Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park • Image 2
Serengeti National Park • Image 3
Serengeti National Park • Image 4Seronera Airstrip and other park airstrips; gateway Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK)
Tanzania
Warm by day
Year-round travel
Wildebeest
13 key species listed
3 to 5 Nights
Tailored itinerary
June to October for dry season game viewing, and about July to October for the northern river crossings
High & Green seasons
About Serengeti National Park & Destination Guide
Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania is the best known safari park in Africa and the home of the wildebeest migration. It suits first-time safari guests, families and photographers who want big cats and open plains, and it is the usual base for a classic Tanzania safari.
A game drive day starts at sunrise, when lions and leopards are still active. Midday is for rest at camp or a picnic under a tree. The late afternoon drive is for cheetahs, hyenas and the herds. Some guests add a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the plains [ADD: balloon operator and price].
The honest trade-off is size. The park is huge and the herds move, so in the same week one area can be full of wildebeest and another nearly empty. Distances are long, roads are rough, and in the busiest months the river crossing sites in the north can get crowded with vehicles. Choosing the right area for your month matters more than the name of the camp.
Most guests fly into an airstrip such as Seronera from Arusha, or drive from Arusha through Ngorongoro. Many of our safari trips end with a flight to Zanzibar for a week on the beach (about 2 hours by light aircraft, depending on the route).
Getting Here, Transport & Climate
Fly from Arusha to an airstrip inside the park, or drive from Arusha through Ngorongoro, which is a long day on rough roads (about 8 hours from Arusha). Flights to Zanzibar can connect after the safari. See the Serengeti safari tours and the Zanzibar extension guide.
Overland travel in customized Toyota Land Cruisers featuring pop-up roofs for 360° wildlife viewing, USB charging sockets, high-clearance suspension, and a cooler with chilled bottled water.
exploreSerengeti National Park Interactive Map & Terrain
Explore the geographic coordinates, boundaries, local airstrips, and surrounding wilderness circuits of Serengeti National Park.
Weather, Climate & Seasonal Advice
June to October for dry season game viewing, and about July to October for the northern river crossings. January to March for calving in the south. April and May are the wettest months with fewer visitors. The guide for your month lives on the migration guide page.
Warm by day. Nights and early mornings are cold on the plains, so bring layers. The dry season is June to October, with a short dry spell in January and February. The long rains fall from March to May and the short rains in November and December.
Highlights & Wildlife in Serengeti National Park
petsKey Wildlife & Marine Species
Signature Highlights
The Great Migration: wildebeest and zebra following the rains all year
Calving season on the southern plains from January to March
Mara River crossings in the north from about July to October
Seronera valley: lions, leopards and cheetahs most of the year
Hot-air balloon flights at sunrise
Rock outcrops (kopjes) where lions rest and cubs play
Western corridor and Grumeti River in the wet months
Activities & Things to Do in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti Game Drive
A game drive day in Serengeti National Park starts at sunrise, when lions and leopards are still active. You drive the plains and the Seronera valley in a 4x4 with a pop-up roof, stop for a picnic breakfast, and rest at camp or under a tree through the hot middle of the day. The late afternoon drive is for cheetahs, hyenas and the herds. The park is huge and the herds move, so the right area for your month matters more than the name of the camp. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Serengeti Hot-Air Balloon Safari
You leave camp in the dark, watch the balloon being filled at the launch site and lift off at sunrise to drift over the plains with a licensed pilot. From the basket you see herds, riverbeds and the long shadows of the early morning. The flight lasts about an hour. After landing, a breakfast is served in the bush, and a game drive takes you back to camp. Strong wind can cancel a flight. Age, weight and safety rules apply.
Featured Safaris & Tours in Serengeti National Park
Explore our custom travel itineraries for Serengeti National Park
Request Custom ItineraryWhere to Stay in Serengeti National Park
Mwiba Lodge & Luxury Wildlife Sanctuary
ultra luxury Tier
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Serengeti National Park?
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June to October for dry season game viewing, and about July to October for the northern river crossings. January to March for calving in the south. April and May are the wettest months with fewer visitors. The guide for your month lives on the migration guide page.
How do I get to Serengeti National Park?
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Fly from Arusha to an airstrip inside the park, or drive from Arusha through Ngorongoro, which is a long day on rough roads (about 8 hours from Arusha). Flights to Zanzibar can connect after the safari. See the Serengeti safari tours and the Zanzibar extension guide.
What is the weather like in Serengeti National Park?
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Warm by day. Nights and early mornings are cold on the plains, so bring layers. The dry season is June to October, with a short dry spell in January and February. The long rains fall from March to May and the short rains in November and December.
What can I see and do in Serengeti National Park?
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• The Great Migration: wildebeest and zebra following the rains all year • Calving season on the southern plains from January to March • Mara River crossings in the north from about July to October • Seronera valley: lions, leopards and cheetahs most of the year • Hot-air balloon flights at sunrise • Rock outcrops (kopjes) where lions rest and cubs play • Western corridor and Grumeti River in the wet months
What should I pack for Serengeti National Park?
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Neutral colours such as khaki, olive or light brown, and avoid bright colours, black and dark blue. Bring a fleece or light jacket for cool early morning game drives, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy walking shoes and binoculars if you have them. Soft bags are easier than hard suitcases for small bush flights and vehicles.
What wildlife can I see in Serengeti National Park?
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Wildebeest, zebra, Thomson's gazelle, lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, black rhino (rare) and a long bird list (more than 500 species).