WhatsApp
Home » Destinations » Serengeti National Park

Serengeti
National Park

Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s iconic safari destination, famed for vast savannahs, abundant wildlife, and the spectacular Great Migration.

Intro

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is where Tanzania’s wilderness feels truly endless. Across its golden plains, rocky kopjes and open grasslands, wildlife moves with the rhythm of the seasons, from great herds of wildebeest and zebra to lions, cheetahs and elephants. It is also the stage for the Great Migration, when millions of animals journey across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing and water. Yet beyond the migration, the park offers exceptional year-round wildlife encounters, dramatic landscapes and those unforgettable moments that make a Serengeti safari feel like a genuine journey into the wild.

Serengeti Ecosystem

The Serengeti Ecosystem is a vast and living wilderness shaped by seasonal rains, endless grasslands and the constant movement of wildlife. Stretching beyond the boundaries of Serengeti National Park, it connects a remarkable network of plains, woodlands, rivers and habitats that sustain millions of animals. From migrating wildebeest and zebra to powerful predators and abundant resident wildlife, every part of the ecosystem plays a role in keeping this extraordinary natural cycle alive.

Serengeti Wildlife

Serengeti wildlife is one of the great spectacles of the African wilderness, with vast herds and powerful predators sharing the same dramatic landscape. Wildebeest, zebra and gazelles roam the plains alongside lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas, while elephants, giraffes, hippos and countless bird species add to the richness of the ecosystem. From quiet encounters with grazing herds to thrilling predator hunts, every game drive brings the possibility of witnessing nature at its most raw and unpredictable.

Unrivaled

Serengeti is unrivaled not simply because of its size, but because of the sheer scale and freedom of its wilderness. From the endless plains to the rocky kopjes and river valleys, this landscape supports one of Africa’s greatest concentrations of wildlife. There are no fences separating the wider ecosystem, allowing vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle to follow the rains while predators track their movements. It is this combination of space, wildlife and natural movement that makes the Serengeti unlike anywhere else.

Serengeti Habitats

The Serengeti is shaped by a remarkable mix of habitats, each supporting a different side of its wildlife story. Open short-grass plains dominate the southeast, providing rich grazing grounds for migrating herds, while taller grasslands and wooded savannahs offer cover for elephants, giraffes and big cats. Rocky kopjes rise above the plains as lookout points for predators, while rivers, seasonal wetlands and acacia woodlands provide vital water and shelter. Together, these habitats create the diversity that allows the Serengeti to support such an extraordinary abundance of life.

Why Visit Serengeti

Serengeti offers the kind of wilderness that stays with you long after the safari ends. Its immense open landscapes make wildlife remarkably visible, from lions resting beside the plains to vast herds moving across the horizon. Beyond the famous Great Migration, the park delivers exceptional year-round game viewing, dramatic predator encounters and landscapes that change with the seasons. Whether you come for the spectacle of millions of animals on the move or the quieter moments of watching life unfold in the wild, Serengeti gives you a front-row seat to nature on an extraordinary scale.

Seasonal Highlights

Month Season Weather Wildlife Sightings Rec.
Jan Green Season 60–82°F
Warm with occasional showers		 Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest and abundant birdlife Yes
Feb Green Season 60–83°F
Warm with occasional showers		 Wildebeest calving season, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Zebra, Gazelle and other plains wildlife Yes
Mar Green Season 60–83°F
Warm with occasional showers		 Wildebeest, Zebra, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Elephant, Giraffe and migratory birds Yes
Apr Long Rains 60–82°F
Rainy periods with green landscapes		 Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest and excellent birdlife Yes
May Green Season 55–80°F
Cooler with occasional rain		 Wildebeest and Zebra Migration, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Elephant and Giraffe Yes
Jun Dry Season 52–79°F
Mostly dry and sunny		 Wildebeest Migration, Zebra, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Elephant, Giraffe and Buffalo Yes
Jul Peak Dry Season 50–78°F
Dry, sunny and cooler mornings		 Wildebeest Migration, Zebra, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Elephant, Giraffe and Buffalo Yes
Aug Peak Dry Season 50–79°F
Dry and mostly sunny		 Wildebeest Migration, possible Mara River crossings, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard and Elephant Yes
Sep Dry Season 52–81°F
Dry with clear skies		 Wildebeest Migration, Zebra, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Elephant, Giraffe and Buffalo Yes
Oct Dry Season 55–83°F
Warm and mostly dry		 Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest and large herbivore concentrations Yes
Nov Short Rains 58–82°F
Warm with occasional showers		 Wildebeest and Zebra Migration, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant and abundant birdlife Yes
Dec Green Season 60–82°F
Warm with occasional showers		 Wildebeest, Zebra, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Elephant, Giraffe and migratory birds Yes

Serengeti Travel Advice

A Serengeti safari is best enjoyed when you travel with the rhythm of the wilderness in mind. Wildlife moves with the seasons, so choosing the right area and time of year can make a real difference to what you experience. Early morning and late afternoon usually offer the best conditions for game viewing, while the dry months make animals easier to spot around water sources. Pack light, comfortable clothing, a warm layer for cool mornings, sun protection and good binoculars. Most importantly, allow time to slow down and watch rather than simply search for sightings, because some of the Serengeti’s finest moments happen when you least expect them.

Explore Nearby

Mount Meru

Tarangire National Park

Lake Natron

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Eyasi

Serengeti National Park

Best Known For

  • The Great Migration and spectacular wildlife crossings
  • Endless savannahs filled with iconic African wildlife
  • Exceptional lion and big cat encounters
  • One of Africa’s finest year-round safari destinations

Size

Approximately 14,750 square kilometre.

Topography

Open Grasslands, Acacia Woodlands, Rocky Kopjes, Riverine Forests, Seasonal Wetlands, Wooded Savannas.

Main Species

Wildebeest, Zebra, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Rhinoceros, Hyena, Gazelle, Impala, Topi, Eland, Warthog, Baboon, Ostrich, Jackal.

Follow Us On

Tripadvisor Instagram Facebook