Tanzania Safaris in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and the heart of Tanzania’s legacy as a safari destination. Covering approximately 14,763 square kilometres, the park is renowned for its vast grasslands, exceptional wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and the annual Great Wildebeest Migration. The name Serengeti comes from the Maasai word Siringet, commonly translated as a place where the land runs on or “endless plains.” The name perfectly reflects the open Savannah landscapes that make a Serengeti safari such a memorable experience.
Serengeti Safari Tours & Packages
A Serengeti safari gives you the opportunity to explore Tanzania’s famous savannah plains while searching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and many other species.
Our Serengeti safari itineraries can be combined with other destinations on Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, including Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park. Each itinerary can be adapted according to your travel dates, safari style, accommodation preferences, and interests.
View Serengeti Safari Packages
Why Visit Serengeti National Park?
Serengeti National Park is the main protected area of the wider Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, which extends across northern Tanzania and into Kenya. The wider ecosystem is approximately 30,000 square kilometres and is known for the Great Migration, Big Five, high concentrations of carnivores and herbivores, rare species of birds, and spectacular landscapes among its major attractions.
Plan a visit to Serengeti for the following;
- The Great Wildebeest Migration
- Excellent year-round wildlife viewing
- Big Five sightings
- Large concentrations of predators
- Vast savannah landscapes
- More than 500 recorded bird species
- Seronera Valley and its resident wildlife
- Grumeti River and the Western Corridor
- Northern Serengeti and the Mara River region
- Moru Kopjes
- Retina Hippo Pool
- Cultural experiences around the wider Serengeti ecosystem
The Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the main reasons travelers visit Serengeti National Park. More than a million wildebeest move through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem together with large numbers of zebra and gazelles.
The precise location of the herds changes throughout the year because the animals respond to rainfall, fresh grass and water availability. The migration is therefore not a single event occurring in one place on one fixed date.
Serengeti Migration by Season
| Month | Region | Main experience |
|---|---|---|
| January | Southern Serengeti | Calving |
| February | Southern Serengeti | Calving/predators |
| March | Southern Serengeti | Calving |
| April | Central/Western | Green season |
| May | Central/Western | Green season |
| June | Western/Central | Migration movement |
| July | Western/Northern | Migration |
| August | Northern | Mara River area |
| September | Northern | Migration |
| October | Northern/Central | Migration movement |
| November | Southern | Herd movement |
| December | Southern | Calving buildup |
January to March:
The southern Serengeti and Ndutu area are important during the calving period, when large numbers of wildebeest gather on the short-grass plains.
April to June:
As conditions change, the herds begin moving north and west through different parts of the Serengeti.
June to July:
The Western Corridor and central Serengeti can provide opportunities to follow the migration, depending on the movement of the herds.
July to October:
Northern Serengeti becomes particularly important if you are planning to follow the herds around the Mara River region.
November to December:
The herds generally begin moving south again as seasonal rains stimulate fresh grazing.
The exact timing varies from year to year, so a good migration safari should be planned around seasonal patterns rather than a guaranteed calendar date.
Read our complete Serengeti Great Migration guide.
Permit for entry for each person to Serengeti National Park
Foreigners above 16 years of age: $60 per person
Foreign Residents and expatriates above 16 years of age $30
East African citizens above 16 years of age 10000 tsh
Children between 5 -15 years of age = 20usds ( non East Africans)
Foreign children residents of 5-15 years = 10usds
East African children of 5-15 years = 2000tzh
Children below the age of 5 years: free
This cost excludes 18% VAT tax
Serengeti National Park Wildlife
Wildlife is the foundation of the Serengeti safari experience. The park supports large populations of herbivores and predators, including:
Lions
Lions are among the most frequently encountered large predators in the Serengeti. The abundance of prey supports strong lion populations in several areas of the park.
Leopards
Leopards can be found in different habitats across the Serengeti, although they are more elusive than lions and often require patience and an experienced guide to locate.
Cheetahs
The open grasslands provide suitable habitat for cheetahs, particularly where there is abundant prey and good visibility.
Elephants
Elephants can be seen in the Serengeti, particularly around areas with suitable water, vegetation and woodland habitat.
Buffalo
African buffalo are widely distributed and can be seen in large herds in many areas around the park.
Wildebeest and Zebra
The Serengeti is internationally famous for its enormous wildebeest population and the associated movement of zebra and gazelles during the Great Migration.
