Serengeti National Park

Northern Tanzania · altitude 920–1,850 m · best time: June–October (dry) & December–March (calving)

The Serengeti is the beating heart of African safari. Its name comes from the Maasai 'siringet' — the place where the land runs on forever — and across its 14,750 km² of plains, woodland and kopjes lives one of the densest concentrations of large mammals on earth. The park is best known for the Great Migration, the year-round movement of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle following the rains, punctuated by dramatic river crossings between July and October. Beyond the migration, the Serengeti holds famous lion prides, leopards in the riverine forests, cheetahs on the southern plains, and all of the Big Five. The central Seronera valley offers reliable year-round game viewing, while the remote north and west reward those with more time.

FAQs

When is the best time to see the Great Migration?
The herds are in the southern Serengeti (Ndutu) for calving from December to March, and cross the rivers in the north between July and October. We position your safari to match the herds for your travel dates.
How many days do I need in the Serengeti?
A minimum of two days inside the park is recommended; three or more lets you reach the quieter northern and western sectors and improves your chances of seeing a river crossing.
Can I do a hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti?
Yes. Dawn balloon flights over the plains, followed by a bush breakfast, are available year-round and are a highlight for many visitors.

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