Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is best known for its vast plains, abundant wildlife, and the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration. The park covers approximately 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 square miles), stretching north to Kenya’s Maasai Mara and west to Lake Victoria.

Serengeti holds the highest concentration of large mammals on Earth, hosting over 2,500 lions, the largest population found anywhere in the world. It is also home to leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and countless wildebeest that define the park’s identity. With more than 518 bird species, including seasonal migrants from Eurasia between October and April, Serengeti remains a paradise for both wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Wildlife in Serengeti

Serengeti’s ecosystem supports one of the richest wildlife spectacles in Africa. Massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles roam its plains, followed closely by predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs. Elephants wander across river valleys, while giraffes feed gracefully among acacia trees. The park is also home to elusive leopards, black rhinos, and hippos basking in shallow pools. Over 500 bird species add color and song to the savannah — from lilac-breasted rollers to secretary birds patrolling the grasslands.

➡️ Learn more on Wildlife at Serengeti

Tourism Activities to Do in Serengeti

A Serengeti safari offers endless opportunities to explore. Morning and evening game drives let you witness predators on the hunt and herbivores on the move. Balloon safaris give a breathtaking aerial view of the plains and migrating herds at sunrise. You can also enjoy walking safaris guided by armed rangers or visit nearby Maasai villages for a glimpse into Tanzania’s traditional culture. Every activity reveals a new side of the wild.

➡️ Discover more on What to Do at Serengeti

Accessing Serengeti – How to Get There

Serengeti National Park is easily reached from Arusha, the main safari hub in northern Tanzania. Travelers can access the park by road or air, depending on their schedule and preference. Daily flights operate to airstrips such as Seronera, Kogatende, Grumeti, and Ndutu, connecting directly from Arusha, Zanzibar, or Dar es Salaam. Overland safaris take you through scenic routes, passing the Ngorongoro Highlands and local Maasai villages before entering the wild plains of Serengeti.

➡️ See details on Accessing Serengeti

Best Time to Visit Serengeti

Serengeti offers incredible wildlife viewing throughout the year, with each season revealing a different story. From December to March, the southern plains turn into a birthing ground during the calving season. Between June and October, the dry season brings the famous river crossings in the west and north. The short rains from November to December refresh the landscape, while birdwatching peaks between October and April with the arrival of migratory species.

➡️ Plan your trip with our Best Time to Visit Serengeti

Serengeti Safari Tour Packages

There are several safari options available in Serengeti, each designed to suit different travel styles and budgets. From private trips to shared group safaris, travelers can choose how they wish to explore the park’s vast landscapes and wildlife.

Budget Serengeti Safari Tours

Budget Serengeti safaris are designed for travelers who want to experience the magic of Africa without stretching their wallets. These tours use comfortable yet simple lodges or public campsites, shared transport, and expert guides. You’ll still enjoy thrilling game drives across the endless plains, witnessing lions, elephants, and wildebeests up close — all at an affordable rate. ➡️ Explore Budget Serengeti Safaris

Mid-Range Serengeti Safaris

Mid-range Serengeti safaris offer a perfect balance between comfort and adventure. Travelers stay in cozy tented camps or lodges with private facilities, enjoying freshly prepared meals after a day of game viewing. This option is ideal for couples and families looking for a well-organized safari with great value and intimate wildlife encounters. ➡️ Learn more about Mid-Range Safaris

Luxury Serengeti Safari Packages

Luxury Serengeti safaris take the experience to the next level, combining elegance with wild adventure. Guests stay in high-end lodges and exclusive tented camps overlooking prime wildlife areas. Expect private guides, gourmet dining, and personalized service while exploring the park’s most scenic regions — the ultimate blend of comfort and wilderness. ➡️ Discover Luxury Serengeti Packages

Camping Safaris in Serengeti

Camping safaris in Serengeti bring you closer to nature’s heartbeat. You’ll sleep under the African stars, surrounded by the sounds of roaring lions and distant hyenas. Guided by experienced rangers, these safaris deliver a raw, authentic experience of the Serengeti, perfect for adventurous spirits seeking an unforgettable connection with the wild. ➡️ Check out Camping Safari Options

Group Joining Serengeti Safaris

Group joining Serengeti safaris are ideal for solo travelers or small groups eager to share the adventure. You’ll join like-minded explorers in a shared vehicle, splitting costs while enjoying guided drives across the park. It’s a sociable, budget-friendly way to experience Serengeti’s iconic wildlife and meet new friends along the way. ➡️ See Group Safari Details

Private Serengeti Safari Packages

Private Serengeti safaris offer exclusivity and flexibility. You’ll travel with your own professional guide and vehicle, choosing when and where to explore. Whether it’s tracking the Great Migration or photographing predators in the golden light, this safari style ensures a personalized experience tailored to your interests. ➡️ Explore Private Safari Options

Serengeti Safari Packages from Zanzibar

Serengeti safari packages from Zanzibar combine the serenity of the coast with the excitement of the savannah. After relaxing on white sandy beaches, you’ll fly directly to the Serengeti for an unforgettable wildlife adventure. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Tanzania’s best — from turquoise seas to the thrilling roar of lions. ➡️ View Zanzibar Safari Packages

Each package offers a unique experience, from immersive game drives to peaceful sunsets on the savannah.

