Serengeti Safari Guide: Wildlife & Migration

Where millions of animals write one of nature’s greatest stories.

Contents

Why Visit Serengeti National Park?Where is Serengeti National Park?Serengeti Safari Map & Great Migration Route The Great Migration Explained Best Time to Visit Serengeti Wildlife One can See Birdlife Types of Serengeti Safari Where to Stay Essential Packing List The following is a suggested 5-day safari route through the Serenetgi National Park:Combine Serengeti with Other Destinations Conclusion

The morning sky is cold and the sun is rising gently over the endless plain, and the Serengeti awakes. The elephants walk silently through the grass, the giraffes eat the leaves of the trees, and the lions lie quietly below an acacia tree. Then thousands of wildebeest come out of nowhere, starting one of nature’s greatest journeys.

It’s the wonder of a Serenetitsafari: every sunrise directly translates to a new story, every game drive to a glimpse of extraordinary wildlife at home. It’s an exciting experience, full of beauty and moments that you will never forget again, as few places in the world can offer this.

From planning your first safari to Africa to planning your next safari, this guide has you covered, with details on the best time to visit Serengeti, safari seasons, wildlife, accommodation, safari costs and practical travel tips.

Why Visit Serengeti National Park?

Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park is the Serengeti. It spans about 15,000 square kilometres and is part of a larger ecosystem which includes Kenya’s Masai Mara.

The word Serengeti means The Endless plains, which is the Maasai word for Siringet, and when you get there you’ll see why.

Each year over a million and a half wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, travel across these plains looking for fresh grass. This amazing occurrence is called the Great Migration, and it’s sometimes referred to as the greatest wildlife show on Earth.

On a Serengeti safari you’ll find:

The Great Migration
The Big Five
More than 500 bird species
Great four-wheel-drive opportunities
Stunning African sunsets
Year-round wildlife viewing

Where is Serengeti National Park?

The Serengeti National Park is in the north of Tanzania.

It borders:

North: Kenya’s Masai Mara

The south-east is in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

To the west of the area is the Grumeti Game Reserve.

The usual access to Serengeti is through:

Arusha
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Small bush flights into Serengeti airstrips

Many visitors will visit Serengeti in tandem with Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, or Tarangire National Park for a full safari tour of northern Tanzania.

Serengeti Safari Map & Great Migration Route

(Add an illustrated map of migration route clockwise each year.)

Migration Route

Southern Serengeti

│

▼

Calving Season

(January – March)

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Central Serengeti

(April – May)

│

▼

Western Corridor

(June)

│

▼

Northern Serengeti

(July – September)

River Crossings

│

▼

Masai Mara

(August – October)

│

▼

Return South

(November – December)

This is a round trip that encompasses approximately 800 kilometres yearly.

The Great Migration Explained

The Great Migration is not a one-off occurrence. It is an ongoing process that is linked to rain and new grass.

Animals involved include:

1.5 million wildebeest
250,000 zebras
Hundreds of thousands of gazelles
Predators including lions, leopards, hyenas and crocodiles

The exact timing varies slightly from year to year depending upon the rain, which makes every safari different.

Best Time to Visit Serengeti

The ideal time to visit Serengeti is dependent on what you wish to experience.

The calving season runs from January-March.

It’s one of the most enjoyable seasons for wildlife enthusiasts.

For a few weeks, Southern Serengeti turns into a giant nursery, with some 500,000 wildebeest calves being born.

Expect to see:

Baby wildebeest
Lion hunts
The fighting of calves by other calves
Hyenas
Excellent photography opportunities

Seasonal rains have caused the landscape to become lush and green.

Perfect for:

✔ Wildlife photographers

✔ Families

✔ Predator sightings

April to May – Green Season

The number of visitors decreases as does the amount of rain.

Advantages include:

Lower safari prices
Quiet game drives
Beautiful green landscapes
Great birdwatching

Some roads may become muddy.

June

The herds start grazing from the Western Corridor.

