Serengeti National Park

Why the Serengeti Is Worth the Hype

The Serengeti is Tanzania’s oldest and most famous national park — 14,750 square kilometres of open savannah, riverine forest, and granite kopjes in the country’s far north. Its name comes from the Maasai word siringet: “the place where the land runs on forever.”

It earns its reputation twice over. First, the Great Migration: around two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle move through the park year-round, with dramatic river crossings in the Western Corridor and northern Serengeti between June and October. Second, resident wildlife: the Serengeti holds Africa’s largest lion population and exceptional numbers of cheetah, leopard, and hyena that stay put regardless of season.

Most guests reach the park overland from Arusha via Ngorongoro (a full day’s drive with game viewing en route) or by light aircraft to one of the park’s airstrips. We position your nights according to where the migration — or the quiet — is when you travel.

Wildlife Highlights

• The Great Migration — river crossings (Jun–Oct in the north), calving season on the southern plains (Jan–Mar)
• Big cats — the highest lion density in Africa, plus regular cheetah and leopard sightings
• Full Big Five potential — black rhino are present in the Moru Kopjes area
• 500+ bird species, from kori bustards to martial eagles
• Optional hot-air balloon safari at dawn over the plains

Regions of the Park

Seronera (Central): year-round wildlife and the best big cat viewing; busiest area. Southern Plains: calving season ground zero from January to March. Western Corridor: Grumeti River crossings in May–July. Northern Serengeti: Mara River crossings July–October, fewer vehicles, wilder feel.

“We watched a crossing of maybe ten thousand wildebeest at the Mara River with only three other vehicles in sight. Nothing prepares you for the sound.” — Guest review, TripAdvisor

Wildlife Highlights

• The Great Migration — river crossings (Jun–Oct in the north), calving season on the southern plains (Jan–Mar)
• Big cats — the highest lion density in Africa, plus regular cheetah and leopard sightings
• Full Big Five potential — black rhino are present in the Moru Kopjes area
• 500+ bird species, from kori bustards to martial eagles
• Optional hot-air balloon safari at dawn over the plains

Things to Do

• Full-day game drives across the plains and migration corridors
• Track the Great Migration in season
• Sunrise balloon safari over the savannah