Serengeti National Park, located in Tanzania, is part of the expansive Serengeti ecosystem, which spans 12,000 square miles (30,000 sq km) and includes multiple game reserves. The park itself covers 5,700 square miles (14,750 sq km) and is a GANP Ambassador Park, seamlessly connected to Kenya’s Masai Mara.
The name “Serengeti” originates from a Maasai word meaning “the place where land runs on forever,” earning it the nickname “endless plains.” The landscape consists of vast grasslands, savanna, riverine forests, and woodlands. While the terrain is predominantly open plains, elevations range between 3,000 and 6,000 feet (914 to 1,828 m). The iconic rock formations scattered throughout the park are reminiscent of scenes from The Lion King, and you may even spot lions resting on them.
Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro are often visited together as key destinations in Tanzania. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater share migratory herds of wildebeest, zebra, and impala.
The park is typically divided into three main regions. The Serengeti plains, where wildebeest breeding occurs, form the primary area. The western corridor, characterized by black clay-covered savannahs, is home to crocodiles and hippopotamuses. A well-known hippo pool in this region offers a reliable spot to observe these massive creatures resting and wallowing in the water.
Serengeti National Park is among the world’s most sought-after safari destinations. The question isn’t whether you’ll see wildlife, but rather how many and which species. When it comes to the Big Five, the park is home to approximately 3,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, and 5,000 elephants. The most numerous are buffalo, with around 53,000 roaming the plains. Sadly, due to poaching, only 31 rhinoceroses remain in the park.
The vastness of the Serengeti provides endless opportunities for exploration, allowing safari-goers to experience unforgettable wildlife encounters. While soaring over the plains in a hot air balloon is breathtaking, floating above the great migration offers a truly awe-inspiring perspective of its immense scale.
A Serengeti holiday is one of the most iconic and unforgettable travel experiences you can have—especially if you’re drawn to wildlife, natural beauty, and adventure. Here’s why many people choose the Serengeti as a top holiday destination:
The Great Migration:
The Great Migration’s key players—around two million wildebeest—begin their journey in the southern Serengeti, where between January and March, nearly half a million calves are born. This season is a favorite among experienced Serengeti guides, as the air is alive with new life and activity. Discover more about Africa’s most spectacular wildlife event on this page.
The Big Five represent the essence of an unforgettable African safari. Witnessing these magnificent creatures—lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and Cape buffalo—roaming freely in their natural habitat is truly awe-inspiring. But have you ever wondered why these particular animals earned their place on the list? After all, isn’t a giraffe just as impressive
Beyond the animals and landscapes, the Serengeti is home to people—especially the Maasai, one of Africa’s most iconic tribes. Visiting a traditional Maasai village lets you learn about their centuries-old way of life, including their unique clothing, music, language, and beliefs. It adds a deep cultural dimension to your trip.
The Great Migration’s key players—around two million wildebeest—begin their journey in the southern Serengeti, where between January and March, nearly half a million calves are born. This season is a favorite among experienced Serengeti guides, as the air is alive with new life and activity. Discover more about Africa’s most spectacular wildlife event on this page.
Planning Your Serengeti Safari: The Great Migration
When planning a safari in the Serengeti, witnessing the Great Migration is likely high on your list. But how can you ensure you’re there at the right time? The reality is—you can’t predict it with absolute certainty. Choosing when to visit always carries an element of risk. Below, we’ve outlined the typical migration patterns, but remember that nature is unpredictable, and there are no guarantees.
The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in Africa, if not the world. Each year, approximately two million animals—including wildebeest, zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, and eland—embark on a journey through Serengeti National Park, following a cycle largely dictated by rainfall patterns. While variations occur, the migration follows a general annual rhythm:
December – April: The Calving Season
The primary calving grounds are found in the southeastern Serengeti, extending to the Ndutu area near Ngorongoro. The short rains in November and December draw the herds to these plains, where they remain until the long rains taper off in late April or early May. This period is ideal for safari-goers, as the landscape becomes lush and wildlife is abundant.
February is peak calving season, particularly in the Ndutu region, making it the best time to visit. Thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and other ungulates give birth, attracting numerous predators. By March or April, the herds begin moving again in search of fresh grazing, although spotting the migration in motion can be more challenging. However, you’re still likely to see large herds on the move.
May – July: The Journey Begins
Having grazed the nutrient-rich grasses of the southeastern Serengeti and given birth to their young, the herds prepare for their arduous 800-kilometer trek. This migration can start anytime between late April and early June, marking the beginning of one of nature’s greatest spectacles—over a million animals marching in a column stretching up to 40 kilometers.
The herds travel toward the Western Corridor, where they face their first major challenge: crossing the Grumeti River. Here, enormous crocodiles lie in wait, leading to dramatic and often fatal encounters. Before crossing, the herds may gather on the southern riverbank for up to two weeks.
