Serengeti National Park Overview

Serengeti National Park is a premier destination for safari lovers in northern Tanzania, famed worldwide for hosting the spectacular annual wildebeest migration. Even beyond witnessing this natural phenomenon, the park offers exceptional wildlife sightings year-round due to its extraordinary animal density. The southern plains around Seronera are particularly popular, though the Western Corridor and Mara River regions also provide outstanding wildlife experiences.

Optimal Visit Periods

The best months to visit vary based on location within the park:

• January to February: Ideal for observing the wildebeest calving season in the Ndutu area.
• June to October: Great time for the migration in the Western Corridor and the Mara River crossings.

High season occurs from July to March, especially around the Seronera zone which tends to be busier during these months. More about best time to visit Serengeti

Size and Topography

Covering roughly 14,763 square kilometers (about 5,700 square miles), Serengeti’s terrain ranges in elevation from approximately 1,140 to 2,099 meters (3,740 to 6,886 feet).

Advantages and Challenges

Pros

• The wildebeest migration occurs annually from January to October.
• Wildlife viewing is generally excellent throughout the year.
• The vast plains provide an authentic African wilderness atmosphere.
• Predators are commonly spotted, adding excitement.
• The park offers a variety of high-quality mid-range and luxury accommodation.
• Unique hot-air balloon safaris give a breathtaking aerial perspective.

Cons

• Seronera and Mara River areas can get very crowded.
• Wildlife migration timing is somewhat unpredictable.
• Peak migration events like river crossings attract many visitors, sometimes leading to congestion.

Wildebeest Migration Experience

Each year, over two million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, embark on a roughly 800-kilometer (500-mile) migration around the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. While the migration covers multiple areas, the majority passes through the expansive Serengeti. This migration is the largest terrestrial animal movement globally.

Wildlife Diversity

Serengeti boasts remarkable biodiversity, including the iconic Big Five (although black rhinos are rarely seen), along with giraffes, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, black-backed jackals, warthogs, and numerous antelope species. The Grumeti and Mara Rivers are habitats for grunting hippos and large crocodiles, particularly famous for their dramatic feeding frenzy during migration river crossings. More about Serengeti Wildlife

Scenic Beauty

The landscape of Serengeti is breathtaking, featuring sweeping grassland plains scattered with rocky outcrops, locally known as koppies, especially in the southeast. The Western Corridor follows the Grumeti and Mbalageti Rivers leading towards Lake Victoria, while the Lobo Hills boast impressive granite boulders rising skyward. In the northern reaches, the Mara River provides the striking backdrop to the iconic wildebeest river crossings.

Safari Activities

The park offers highly rewarding safari options with flexibility in scheduling. Visitors can opt for morning and afternoon game drives or full-day excursions complete with picnic lunches. For those with a larger budget, the experience can be elevated by a sunrise hot-air balloon safari, culminating in a champagne breakfast amid the bush. Select camps and lodges also offer night drives and guided walking safaris.

Climate and Weather

Serengeti’s climate is generally mild, with daytime temperatures usually around 27°C (81°F). Evenings and early mornings can be chilly, so warm clothing is advisable for game drives. The dry season from June to October sees very little rain, ideal for uninterrupted safari activities. Conversely, the wet season from November to May brings more rainfall, with March and April being the peak months for precipitation. More about Serengeti Climate