Skip to content 
Tanzania safari destination
Serengeti, the endless plains
The Great Migration, big cats and horizons that seem to go on forever.
Quick facts
Park at a glance
Location
Northern Tanzania
Park size
About 14,750 sq km
Ideal stay
3 to 4 nights
Best time
June to October
Park overview
Africa’s most famous wilderness
The Serengeti National Park covers a vast sweep of northern Tanzania, from short-grass plains in the south to wooded hills and rivers in the north. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the stage for the Great Migration, as more than a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras follow the rains in a year-round cycle.
The Serengeti is also one of the best places on earth for big cats. Lions, leopards and cheetahs are seen regularly, especially in the central Seronera valley, and the park’s size means you can always find a quiet corner of your own.
- Borders Kenya’s Maasai Mara to the north
- Migration action in every season
- Short flights from Arusha
Why go
Six reasons the Serengeti is unforgettable
Wildlife on a scale you have to see to believe.
The Great Migration
Follow the herds through calving, river crossings and endless plains.
Big cat capital
Lions, leopards and cheetahs are seen throughout the year.
River crossings
The Grumeti and Mara rivers host dramatic crossings in season.
Balloon safaris
Drift over the plains at sunrise for a view like no other.
World Heritage
Protected for its extraordinary wildlife and landscapes.
Space to explore
A vast park where you can escape the crowds.
Wildlife
The stars of the Serengeti
Predators and plains game in extraordinary numbers.
Lions
Large prides patrol the plains and kopjes.
Leopards
Often found resting in sausage and acacia trees.
Cheetahs
Hunting across the open short-grass plains.
Wildebeest
The heart of the migration, moving in huge columns.
Elephants
Herds roam the woodlands of the northern and western Serengeti.
Hyenas
Bold and busy, especially around the migrating herds.
When to visit
The Serengeti through the year
The migration moves all year, so every season offers something special.
Peak season
June to October
Dry season
Excellent game viewing and river crossings in the north. The most popular months.
Great time
December to March
Calving season
Thousands of calves are born on the southern plains, drawing big cats close.
Quiet season
April to May
Long rains
Green landscapes, fewer visitors and lower rates, with some camps closed.
Good value
November
Short rains
The herds move south and the plains turn green again.
Things to do
More than game drives
Ways to experience the Serengeti beyond the vehicle.
Game drives
Explore the plains, rivers and kopjes with your guide.
Hot-air balloon safari
A silent sunrise flight over the herds.
Migration river crossings
Wait by the river for the herds to make their leap.
Guided walks
Explore on foot with an armed ranger in selected areas.
Big cat photography
Patient time with lions and cheetahs in golden light.
Sundowners
Toast the day as the plains glow at sunset.
Plan your visit
Getting there and staying over
The practical details, so you can focus on the wildlife.
By road
From Arusha, a full day’s drive with stops at Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro Crater along the way.
By air
Light-aircraft flights from Arusha land at airstrips across the park in around an hour.
Where to stay
Lodges, tented camps and seasonal camps that follow the migration.
Serengeti safaris
Trips that include the Serengeti
From short Tanzania safaris to combined Kenya and Tanzania journeys. Every itinerary can be tailored to you.
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Arusha
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire
- 8 Days 7 Nights
- Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire, Arusha
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 3 Days 2 Nights
- Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Arusha, Amboseli
- 10 Days 9 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 7 Days 6 Nights
Good to know
Serengeti questions, answered
The things travellers most often ask before visiting. Anything else, our Nairobi team is happy to help.
It moves through the year: the southern plains from December to March, the western corridor around May to July, and the north from July to October. Timing varies with the rains.
Three or four nights lets you explore more than one area and follow the wildlife.
Yes. Many travellers pair it with the Maasai Mara, with the border crossing planned for you.
For many travellers it is the highlight of the trip, especially over the migration herds.
It depends on the season. We will place you where the wildlife is best for your dates.
Yes, though long drives suit older children best. Flying in can shorten travel time.
Ready for the Serengeti?
Tell us when you would like to travel and we will place you where the migration and big cats are best for your dates.
