Serengeti National Park

Introduction: Where Nature Writes Its Own Story

Stretching across the golden savannahs of northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is more than just a safari destination—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem that embodies the raw beauty and drama of the African wilderness. Spanning over 14,750 square kilometers, Serengeti is one of the oldest and most biologically significant ecosystems on Earth, untouched for over a million years.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the park is most famous for the Great Migration, where over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in a circular journey across the plains. But the Serengeti is not just about numbers—it’s about epic landscapes, ancient rhythms, and the unfiltered cycle of life and death.

Geographic Setting: The Heart of the Serengeti Ecosystem

Serengeti is part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, which extends into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The park is bordered by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the southeast, Maswa Game Reserve to the southwest, and the Grumeti and Ikorongo Controlled Areas to the west. Its name comes from the Maasai word Siringet, meaning “endless plains,” which describes its rolling savannah and expansive vistas.

The terrain varies significantly across the park:

• Southern Plains – Open grasslands ideal for calving season (Dec–March)
• Western Corridor – Riverine forests and the famous Grumeti River crossings
• Northern Serengeti – Rugged hills, wooded savannahs, and Mara River crossings
• Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley) – Year-round water sources and dense wildlife populations

Wildlife & Biodiversity: A Theater of Nature

The Great Migration

One of the greatest spectacles on Earth, the Great Migration sees:

• 1.5+ million wildebeest
• 400,000 zebras
• 300,000 gazelles
  moving in a clockwise route spanning over 1,800 miles annually. This journey, driven by rainfall patterns, is a dramatic display of survival, as predators like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles follow close behind.

Big Five & Beyond

• Lion: Serengeti has one of the largest lion populations in Africa.
• Leopard: Best spotted in the Seronera Valley’s acacia trees.
• Elephant: Frequently seen in northern and western corridors.
• Rhino: Rare and mostly found in protected areas bordering the park.
• Buffalo: Roam in large herds across most of the park.

Beyond the Big Five, Serengeti is home to:

• Cheetahs, hyenas, servals
• Giraffes, elands, topis, waterbucks
• More than 500 bird species, including ostriches, martial eagles, and crowned cranes

Signature Experiences: What Makes the Serengeti Unique

🦓 Game Drives

Explore the Serengeti’s vastness in open 4×4 vehicles with experienced guides. Whether it’s early morning for predator activity or golden-hour drives for sunsets and silhouettes, game drives here offer unrivaled wildlife encounters.

🎈 Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Float silently above herds of grazing animals at sunrise, watching the sun rise over the plains. These balloon safaris often include a champagne bush breakfast upon landing—a luxurious way to experience the Serengeti.

🏕 Mobile Camps During Migration

Stay in luxury mobile tented camps that follow the herds—offering front-row seats to nature’s grandest event.

🌍 Walking Safaris

In designated areas, walking safaris offer a more immersive experience, guided by expert naturalists who interpret every track, scent, and sound of the bush.

Best Time to Visit: Timing Your Adventure

Serengeti is a year-round destination, but your experience can vary depending on when you visit:

• January – March: Calving season in the southern plains. Newborns attract predators—perfect for dramatic sightings.
• April – May: Green season; fewer tourists, lush landscapes, and discounted rates (expect afternoon showers).
• June – July: Best time for Grumeti River crossings and predator action.
• August – October: Northern Serengeti—prime time for Mara River crossings.
• November – December: Herds move southward again; great photography season.