Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park

Stretching across 14,700 square kilometers of rolling plains, the Serengeti National Park is the crown jewel of Africa’s wildlife sanctuaries. It is a land of dramatic seasons, sweeping grasslands, and one of the most ancient ecosystems on Earth. Each year, over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle cross its vast plains in search of greener pastures, creating one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles — the Great Migration.

Beyond its famous herds, the Serengeti is a theater of predator and prey. Lions rule the plains, cheetahs sprint after gazelles, and leopards hide among acacias. With over 500 bird species and an array of habitats from riverine forests to kopje rock outcrops, it offers an immersive, year-round safari experience.

*Fact: The Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the inspiration for Disney’s ‘The Lion King.’*

Best Time to Visit: June – October for migration; December – March for calving.
Entry Fees: USD 70 per adult per day (approx.).
Country: Tanzania

Why Go to the Serengeti

The Serengeti is not just a park — it’s an ecosystem pulsing with life and rhythm. Every sunrise reveals a new drama, from lion hunts to wildebeest crossings.

Visitors are rewarded with unmatched game viewing, spectacular sunsets, and the chance to witness one of Earth’s last great migrations.

Stages of the Annual Wildebeest Migration

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most extraordinary wildlife events on Earth, involving over a million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, moving in a continuous cycle across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem. Driven by rainfall and the search for fresh grazing, this journey unfolds in distinct stages throughout the year, each offering very different landscapes, wildlife behavior, and safari experiences. Understanding these stages is essential for planning the right trip at the right time—whether you dream of dramatic river crossings, vast calving grounds, or predator-rich plains teeming with life.

Southern Serengeti Calving Season (January – March)

The migration cycle begins in the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region, where nutrient-rich soils provide ideal conditions for calving. During this period, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth within a few short weeks, creating one of the highest concentrations of newborn wildlife anywhere in Africa. This abundance of vulnerable calves attracts a dramatic surge in predators, making it a prime time for witnessing intense wildlife interactions. For visitors, this stage offers exceptional game viewing, open landscapes, and a sense of raw natural productivity that underpins the entire migration.

Central Serengeti Transition (April – May)

As the southern plains begin to dry, the herds slowly move northwest through the central Serengeti, following fresh grazing created by seasonal rains. This transitional stage is less about spectacle and more about scale, as vast columns of animals stretch across the savannah, accompanied by increasing predator activity. The landscape becomes more varied, with rolling hills, river systems, and woodlands supporting resident wildlife year-round. For travelers, this period delivers fewer crowds, dramatic skies, and a deeper appreciation of the migration as a continuous journey rather than a single event.

Western Corridor and Grumeti Crossings (June – July)

By early dry season, the herds push toward the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, where they face their first major obstacle—the crocodile-infested Grumeti River. While crossings here are less predictable and often less dramatic than those farther north, they mark a critical turning point in the migration. The region’s riverine forests and permanent water sources concentrate wildlife, offering excellent predator sightings and classic safari scenery. This stage rewards patient observers with powerful moments of tension, endurance, and survival as the herds prepare for even greater challenges ahead.

Northern Serengeti & Mara River Crossings (August – October)

The most iconic stage of the Great Migration unfolds along the northern Serengeti and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where the herds must cross the formidable Mara River. These crossings are unpredictable, often chaotic, and emotionally charged, as animals leap into fast-flowing waters filled with strong currents and lurking crocodiles. The reward for their peril is lush grazing on the Mara’s open plains. For visitors, this is the peak spectacle of the migration—raw, dramatic, and unforgettable—representing the relentless drive of life in the wild.

Return South Through the Eastern Serengeti (November – December)

As short rains return to the southern Serengeti, the herds begin their journey back east and south, closing the annual loop of the migration. This stage is characterized by movement across wide, open landscapes as animals regain strength after months of travel and danger. Predators remain active, and the plains slowly green once again in preparation for the next calving season. For travelers, this period offers a quieter, more reflective safari experience—one that highlights the migration’s cyclical nature and the enduring rhythms of the African wilderness.

Where to Go in the Serengeti

Each region of the Serengeti has a unique personality and rhythm. Visitors can tailor safaris based on migration routes or seclusion preferences.

From bustling Seronera to the remote north, there’s always something new to discover.

When to Visit the Serengeti

The Serengeti is spectacular year-round, but each season offers distinct experiences. The dry season (June–October) provides clear skies and high visibility, while the wet season brings lush scenery and calving herds.

Migration patterns dictate the best area to visit each month.