➡️ Explore Serengeti Safari Tour Packages

Accommodations in Serengeti

Serengeti offers a variety of accommodations, from luxurious lodges to simple campsites, so every visitor can enjoy the wild in comfort. Many are strategically located along migration routes or near the park’s prime game-viewing areas, ensuring spectacular wildlife encounters. ➡️ Explore Serengeti Accommodations

Luxury Lodges and Camps

Serengeti luxury lodges and camps provide elegant stays with gourmet dining and panoramic views of the endless plains. Guests enjoy private amenities and prime locations near wildlife hotspots such as the Seronera and Northern regions. ➡️ Discover Serengeti Luxury Lodges

Mid-Range Lodges

Serengeti mid-range lodges offer a perfect balance of comfort and affordability. Visitors stay in cozy tents or lodges with essential amenities, often positioned near popular game drives to experience Serengeti’s abundant wildlife. ➡️ See Serengeti Mid-Range Lodges

Budget Accommodations

Budget accommodations in Serengeti are ideal for backpackers and adventure seekers who want to experience the park up close. These stays provide simple comforts and proximity to key wildlife areas, keeping the Serengeti experience authentic and accessible. ➡️ View Serengeti Budget Stays

Campsite Accommodations

Serengeti campsite accommodations allow travelers to sleep under the African stars, surrounded by the sounds of lions, hyenas, and other wildlife. These sites are often located within the park or in buffer zones, giving guests a true Serengeti bush experience. ➡️ Explore Serengeti Campsites

The Great Migration in Serengeti

The Great Wildebeest Migration is the most remarkable natural event in Serengeti. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in a continuous cycle across the plains. The migration starts in the south during the calving season and progresses to the west and north, where the herds cross the Grumeti and Mara Rivers. This movement, driven by rainfall and the search for greener pastures, defines the rhythm of life in Serengeti.

➡️ Explore the Serengeti Great Migration

Parts of Serengeti

Serengeti is divided into five main regions, each offering distinct wildlife encounters and landscapes. From predator-rich central plains to the quiet, remote eastern hills, every zone showcases a unique side of this iconic Tanzanian park. ➡️ Discover Serengeti Regions

Central Serengeti (Seronera)

The Central Serengeti, centered around Seronera, is the heart of the park. It is famous for year-round wildlife viewing, with abundant lions, leopards, and herds of zebras and wildebeests. This region is ideal for first-time visitors seeking the quintessential Serengeti experience. ➡️ Explore Central Serengeti

Western Corridor

The Western Corridor is renowned for the Grumeti River and its seasonal river crossings during the Great Migration. Predators and prey gather in spectacular numbers, making this area a hotspot for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. ➡️ Discover the Western Corridor

Northern Serengeti

Northern Serengeti is famous for the dramatic Mara River crossings. Large herds of wildebeest and zebras navigate the river under the watchful eyes of crocodiles, offering some of the most intense wildlife spectacles in Africa. ➡️ See Northern Serengeti

Southern Serengeti

Southern Serengeti hosts the calving season from December to March, where thousands of wildebeest give birth on the open plains. Predators thrive in this abundance, creating dynamic and unforgettable safari encounters. ➡️ Explore Southern Serengeti

Eastern Serengeti

Eastern Serengeti is the park’s most remote and untouched region. With fewer visitors, it offers a serene wilderness experience, perfect for travelers seeking solitude and exclusive wildlife encounters. ➡️ Discover Eastern Serengeti

Attractions in Serengeti

Beyond its wildlife, Serengeti offers stunning natural and historical attractions. The Moru Kopjes rise from the plains, serving as resting spots for lions. The Retima Hippo Pool teems with activity, while the Grumeti River showcases thrilling predator encounters. Visitors can also explore Olduvai Gorge, an archaeological site that reveals the story of early human life.

➡️ Read more on Attractions in Serengeti

History of Serengeti

The name “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai word Siringet, meaning “the place where the land runs forever.” Declared a national park in 1951, it was created to protect vast herds of wildlife and their migratory routes. Today, Serengeti stands as one of Africa’s oldest and most successful conservation areas, representing harmony between nature and protection.

➡️ Learn more about the History of Serengeti