Overview
Home of the Great Migration & Africa’s Big Five
Known to the Maasai as Siringet, meaning “endless plains,” Serengeti National Park is one of the world’s most iconic safari destinations. This UNESCO World Heritage Site spans vast savannahs, acacia-dotted landscapes, and dramatic kopjes, teeming with Africa’s most spectacular wildlife. It's famously home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, where over 1.3 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles travel in a never-ending cycle across the plains in search of fresh grazing. Whether you're drawn by the thundering hooves, the drama of predator hunts, or the serenity of an African sunset, Serengeti promises an unforgettable experience.
Park Attractions
- The Great Wildebeest Migration: - This world-famous event is nature’s grandest spectacle. Each year, massive herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope traverse the Serengeti in search of greener pastures—trailing predators like lions and crocodiles in a thrilling display of survival.
- Big Cats & Carnivores: - Serengeti holds Africa’s highest concentration of predators. Expect close encounters with lions, cheetahs, leopards, and spotted hyenas. Watch them hunt, lounge, or interact within their natural territories.
- Abundant Herbivores: - From elephants and buffalo to hippos, elands, and waterbucks, over 28 herbivore species grace the Serengeti's ecosystem. Game drives across the plains offer plenty of chances to see them in action.
- Endangered Species: - The Serengeti is one of the few places in East Africa where you can still find critically endangered Black rhinos and African wild dogs, protected in isolated parts of the park.
- Birdwatcher’s Paradise: - With 530+ recorded bird species, including migratory and endemic types, Serengeti is an Important Bird Area (IBA). Look out for the martial eagle, Eurasian roller, and colorful storks.
- Cultural & Historical Sites: - Discover the human side of Serengeti through ancient Maasai rock paintings, Ikoma ruins, and Gong rock sites—remnants of the tribes who once lived within the park's boundaries.
- Scenic Landscapes: - From sweeping grasslands and volcanic hills to rocky outcrops known as kopjes, the Serengeti’s natural beauty is as photogenic as it is diverse—offering postcard-perfect moments at every turn.
- Unique Flora & Insects: - In the rainy season, the park bursts into bloom with wildflowers and butterflies. For botanists and insect lovers, it’s a paradise waiting to be explored
When to Visit
- June – October (Dry Season): Best for wildlife viewing, predator sightings, and general game drives.
- November – April (Green Season): Ideal for birdwatching, botanical interests, and watching the calving season in southern Serengeti.
- January – March: The southern plains fill with young wildebeest calves, attracting predators in dramatic numbers.
Excursion and Activities in Serengeti National Park
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: - Float silently above the Serengeti at sunrise for a breathtaking aerial view of the migration and wildlife below—followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
- Game Drives: - Both morning and evening game drives offer thrilling encounters with the Big Five, graceful antelopes, and elusive leopards. Your safari vehicle brings you right into the action.
- Walking Safaris: - Step off the beaten path with an armed ranger and experience Serengeti’s smaller wonders—from animal tracks to medicinal plants and insects.
- Bush Meals & Sundowners: - Enjoy a delicious meal or drink in the heart of the wild, surrounded by the sounds of nature and panoramic views of the plains.
- Photography & Filming: - The golden light, open plains, and diverse wildlife make Serengeti a dream location for filmmakers and photographers. Permits available for professional shoots.
- Cultural Tourism: - Visit nearby Maasai villages or join cultural excursions that showcase traditional dances, crafts, and pastoralist lifestyles just beyond park boundaries
Getting there
By Road
Serengeti is accessible by road from major towns like Arusha, Mwanza, and Karatu. Main Park gates include:
- Naabi Hill (most popular)
- Ndabaka (from Mwanza)
- Ikoma, Seronera, Kusini, Lobo, Kleins, and more.
By Air
Daily scheduled and private charter flights land at various airstrips:
- Seronera (Central Serengeti)
- Kogatende & Lamai (North)
- Kirawira (West)
- Kusini (South)
- Departures are available from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Musoma, and Zanzibar.
