Serengeti National Park is one of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations, renowned for its vast landscapes and rich biodiversity. Known globally for the Great Migration, Serengeti is home to over 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles that make their incredible journey across the Mara River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Serengeti offers an unforgettable safari experience and is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
Established in 1951, Serengeti is one of Africa’s oldest conservation areas. Its endless grasslands and savannahs provide a home to an incredible array of wildlife. The name “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai word “Siringet”, meaning “land of endless plains.”
In 1981, Serengeti was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, solidifying its status as one of the most treasured parks in Africa.
REGIONS OF SERENGETI
- Seronera Valley (Central Serengeti):
Known for its iconic savannah plains and high wildlife density, the Seronera Valley is the heart of Serengeti, offering year-round game viewing of the Big Five and other wildlife.
- Western Corridor & Grumeti River:
Famous for dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration, this lush region features Grumeti River with its Nile crocodiles, as well as abundant birdlife and hippos.
- Lobo Area (Northern Serengeti):
The Lobo Area in the north is characterized by rolling hills and woodlands, offering excellent wildlife viewing. It is particularly renowned for wildebeest migration as they cross the Mara River.
WILDLIFE & ACCOMMODATION
Serengeti is renowned for the Great Migration, with over 1.5 million wildebeests and an array of predators like lions and cheetahs. The park also hosts a rich resident population, including elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and over 500 species of birds.
Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges to mobile camps, offering visitors the chance to stay close to the action and witness both the migration and everyday wildlife activities.
CENTRAL SERENGETI (Seronera Area)
The Seronera Valley, also known as the “land of endless plains,” is the heart of Serengeti. It offers spectacular landscapes with vast treeless grasslands and serves as a breeding ground for wildebeests. This area hosts large populations of zebras, gazelles, buffaloes, and elephants, while predators like lions and cheetahs use the Kopjes (rock outcrops) as hunting vantage points.
NORTHERN SERENGETI (LOBO AREA)
The Lobo Area in the north features rolling hills and woodlands, bordering Kenya’s Masai Mara. This region is most famous for the wildebeest migration, with thousands of wildebeests crossing the Mara River from June to November. It is a less-visited, quieter area, perfect for those seeking a more exclusive safari experience.
WESTERN CORRIDOR (GRUMET AREA)
The Western Corridor is a lush region with acacia trees, marshy vegetation, and grassy plains. While less visited, it is famous for the Grumeti River crossings during the Great Migration. Between May and July, large herds of wildebeests cross the river, facing the danger of Nile crocodiles. This area also hosts Patas monkeys, hippos, and giraffes.
ACTIVITIES IN SERENGETI
VIEWING THE GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION
The Great Migration begins in the southern plains of Maswa and Ndutu, where wildebeests give birth before embarking on their journey. As the wildebeests move north through the Western Corridor and Central Serengeti, they face dangerous river crossings, particularly the Grumeti River and Mara River. The most dramatic scenes unfold in the Northern Serengeti, where wildebeests and zebras gather to cross the rivers.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
Serengeti is one of the world’s top safari destinations. Early morning game drives are the perfect opportunity to spot night-active mammals, while afternoon and evening safaris bring you closer to grazing wildlife. You’ll have the chance to encounter elephants, lions, rhinos, wildebeests, zebras, and a variety of bird species.
HOT AIR BALLOON
A hot air balloon safari offers a unique and breathtaking view of the Serengeti from above. Experience the expansive landscape and witness wildlife from the sky, followed by a champagne toast, gourmet breakfast, and a game drive upon landing, making it an unforgettable adventure.
BIRD WATCHING
Serengeti is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 500 species of birds to spot. During a game drive, keep an eye out for crowned cranes, martial eagles, vultures, secretary birds, and the ostrich.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SERENGETI
While Serengeti is accessible year-round, the dry season (June to October) is considered the best time for game drives as wildlife congregates around water sources, making sightings easier. Although the park is open during the rainy season (April to May), the dry months offer more favorable conditions for wildlife viewing.
- Best for Great Migration: July to September, when wildebeests cross the Mara River.
- Best for Calving Season: January to early April, particularly in Ndutu, where predators and birdlife are abundant.
