The Serengeti is a living and breathing theater of nature, where survival, beauty and drama unfold every single day. It stretches across northern Tanzania into Kenya. The Serengeti’s vast wilderness is home to rolling golden plains, acacia-dotted woodlands, winding rivers and ancient rocky kopjes.
Serengeti National Park is where over a million wildebeest thunder across during the Great Migration, lions rule the savanna, and every sunrise brings a new story. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as one of the most iconic ecosystems on Earth.
Wildlife of Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is one of the most diverse ecosystems. Its mix of grasslands, woodlands, and river valleys supports an incredible array of species.
The Big 5
- Lions: Over 3,000 lions roam in the Serengeti, resting on kopjes or hunting in prides across the plains.
- Elephants: Herds of African elephants are found especially in northern woodlands and river valleys.
- Leopards: Leopards are usually spotted draped on tree branches in Seronera.
- Buffaloes: Massive herds of African buffalo roam the savannah, standing their ground against predators.
- Rhinoceros: The critically endangered black rhinoceros survives in remote and protected pockets.
Beyond the Big 5, Serengeti is teeming with a remarkable variety of large mammals such as cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, zebras and wildebeest dominate as central figures of the Great Migration, with over 1.5 million wildebeest leading annual journey. For bird enthusiasts, the Serengeti boasts more than 500 species, such as ostrich, Kori bustard,secretary bird and many other bird varieties.
The best time to visit Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is an all-year-round destination due to its vast landscapes and diverse wildlife. However, the timing of your visit shapes your safari experience, particularly if you want to witness specific events like the Great Migration or calving season.
January to March: Calving season
In the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth within a short period. Predators like lions, cheetahs and hyenas thrive there, drawn by the abundance of vulnerable newborns creating dramatic survival scenes.
June to July: Grumeti River crossings
The Great Migration moves westward toward the Grumeti River and herds of wildebeest and zebras make their first dramatic river crossings, facing massive Nile crocodiles.
July – October: Mara River Crossings
The most famous stage of migration takes place at the Mara River in northern Serengeti. It is one of nature’s greatest spectacles, with dry, sunny conditions ideal for game viewing.
Serengeti offers something extraordinary in every season. If dreaming of witnessing the drama of the Great Migration, dry months from June to October are ideal for catching the iconic river crossings. Whether witnessing the spectacle of mass migrations, the thrill of predator encounters or the serenity of the Serengeti’s timeless landscapes.
Activities to undertake in Serengeti National Park
Game drives (day & night)
Day drive is the most popular way to explore Serengeti National Park, game drives offer close-up encounters with lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and more. Night drives reveal nocturnal species such as leopards, bush babies and hyenas.
Witnessing The Great Migration
Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains.
A Hot Air Balloon Safari
A sunrise flight offering a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the savannah and wildlife.
Walking Safaris
Guided by expert rangers, walking safaris allow you to experience and learn about animal tracks, plants and smaller creatures.
Birdwatching
With 500+ bird species, Serengeti is a birders paradise, spotting a variety such as ostriches, secretary birds, vultures and colorful lilac-breasted rollers.
Photography safaris
Serengeti’s golden light, dramatic landscapes and abundance of wildlife make it a dream for photographers and specialized photography tours are available for enthusiasts.
Serengeti is where nature writes unforgettable stories from the thunder of wildebeest hooves shaking the earth to the silent glide of leopard across the plains, every moment is a reminder of raw beauty and balance of life.