Serengeti through the year
Highlighted months are the best time to visit. Other months can still be rewarding, often quieter and better value. Ask us about your dates.
Serengeti
The Serengeti is what most people picture when they imagine Africa — endless grassland, scattered acacia, and some of the highest wildlife densities anywhere on the continent.
At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Tanzania (bordering Kenya's Maasai Mara) |
| Park Size | 14,750 km² (5,700 sq mi) |
| Name Origin | Derived from the Maasai word Siringet ("Endless Plains") |
| UNESCO Status | World Heritage Site since 1981 |
| Key Wildlife | Big Five, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles |
| Main Access | Road drive from Arusha (7–8 hrs) or fly-in via Seronera, Kogatende, or Ndutu airstrips |
Exploring the Regions of the Serengeti
Understanding the park's distinct sectors is essential for building an accurate itinerary — each offers a unique landscape and seasonal highlight.
Central Serengeti (Seronera)
The year-round wildlife heartland. High concentrations of big cats — especially leopards along the Seronera River and lion prides lounging on rocky granite kopjes. Excellent for first-time visitors due to consistent resident game all 12 months.
Southern Serengeti & Ndutu
Open short-grass plains stretching toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Calving season (January to March) sees over 500,000 wildebeest calves born here within a 2–3 week period, driving intense predator interaction.
Western Corridor (Grumeti River)
Riverine forests and valley savannas stretching west toward Lake Victoria. The herds pass through from May to July, braving dramatic river crossings inhabited by giant Nile crocodiles.
Northern Serengeti (Kogatende & Mara River)
Rolling hills, riverine forests, and remote wilderness. Famous for the Mara River crossings (July to October) — thousands of wildebeest plunging off steep banks into torrents of water, the ultimate safari spectacle.
Where to Stay
Mobile tented camps relocate 2–3 times a year to stay directly ahead of the migrating herds. Permanent luxury tented lodges offer plunge pools and fine dining in high-density resident game zones. Public and special campsites suit adventurous, budget-conscious travelers.
Planning a Serengeti Safari
Dry Season (June to October) — best overall wildlife viewing around remaining water sources and peak Mara River crossings.
Calving Season (January to March) — best for birdwatching, lush green landscapes, lower rates, and newborn wildlife.
Green Season (April to May) — the quietest period with dramatic skies and budget-friendly rates, though some dirt tracks become muddy.
Journeys that pass through here
4 days
From Arusha
Tanzania Safari Tours 4-Day Tanzania Safari – Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Tarangire's elephants, a night on the Serengeti plains and a morning in the Ngorongoro Crater.
From, per person$896
View itinerary
5 days
From Arusha
Tanzania Safari Tours 5-Day Tanzania Safari – Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Adventure
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Two nights in the Serengeti for more time with its predators, framed by Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater.
From, per person$1,144
View itinerary
6 days
From Arusha
Tanzania Safari Tours 6-Day Tanzania Safari Tour – Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Three nights deep in the Serengeti — the classic northern circuit, at a pace that lets the wildlife come to you.
From, per person$1,324
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7 days
From Arusha
Tanzania Safari Tours 7-Day Tanzania Safari – Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara
A full week across four parks, with three nights in the Serengeti and a final morning at Lake Manyara.
From, per person$1,784
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4 days
Fly-in from Zanzibar
Safari from Zanzibar 4-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar – Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Zanzibar · Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Round-trip flights from Zanzibar to Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater in four days.
From, per person$1,265
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6 days
From Arusha
Safari from Zanzibar 6-Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari – Mara River Crossing Adventure
Central & Northern Serengeti · Mara River
Three nights near the Mara River in crossing season, with the central Serengeti's predators either side.
From, per person$2,017
View itinerary
5 days
Fly-in from Arusha or Zanzibar
Safari from Zanzibar 5-Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari – Kogatende & Mara River
Kogatende · Mara River · Central Serengeti
Fly straight into the northern Serengeti for three nights by the Mara River, then a last night in the central plains.
PriceOn request
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4 days
Fly-in to Kogatende
Safari from Zanzibar 4-Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari – Mara River Crossing
Kogatende · Mara River
Four days focused entirely on the northern Serengeti and the Mara River crossings.
From, per person$1,722
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