Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park: Africa's Endless Plains
Serengeti National Park is one of the greatest wildlife areas on Earth. Its name comes from the Maasai word for “endless plains”, and at almost 15,000 square kilometres, it truly feels that way. Every year, around two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move in a vast circle through the park, followed closely by lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas.
Because the herds keep moving, the Serengeti offers something special in every season. The key is to stay in the right area at the right time, which is exactly what we plan for you.
The Great Migration Month by Month
- January to March: calving season on the southern short-grass plains around Ndutu, with intense predator action.
- April to May: the herds move north-west during the long rains; the scenery is green and lodges are quieter.
- June to July: the herds reach the Western Corridor and cross the Grumeti River.
- July to October: dramatic Mara River crossings in the far north, on the border with Kenya’s Masai Mara.
- November to December: the herds return south with the short rains.
Seronera and Big Cats
The central Seronera Valley has water all year, so resident wildlife stays put. It is one of the best places in Africa to see leopards in the sausage trees and lions on the kopjes.
How to Get to the Serengeti
Most road safaris start in Arusha and travel via Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro, reaching the Serengeti in about seven to eight hours. Scheduled flights from Arusha land at several Serengeti airstrips.
Plan Your Serengeti Safari
Explore the 5-day Tanzania Big Five safari, the 8-day Tanzania safari or the 11-day best of Tanzania tour with Zanzibar.
Serengeti FAQs
How many days do I need in the Serengeti?
Three nights is ideal, and more if you want to follow the migration in the north or south.
Is the Serengeti better than the Masai Mara?
The Serengeti is much larger and less crowded in many areas, while the Mara is easier to reach from Nairobi. Both are excellent, and they can be combined.
Beyond the migration, Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from open plains and acacia woodlands to kopjes (rock outcrops), support a rich array of wildlife. Visitors can encounter the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—alongside cheetahs, hyenas, and numerous bird species, making it a premier destination for game viewing and photographic safaris. In addition to wildlife viewing, Serengeti National Park offers a range of activities to enhance the visitor experience.
Guided game drives, conducted by expert rangers, provide intimate insights into the park’s ecosystems and animal behaviors. For a more immersive experience, visitors can embark on walking safaris, exploring the park’s terrain on foot under the guidance of skilled guides. Hot air balloon safaris offer a unique vantage point to appreciate the vastness of the Serengeti and its dynamic wildlife from above.
Moreover, the Serengeti’s numerous lodges and camps provide luxurious accommodations, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the park’s beauty and biodiversity in comfort. Together with other prominent Tanzania National Parks, Serengeti remains a central jewel in Tanzania’s conservation and tourism efforts, offering an unforgettable exploration of Africa’s natural heritage.
Where to Stay in the Serengeti
Every Traford safari comes in three styles: Signature (luxury), Classic (mid-range) and Adventurer (budget). These are the camps and lodges we recommend most often; final choices depend on your dates and availability.
- Signature: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti and luxury mobile camps that follow the migration.
- Classic: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge and Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge.
- Adventurer: good-value tented camps in central Serengeti, or public campsites at Seronera.
