Serengeti National Park

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Serengeti National Park: The Icon of the African Safari

When people dream of Africa, they’re usually dreaming of the Serengeti. It’s a name that needs no introduction—just wide-open plains, golden light, and wildlife scenes straight out of a documentary. Located in northern Tanzania and spanning nearly 15,000 square kilometers, Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most famous conservation areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is where the Great Migration unfolds in raw, jaw-dropping drama: over two million wildebeest and zebras thunder across the savannah in search of greener pastures, followed closely by predators that never miss a beat. But even outside the migration season, the Serengeti offers world-class game viewing with its high density of lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and more than 500 species of birds.

Fascinating Facts About Serengeti National Park

  • Size: Approximately 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 square miles)
  • Established: Officially designated as a national park in 1951
  • Location: Northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya’s Masai Mara
  • Great Migration: Involves over 1.5 million wildebeest, 300,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles
  • Ecosystem: Includes riverine forests, savannah plains, granite kopjes, and seasonal marshes
  • Birdlife: Over 500 species, including ostriches, secretary birds, and colorful bee-eaters

Most Common Animals in Serengeti

The Serengeti is famous for its density and diversity of wildlife. Here are some of its most iconic residents:

  • Lions (highest concentration in Africa)
  • Leopards
  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Cheetahs
  • Giraffes
  • Hyenas
  • Wildebeest
  • Zebras
  • Hippos
  • Crocodiles
  • Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles
  • Eland
  • Warthogs
  • Jackals
  • Over 500 bird species

A Wild and Timeless Experience

Step into a world that feels frozen in time. The Serengeti is home to over 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, and some of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa—from endless grasslands to acacia woodlands, rocky outcrops (known as kopjes), and seasonal river systems.

Explore the plains on a game drive, witness a predator stalk its prey, or float over the landscape at sunrise in a hot air balloon—it’s all part of the Serengeti experience. And when night falls, unwind at a lodge or tented camp while the distant roar of lions reminds you you’re in the wild.

No matter your travel style, the Serengeti has you covered. From luxury safari lodges with infinity pools overlooking the plains to budget-friendly camps close to the action, accommodations are as varied as the landscape itself.

Top Activities in Serengeti National Park

  1. The Great Migration Safari
    Time your visit to catch one of nature’s greatest spectacles. The migration moves year-round between different parts of the park, with dramatic river crossings between July and October.
  2. Game Drives
    From sunrise to sundown, game drives reveal everything from stealthy predators to giant herds. Different regions offer unique wildlife dynamics—from the central Seronera Valley to the remote northern plains.
  3. Hot Air Balloon Safari
    Watch the Serengeti awaken from the sky. A sunrise balloon ride offers a bird’s-eye view of wildlife, landscapes, and the sheer vastness of this natural wonder.
  4. Walking Safaris (in designated areas)
    Get close to the earth and its stories on a guided bush walk. Learn how to track animals, identify plants, and understand the ecosystem on foot.
  5. Cultural Encounters
    Visit nearby Maasai communities for a deeper understanding of the people who have lived in harmony with the wildlife for generations.

Getting to Serengeti National Park

By Air: The quickest way in is by light aircraft. Daily flights connect Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport to airstrips in and around the park (Seronera, Kogatende, and others).

By Road: From Arusha, it’s a full-day scenic drive (approx. 7-8 hours), often passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

When to Visit

Best Time:
June to October offers the best game viewing, especially for the Great Migration and predator activity.

Calving Season:
From late January to March, the southern Serengeti comes alive as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth—followed closely by predators.

Low Season Perks:
April and May see fewer crowds, greener landscapes, and discounted rates at many lodges.