Serengeti National Park: The Home of Great Migration
Welcome to the Serengeti, where the land meets the sky and the rhythm of the wild dictates life. This legendary park is the jewel of Tanzania, offering an adventure that transcends a typical holiday—it is a journey to the heart of Africa’s most celebrated ecosystem.
The Serengeti covers an immense 14,763 square kilometers of breathtaking plains, earning its name from the Maasai word 'Siringet,' meaning "the place where the land moves on forever." Recognized globally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an absolute must-see destination for any safari enthusiast.
Why The Serengeti Stands Alone:
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The World's Greatest Wildlife Spectacle: The park is the stage for the Great Wildebeest Migration, an annual, circular journey of over 1.5 million animals. Witnessing the massive herds move across the plains or face the perils of the Grumeti and Mara Rivers is a life-changing event.
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Big Five Capital: The Serengeti offers unrivaled chances to spot all of the iconic Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and Rhino). It boasts the highest concentration of large predators on the planet, guaranteeing thrilling game drives.
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Immersion in Wilderness: Far from the crowds, you can experience true solitude and the pure, unfiltered beauty of the African bush, staying in everything from mobile camps that track the herds to luxurious permanent lodges.
Your African dream starts here. Prepare for a landscape that is both ancient and eternally wild.
Serengeti and The Great Migration: Tanzania’s Premier Safari Destination
The Great Wildebeest Migration is not a one-time event, but a year-round, circular journey of over 1.5 million wildebeest, plus hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles. This spectacular natural phenomenon is driven entirely by the search for water and fresh grazing, making expert planning essential for your Serengeti safari.
To help you plan your trip to Tanzania, here is a simplified guide to the herd's general location throughout the year:
Stage 1: The Calving Season (December – March)
The cycle begins and ends on the short-grass plains of the Southern Serengeti and the adjoining Ndutu Conservation Area. This is the most rewarding time for intimate game viewing, dominated by the Calving Season. Here, in a concentrated few weeks, over half a million calves are born. This explosion of vulnerable newborns naturally draws the highest concentration of predators—lions, cheetahs, and hyenas—making the plains a thrilling arena of survival.
Stage 2: The Trek North (April – May)
Responding to the changing climate and depletion of the southern grasses, the vast herds begin to gather, forming massive, iconic columns. They commence their arduous journey north and west, moving toward the Western Corridor. This period coincides with the Green Season, offering exceptionally dramatic skies and low tourist density for the adventurous traveler.
Stage 3: The River Challenge (June – July)
The intensifying dry season forces the animals to congregate. The herds hit their first major, life-threatening obstacle in the Western Corridor around the Grumeti River. The crossings here are chaotic and dangerous, featuring the massive Nile crocodiles, marking a high-adrenaline start to the most dramatic phase of the migration.
Stage 4: The Peak Drama (August – October)
The migration crests into its most famous phase as the animals push into the Northern Serengeti, focusing on the crucial Mara River. This is the peak safari season for a reason: travelers witness the perilous, unpredictable Mara River Crossings. The herds traverse the river multiple times, back and forth between Tanzania and Kenya, in a desperate struggle for survival against strong currents and lurking predators.
Stage 5: The Return South (November – Early December)
Drawn by the first short rains, the animals turn south, completing the grand circle. They move rapidly through the Eastern and Central Serengeti plains, heading back toward the southern breeding grounds. This time offers beautiful, dynamic photography as the landscapes quickly green up, with the scattered possibility of witnessing the last river crossings before the herds settle.
Our best Serengeti Safari Packages
Frequently Asked Questions About Serengeti Safaris
When is the absolute best time to visit the Serengeti?
The Serengeti National Park offers incredible game viewing year-round. However, the best time depends on your priority:
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For the Great Migration River Crossings: Plan for the dry season, generally July to October, when the herds are in the Northern Serengeti attempting to cross the Mara River.
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For the Calving Season & Predator Action: Plan for the wet season, generally January to March, when the wildebeest congregate on the Southern Plains (Ndutu) to give birth.
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For General Game Viewing & Best Weather: The dry season, June to October, offers thinner vegetation and animals gathering at water sources, making them easier to spot.
How many days should I spend in the Serengeti?
We recommend a minimum of 3 to 4 days within the park itself. This allows sufficient time for various game drives, including an early morning start, and time to traverse the vast park to track the migration or reach specific regions like the Moru Kopjes or the Northern plains.
How do I get to the Serengeti? Is it far from Arusha or Zanzibar?
Most travelers access the park by:
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Fly-in Safari: Taking a scenic domestic flight from Arusha Airport (ARK), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or Zanzibar (ZNZ) directly to one of the park’s many airstrips (like Seronera, Kogatende, or Grumeti). This is the fastest and most popular method.
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Road Safari: Starting from Arusha and driving into the park over the course of a day. This is a more budget-friendly option and often includes a stop at the Ngorongoro Crater.
When is the absolute best time to visit Tarangire National Park for a safari?
The Dry Season (June to October) is generally considered the best time for prime wildlife viewing. Animals, especially the massive elephant herds Tarangire is famous for, congregate around the Tarangire River, making them easier to spot.
Can I do a day trip to Tarangire and fly back to Zanzibar the same evening?
While technically possible with an early morning flight, a day trip is strongly discouraged as it involves a huge amount of flying and driving time, leaving very little time for actual game viewing. It's best to allocate at least one overnight stay in the safari area.
What should I pack for my Tarangire safari, coming from a beach holiday in Zanzibar?
Pack light, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, brown, green) for game drives. You'll need layers, as mornings and evenings are cool, despite Zanzibar being hot. Essential items include a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a good camera with a zoom lens.
Are there opportunities for activities other than standard game drives in Tarangire?
Yes! several lodges/camps, especially in the remote southern section, offer exciting activities like walking safaris (accompanied by an armed ranger) and night game drives (in private concessions/outside the main park gates), providing a different perspective on the bush.