The Big Five in Serengeti National Park
A Serengeti safari also offers opportunities to see Africa’s Big Five:
- Lion
- Leopard
- Elephant
- African buffalo
- Black rhinoceros
Black rhinos are much less commonly seen than some of the other Big Five species, but areas such as the Moru Kopjes are known to offer high chances of rhino sightings.
The presence of the Big Five is one reason wildlife viewing remains a major attraction of Serengeti National Park throughout the year.
Sections and Regions of Serengeti National Park
Because the Serengeti is so large, understanding its different regions is important when planning a safari.
Central Serengeti – Seronera
Seronera is one of the best-known areas of Serengeti National Park and is famous for its resident wildlife and predator sightings.
The landscape combines open plains, grasslands, riverine areas and rocky kopjes, creating habitat for lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, hippos and numerous antelope species.
Western Corridor
The Western Corridor is associated with the Grumeti River and generally has a different landscape from the open central plains.
It becomes particularly interesting during parts of the migration cycle when the herds move through the western part of the ecosystem.
Northern Serengeti
Northern Serengeti offers a quieter safari experience in many areas and is particularly important during the northern phase of the wildebeest migration. The region connects ecologically with Kenya’s Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Southern Serengeti
The southern plains are particularly important during the calving season.
The concentration of young wildebeest also attracts predators, making this an excellent period for wildlife and predator viewing.
Serengeti Safari Activities
There is more to a Serengeti safari than simply driving through the park.
Game Drives
Game drives are the main way to explore Serengeti National Park.
Morning, afternoon, and full-day game drives allow you to explore different habitats and search for wildlife with the assistance of experienced safari guides.
Hot-Air Balloon Safari
A hot-air balloon safari provides a different perspective of the Serengeti.
Early-morning flights offer aerial views over the plains and can provide an unforgettable way to experience the landscape and wildlife below.
Bird Watching
Serengeti is home to more than 500 recorded bird species, making it a formidable bird watching destination.
Possible sightings include ostriches, secretary birds, crowned cranes, storks, vultures, hornbills, herons and many other species.
Cultural Experiences
The wider Serengeti ecosystem has important cultural connections with communities including the Maasai and other indigenous groups.
Our cultural experiences are organized responsibly and support genuine community-based tourism, led by local community guides.
Serengeti National Park Entrance Fees
Serengeti National Park is managed by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), which regulates park entry and other applicable conservation and tourism charges. Because park tariffs can change, you should always check the latest official tariff information before booking or traveling. We maintain a dedicated page explaining the applicable Serengeti National Park fees, including the different visitor categories and charges.
ABOUT SERENGETI
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris
- Birding in Serengeti National Park
- Game drives/ Game Viewing
- What to see / Attractions in Serengeti
- Sections of Serengeti
- Map of Serengeti, Altitude & Temperature
- Best time to see the Migration River Crossings
- The Serengeti Ecosystem
- Parking List for Serengeti
- Why Visit Serengeti
- Top Things to do in Serengeti
- Best Time to Visit / When to go
- The Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration
- Best Tanzania Tours & Travel Operators & Safari Companies and Agents
- Park Entrance Fees
- Animals / Wildlife in Serengeti
- Getting There: Location of Serengeti
- Strange Facts about Serengeti National Park
- History of Serengeti
-
location Of Serengeti National park
-
Wildebeest Migration Route
Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park
There is no single best month for every traveler.
The best time depends on what you want to experience.
For general wildlife viewing
The dry season, generally from around June to October, can provide excellent wildlife viewing because vegetation is less dense and animals are often easier to locate around water sources.
For the wildebeest calving season
January to March is an important period in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area, when the wildebeest calving season attracts large numbers of predators.
For the northern migration
July to October is an important period for travelers interested in the northern Serengeti and the Mara River region, although river-crossing activity cannot be guaranteed on particular dates.
For green-season landscapes
The rainy periods can bring greener landscapes, fewer visitors in some areas and excellent photographic conditions.
Migration timing is influenced by rainfall and grazing conditions, so travelers should avoid treating any month-by-month migration calendar as an absolute guarantee.
See our complete guide to the best time to visit Serengeti.
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Where to Stay in Serengeti National Park
Choosing the right accommodation is an important part of planning a Serengeti safari. The best place to stay depends on the time of year, the part of the park you want to explore, your safari budget and whether your priority is the Great Migration, year-round safari or a luxury safari experience.
