Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Why Visit Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park, one of Tanzania’s most iconic and renowned protected areas, offers an unparalleled safari experience in a vast and diverse wilderness. Spanning over 14,750 square kilometres, the Serengeti’s landscape of endless plains, rocky outcrops, and riverine forests supports an extraordinary array of wildlife.

During the dry season, the park becomes a stage for one of nature’s greatest spectacles – the Great Migration. Witness millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing, followed closely by predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The Serengeti is renowned for its significant populations of big cats, including large prides of lions, elusive leopards, and swift cheetahs. The park also hosts a variety of herbivores, including elephants, giraffes, and buffalo, making it a prime destination for game viewing.

In the wet season, the Serengeti transforms into a lush, green paradise, with vibrant vegetation, blooming flowers, and an influx of migratory birds. Over 500 bird species have been recorded here, making it a haven for birdwatchers. The rejuvenated rivers and waterholes provide a stunning contrast to the dry season, offering a different but equally captivating safari experience. With fewer visitors, a true sense of solitude, and exceptional wildlife sightings, Serengeti National Park remains one of Tanzania’s most treasured safari destinations.

Did you know?

The Serengeti is home to the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, embark on a perilous journey across the plains in search of fresh grazing and water.

Ancient Ecosystem

The Serengeti ecosystem is one of the oldest on Earth – the climatic patterns, vegetation, and fauna have remained largely unchanged for over a million years, providing a unique window into the past.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Highlights of Serengeti National Park

  • Endless Plains: Serengeti National Park spans over 14,750 square kilometres, offering vast, open landscapes that are home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. Its iconic savannahs, dotted with acacia trees and rocky outcrops, provide the quintessential African safari experience.
  • The Great Migration: One of the park’s most spectacular events is the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing. This natural phenomenon attracts predators and offers unparalleled opportunities to witness dramatic wildlife interactions.
  • Rich Biodiversity: The Serengeti is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including large populations of elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and a variety of antelope species. The park is also home to significant numbers of big cats, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, making it a prime destination for game viewing.
  • Birdwatching Paradise: With over 500 bird species, including the striking lilac-breasted roller, the majestic martial eagle, and various migratory birds, the Serengeti is a haven for birdwatchers throughout the year.
  • Scenic Beauty: The park’s diverse terrain, from sweeping grasslands to lush riverine forests, creates a picturesque backdrop for game drives and photography. The stunning vistas and dramatic sunsets offer unforgettable views and memorable experiences.
  • Seasonal Changes: The Serengeti undergoes remarkable transformations throughout the year. The dry season concentrates wildlife around water sources, providing exceptional game viewing, while the wet season brings lush greenery, blooming flowers, and an influx of migratory birds, offering a different but equally captivating safari experience.

Good to know

Getting to the Serengeti National Park

By Air: Scheduled and chartered flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, or Dar es Salaam connect to the park’s airstrips, including Seronera, Kogatende, and Grumeti. These flights, operated by airlines such as Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Regional Air, typically last 1 to 2 hours and offer breathtaking aerial views of the Serengeti’s vast landscapes1.

By Road: Travelers can embark on a journey from Arusha to the park’s main gates, such as Naabi Hill Gate, which takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. The route offers scenic views of northern Tanzania, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and various Maasai villages. However, the drive can be long and bumpy, especially during the rainy season, making this option best suited for adventurous travellers

When to go

  • J
  • F
  • M
  • A
  • M
  • J
  • J
  • A
  • S
  • O
  • N
  • D
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit

OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

During the dry season from June to October, when the wildlife gather around the remaining water sources – it makes for outstanding game viewing.

Chat to an expert to start planning your trip

Get in touch with us and one of our travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream trip.