Serengeti National Park Guide

Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves, known for its vast plains, rich biodiversity, and the Great Migration. Home to lions, cheetahs, elephants, and countless other species, it offers some of the best safari experiences in the world. Along with Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Serengeti is one of the best national parks in Tanzania. Both national parks form Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. 

Interesting Facts about Serengeti National Park

• The park covers a huge 14,750 square kilometers and features diverse landscapes including open grasslands, savanna, riverine forests, and woodlands.

• The Serengeti is commonly divided into three main regions: the Western Corridor, the Northern Serengeti, and the Central Serengeti (Seronera).

• The Maasai people have lived around the Serengeti for generations, grazing their cattle on the surrounding plains long before the park was established.

• The name “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai word Siringet, meaning “the place where the land stretches on forever.”

• Due to concerns about declining lion populations and overhunting, the area was first designated as a game reserve in the 1920s, eventually becoming a national park in 1951.

Location 

Serengeti National Park is situated in a remote corner in the north of Tanzania. 

How to Get There

By Air

You can get to Serengeti National Park by flying from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). The flight will take 1 to 5 hours.

There is also another way to fly to the park. You can fly from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL). The favourite airport is Mwanza Airport (MWZ), when travelling from the Lake Victoria area. You can also find direct flights from Serengeti to Zanzibar, Lake Manyara and Tarangire.

By Road

You can book a drive-in safari. It is the most popular way to travel to the park by road. It starts from the town of Arusha and it takes approximately eight hours. 

The park is also accessible when travelling by a rented car. However, it is not so recommended. A 4X4 car is required to take all the roads. 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Serengeti National Park is considered to be the dry season, from late June to October. This is the best time for the best wildlife viewing, especially the wildebeest migration. 

Wildlife viewing is good all year round, but specific areas are better at certain times. For instance, winter is the best time to witness the herd in Southern Serengeti whereas the Western Corridor and Northern Serengeti are preferably to visit during summer and autumn months.  

Wildlife of Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti ecosystem is not only distinct but extremely variant featuring all walks of wildlife such as aardvarks, aardwolf, ground pangolin. It is one of the greatest wilderness areas in the world. It supports a diverse number of animals, from the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhino) to impala, kongoni, topi, giraffe, and Grant’s gazelle.

The park is very well known for its predators. You can expect to witness excellent lion and cheetah, leopards and also exciting lion kills. Other predators to spot there are serval cats, African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, and golden and black-backed jackal.

The highlight of Serengeti is definitely the Great Migration. It is an annual circular movement of wildebeest, gazelle, zebra towards the neighbouring park in Kenya, the Masai Mara and then back to the Serengeti plains. 

During the migration of animals, you can witness predators picking off their kills. While crossing the Mara river, you will find animals struggling to survive in a dramatic scene. They fight currents and attacks by huge Nile crocodiles.

Things to Do in Serengeti National Park

Discover the top things to do in Serengeti National Park, one of the most spectacular attractions in Tanzania.

1- Witness the Wildebeest Migration 

Witnessing the annual Wildebeest Migration would be an amazing experience for you. Millions of wildebeests and zebras take the journey into the Masai Mara in Kenya.   

2- Morning Game Drive

Most residents of the park are active during cooler hours of mornings and evenings. Sunrise game drive is an excellent way to observe  leopards, lions, cheetahs, hyenas and many others.  

3- Hot Air Balloon 

Witness the park from thousands feet above on Hot Air Balloon experience. Enjoy a unique view while spotting the inhabitants of the park along with the tranquil atmosphere.

4- Nature Walk

You may have the chance to take a guided nature walk, depending on where you are staying. These nature walks give you the chance to indulge in the local flora and fauna and enjoy the quiet part of the park.

The Great Migration

Overview of the Migration

The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth, taking place annually in the Serengeti ecosystem. Millions of wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, move in a continuous cycle in search of fresh grazing and water. This epic journey covers hundreds of kilometers across the Serengeti plains in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya, creating one of the largest and most dramatic gatherings of land animals in the world.

When and Where to See It

The migration follows a seasonal pattern:

• December to March: Animals graze in the southern Serengeti plains.
• April to May: They move northwest during the long rains.
• June to July: Herds cross rivers in the western corridor, facing crocodile-filled waters.
• August to October: The northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara host the migration before returning south for the next cycle.

The best time to witness the river crossings and predator-prey action is usually June to September, when the wildebeest face the most challenging parts of their journey.

Importance to the Ecosystem and Tourism

The Great Migration is essential for maintaining the Serengeti ecosystem. Grazing by the large herds helps preserve the grasslands, while predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas rely on this abundance for survival. Beyond ecology, the migration is a major draw for tourists, supporting Tanzania’s safari industry and offering visitors unforgettable wildlife experiences.

Nearby Attractions

When visiting the Serengeti, you can also explore other must-see attractions in northern Tanzania:

• Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning caldera and abundant wildlife.

• Lake Manyara National Park: Famous for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and diverse bird species.

• Tarangire National Park: Known for large elephant herds, baobab trees, and scenic savannah landscapes.

Safety and Guidelines

Park Rules and Regulations

Serengeti National Park has strict rules to protect wildlife and visitors. Always stay inside your vehicle during game drives unless in designated areas, follow the guidance of park rangers and guides, and avoid littering. Driving off-road is prohibited, and camping is only allowed in authorized areas. Visitors must also respect all signs and barriers to ensure both safety and conservation.

Do’s and Don’ts for Visitors

Do:

• Keep a safe distance from animals at all times.
• Follow your guide’s instructions during safaris.
• Carry enough water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing for the climate.
• Take photos responsibly without disturbing wildlife.

Don’t:

• Approach or feed wild animals.
• Make loud noises that could scare animals.
• Leave trash or damage vegetation.
• Ignore safety warnings or venture into restricted areas.

Following these guidelines ensures a safe, enjoyable, and responsible safari experience while helping preserve the Serengeti’s unique ecosystem.

Discover the wonders of Tanzania with our Tanzania safari tours and African safari tours!