Serengeti National Park
Mara Region

Serengeti National Park

Home to the Great Migration — over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle crossing vast golden plains in one of Earth's most spectacular wildlife events.

Best time: June to October (dry season & river crossings), January to March (calving season)

The Serengeti is Tanzania's crown jewel and one of Africa's most iconic safari destinations. Spanning 14,750 square kilometres of endless savannah, acacia-dotted plains, and kopje-studded grasslands, it supports the highest concentration of large mammals on the planet.

The park's name derives from the Maasai word siringet, meaning "the place where the land runs on forever" — and standing on the Serengeti plains, you understand why. The landscape stretches to every horizon, alive with predator-prey drama that has played out for millennia.

Beyond the Great Migration, the Serengeti delivers year-round exceptional game viewing. The southern plains host massive wildebeest calving from January to March, the central Seronera valley offers permanent big cat sightings, and the northern reaches along the Mara River stage the famous river crossings from July to October.

Whether you choose a luxury tented camp that moves with the Migration or a permanent lodge overlooking the plains, the Serengeti offers a safari experience that is simply unmatched anywhere on Earth.

Wildlife & What You'll See

The Serengeti is home to the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. It boasts Africa's largest lion population (over 3,000) and is one of the best places on Earth to observe cheetah and leopard in the wild.

During the Great Migration, over 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra, and 200,000 Thomson's gazelle make their circular journey through the ecosystem. Resident wildlife includes giraffe, hippo, crocodile, hyena, African wild dog, and over 500 bird species.

How to Get There

The Serengeti is accessed via Seronera Airstrip (a 1-hour flight from Arusha) or by road from Arusha (approximately 8 hours via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area). Charter flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or Zanzibar land at multiple airstrips positioned near popular camps.

Most visitors combine the Serengeti with Ngorongoro Crater as part of a Northern Circuit safari, typically starting from Arusha — Tanzania's safari capital.

Park Fees & Regulations

Park entry fees are $82.60 per adult per 24 hours (non-resident). Children aged 5–15 pay $23.60. Vehicle fees and concession fees apply separately. Your safari operator typically includes all park fees in the package price.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit the Serengeti?
The dry season from June to October offers the best game viewing and coincides with the dramatic Mara River crossings. January to March is excellent for the wildebeest calving season on the southern plains. The Serengeti delivers great wildlife year-round.
How many days do I need in the Serengeti?
We recommend a minimum of 3 nights to experience different areas of the park. For the Great Migration, 4-5 nights allows you to follow the herds and maximise your chances of witnessing a river crossing.
What is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the annual circular movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra, and 200,000 gazelle through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. It is driven by rainfall patterns and is considered the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth.
Is the Serengeti safe for families with children?
Yes. The Serengeti is safe for families and many lodges cater specifically to families with children. Some camps offer junior ranger programmes. We recommend children be at least 5 years old for game drives.
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