August – September: The Mara River Crossing
After overcoming the Grumeti River, the migration continues northward, reaching the next major obstacle—the Mara River—sometime between July and August. This is where many iconic Great Migration images are captured, as thousands of animals plunge into the river in a desperate bid to cross.
Afterward, the herds disperse across the northwestern Serengeti and into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. This period is often considered less ideal for seeing the migration in the Serengeti, as many animals move into Kenya. However, about half of the herd remains in the Tanzanian Mara Serengeti region, with smaller groups frequently crossing the Mara River back and forth. If you visit during this time, staying in the Serengeti Mara area increases your chances of witnessing these crossings.
October – November: The Return South
Having migrated north, the herds must eventually make their way back. This typically occurs in October, though sometimes earlier. The wildebeest cross the northern plains and pass through the Lobo area, a lesser-visited section of the Serengeti. If you prefer a quieter safari experience, this is a great time to witness the migration.
By late November, the herds return to the short-grass plains and calving grounds near Ndutu, and the Great Migration cycle begins anew.
A Note on Timing
While the migration generally follows this pattern, nature is unpredictable. For example, in 2013, unexpected rains north of the Mara River caused the herds to turn back into Kenya for several weeks before resuming their journey south. Similarly, in 2014, unusual rainfall in the southern Serengeti led many wildebeest to delay their northward trek until July.
When to Visit?
Deciding whether to time your Serengeti safari around the Great Migration is a personal choice. The Serengeti is a year-round destination, offering incredible wildlife viewing at any time. However, if you want to increase your chances of seeing the migration, consider these guidelines:
Though pinpointing a river crossing is difficult, selecting the right region during the right season significantly improves your chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring event.
The Big Five: The Ultimate African Safari Experience
The Big Five represent the essence of an unforgettable African safari. Witnessing these magnificent creatures—lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and Cape buffalo—roaming freely in their natural habitat is truly awe-inspiring. But have you ever wondered why these particular animals earned their place on the list? After all, isn’t a giraffe just as impressive?
Interestingly, the term ‘Big Five’ wasn’t chosen based on size. It originates from big-game hunting days, referring to the animals that were the most challenging and dangerous to hunt, particularly when cornered.
Luckily, in the Serengeti today, these iconic animals are only ‘shot’ through the lens of a camera. Your guide and tracker will help you spot them all—and don’t forget, other incredible wildlife like giraffes and hippos are just as thrilling to see!
Lion
The undisputed king of the African savannah, lions leave an unforgettable impression. The Serengeti boasts some of the largest lion prides in Africa, and they’re relatively easy to find. These social cats live in groups where the females do most of the hunting, though they won’t pass up an easy meal if they can scavenge. Their favorite pastime? Sleeping—up to 20 hours a day, often sprawled out under the shade of a tree.
Leopard
With their graceful movements and striking coats, leopards are the most elusive of the Big Five. Often called ‘The Prince of Darkness,’ they excel at camouflage, making them masters of hide and seek. If you’re lucky, you might spot one lounging on the thick branches of a sausage tree—its preferred resting spot. Always remember to look up; a leopard might be enjoying a meal high above, safely out of reach from lions and other scavengers.
Buffalo
Forget the image of a slow-moving bush cow—buffalo are among Africa’s most formidable and unpredictable animals. They have few natural predators, though lions may attempt to take down a calf, often facing fierce retaliation from the herd. Buffalo need daily access to water, so they frequently gather at waterholes. They are known for their intense, almost brooding gaze—once described by a novelist as “looking at you like you owe them money.” In the Serengeti, herds numbering over 1,000 are a common and thrilling sight.
African Elephant
The largest land animal on Earth, the African elephant is a breathtaking sight in the wild. In the Serengeti, they roam the open plains and disappear into the woodlands. Female elephants stay in close family groups, forming bonds that can last over 50 years, while males leave the herd around age 12, living solo or in bachelor groups. They often visit waterholes near lodges, providing incredible viewing opportunities. Elephants are gentle unless provoked—but if one feels threatened, beware! There’s nothing more terrifying than a 7,000-kilo giant (the weight of seven stacked cars) trumpeting in anger and charging your way.
Rhinoceros
A true prehistoric giant, the rhino can weigh up to 2,500 kilos. Africa is home to two species: the black and white rhino. Interestingly, the white rhino isn’t actually white—its name comes from a misinterpretation of the Dutch word ‘wijd’ (wide), referring to its broad lips. Sadly, rhinos are among the most endangered animals in the Serengeti, as poaching has drastically reduced their numbers from 1,000 to fewer than 70. With females giving birth only once every five years, rhinos are exceptionally rare to spot. However, with a knowledgeable guide, you might just be lucky enough to encounter one.