is a domestic airline based in Zanzibar. Since their inaugural flight in 1992, ZanAir has continued to establish a quality reputation, serving esteemed clientele. ZanAir is an acknowledged expert within Tanzania serving all destinations, including remote unpaved bush locations. Visit website
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Flown by an international team of pilots, Zantas Air has one of the youngest fleets of Cessna Grand Caravans in Tanzania. These are maintained to the highest safety standards and comply with the ICAO, CESSNA, and TCAA directives. We have an exclusive lounge at Arusha airport. Guests can relax in our comfortable lounge while they wait for their flight. Our operations are designed to suit our client's needs with a customized itinerary based on their schedule. Zantas Air works with its sister company, Mbali Mbali Lodges and Camps, to offer shared charter flights. We fly passengers from Northern Tanzania to Western Tanzania twice a week on Monday and Thursdays. Visit website
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