Serengeti National Park has a wide range of accommodation, from comfortable lodges and permanent tented camps to luxury safari camps and public campsites.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti – Central Serengeti
If you are looking for a high-end luxury experience, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is located in Central Serengeti and offers rooms, suites and private villas overlooking the surrounding savannah. The lodge also has accommodation with views toward a wildlife watering hole.
Best for: Luxury Serengeti safaris, couples, families and travelers seeking a full-service safari lodge.
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge – Central Serengeti
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is another established accommodation option in the central Serengeti and is well suited to travelers who want lodge-style accommodation while visiting the Seronera and central Serengeti area.
Best for: Classic Serengeti safaris, families and travelers looking for lodge accommodation in Central Serengeti.
Meliá Serengeti Lodge – Central Serengeti
Meliá Serengeti Lodge provides an upscale lodge experience in the Serengeti and is another option for those who prefer permanent accommodation rather than a traditional tented camp.
Best for: Comfortable and upscale Serengeti safari holidays.
Lemala Nanyukie Lodge – Eastern Serengeti
Located in the eastern Serengeti, Lemala Nanyukie Lodge is surrounded by rocky kopjes and acacia trees overlooking the Serengeti grasslands. This is also one of the places where you can also experience walking activities.
Best for: Luxury travelers seeking a quieter eastern Serengeti experience.
Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge – Northern Serengeti
Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge is in Northern Serengeti near the Mara River and is particularly relevant for travelers planning a northern Serengeti safari. Lemala describes the property as a luxury lodge positioned for wildlife viewing in the northern part of the ecosystem.
Best for: Northern Serengeti safaris and travelers interested in the migration season.
Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp – Central Serengeti
For a more traditional tented-camp experience, Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp is located in the Seronera Valley in Central Serengeti, an area known for consistently strong wildlife viewing.
Best for: Travelers who want an authentic tented-camp safari experience in Central Serengeti.
Mobile Migration Camps
For travelers following the Great Wildebeest Migration, seasonal mobile camps can be particularly useful because their locations can change according to the movement of the herds.
For example, Lemala operates seasonal camps in the northern and southern Serengeti, allowing travelers to choose accommodation according to the migration season.
Best for: Great Migration safaris and travelers who want to stay close to the seasonal movement of the herds. Explore Serengeti Accommodation
How to Get to Serengeti National Park
Serengeti can be reached by road or air. Our road safaris commonly move from Arusha through the northern Tanzania safari circuit, often combining Serengeti with destinations such as Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara.
Flying can significantly reduce travel time, with scheduled and charter flights connecting Serengeti with other destinations in Tanzania. There are several airstrips serving different areas, including Seronera, Kusini, Lobo, Kirawira, Kogatende and Lamai. The best transport option depends on your itinerary, budget, available time and preferred safari style.
How Many Days Do You Need in Serengeti?
There is no single ideal number of days. A short 3-day Serengeti safari can provide a taste of the park, particularly when planned efficiently.
A 4- to 5-day Serengeti safari provides more time for game drives and allows you to explore a larger area. A 6- to 8-day Tanzania safari can combine Serengeti with Ngorongoro and other Northern Circuit destinations while providing more time for game drives. Travelers interested specifically in photography, birding, or following the Great Migration may prefer longer stays.
Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti and Ngorongoro are commonly combined because they provide contrasting experiences. Serengeti is famous for its huge open landscapes, wildlife numbers and migration. Ngorongoro Crater offers a concentrated wildlife experience within the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Combining the two destinations creates one of Tanzania’s classic safari itineraries.
Why Book a Serengeti Safari With Us?
Planning a Serengeti safari involves more than choosing a hotel and a travel date. The location of the wildlife, seasonal conditions, accommodation availability, park fees, driving distances, and itinerary design can all affect your experience. We help travelers plan Serengeti safari itineraries around:
- Travel dates
- Safari duration
- Budget
- Accommodation preference
- Private or shared travel
- Great Migration interests
- Wildlife interests
- Family or honeymoon travel
- Serengeti and Ngorongoro combinations
- Serengeti and Zanzibar combinations
Our goal is to create a safari itinerary that matches your available time and the experience you want from Tanzania.
Plan Your Serengeti National Park Safari
Whether you want to follow the Great Wildebeest Migration, search for the Big Five, explore the Seronera Valley, experience the Northern Serengeti or simply spend time among the endless plains, Serengeti National Park offers an exceptional Tanzania safari experience.
Explore our Serengeti safari packages, compare itineraries, and contact us to build a safari around your travel dates and interests.