Wildlife is easier to spot as vegetation dries.

July – September is River Crossing Season.

It’s the well-known time of migration.

Every year, thousands of wildebeest in the Mara River are converging before crossing over the river on the verge of danger which is teeming with the enormous Nile crocodiles.

Expect:

• Dramatic crossings

• Lions hunting nearby

• Leopards

• Elephants

• Peak safari season

For many this is the best time to visit the Serengeti.

October

Numerous herds stay in the north Serengeti, before migrating back south.

Wildlife is excellent with lower numbers of visitors during the fall months.

November to December

Short rains begin.

This fly is making its way back to the southern part of Serengeti.

Green landscapes re-emerge, and photographers are drawn to them once more.

Wildlife One can See

The Serengeti safari is one of the richest biodiversity in Africa.

The Big Five

• Lion

• Leopard

• Elephant

• Buffalo

• Black Rhino (rare)

Other Mammals

Otherwise, you might come across:

• Cheetahs

• Giraffes

• Hippos

• Crocodiles

• Hyenas

• Jackals

• Wildebeest

• Zebra

• Topi

• Impala

• Gazelles

• Warthogs

Birdlife

More than 500 bird species have been spotted.

Popular birds include:

Secretary Bird
Kori Bustard
Lilac-breasted Roller
Ostrich
African Fish Eagle
Vultures

Types of Serengeti Safari

The Serengeti is a place that is unique to each traveller.

Game Drive Safari

The traditional safari adventure.

Morning and evening drives provide the best wildlife viewing.

Balloon Safari

Experience a sunrise over the Serengeti, from a quiet float above wildlife.

Ideal for:

Honeymooners
Photographers
Luxury travellers

Walking Safari

Suggested in specific locations and guided by specialized professionals.

A great opportunity to get to know some smaller wildlife and ecosystems.

Photographic Safari

Hired guides position vehicles for optimum viewing and sightings of wildlife.

Where to Stay

There are various types of accommodation including basic camps and resort/facilities with world class facilities.

Budget

Public campsites
Basic safari camps

Mid-range

Permanent tented camps
Comfortable safari lodges

Luxury

Mobile luxury camps following migration
Exclusive safari lodges
Private villas

The best place to stay near the migration route will enhance your wildlife experience.

Prices often include:

Accommodation
Meals
Park fees
Guide
Safari vehicle

Additional costs for flights are typically charged.

Essential Packing List

Bring:

Neutral-coloured clothing
Binoculars
Camera
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Comfortable walking shoes
Early morning, wear light jacket.
Reusable water bottle

Responsible Safari Tips

Protect this amazing ecosystem by:

• Following your guide’s instructions

• Never feeding wildlife

• Keeping noise to a minimum

• Staying inside the vehicle unless permitted

• Supporting eco-friendly lodges

• Safeguarding the rights of the Maasai communities and their ways

How Serengeti National Park is preserved for future generations is done with responsible tourism and the strict conservation regulations set by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).

The following is a suggested 5-day safari route through the Serenetgi National Park:

Day 1 – Pick up in Arusha and drive to Serengeti.

Day 2 – Game drives in the mornings and the afternoons.

Day 3 – Look for the Big 5.

Day 4 – Great Migration experience or balloon safari.

Day 5 – Sunrise safari before leaving.

Combine Serengeti with Other Destinations

A Serengeti safari complements a number of nearby wildlife safaris.

Avoid being stranded in the middle of the night without an idea of what to do and want to explore Tanzania’s best parks and safaris. Don’t get stuck in the middle of the night with no idea and want to go for drives in Tanzania’s best parks and safaris, continue your adventure with our Tanzania Safari Guide.

For those looking to take a broader African trip, read our Ultimate African Safari Holidays Guide which compares the safaris of the best places on the continent and will help you plan the ideal trip.

To those who wish to explore beyond Eastern Africa, our East Africa Safari Guide recommends where to find the best parks, culture and wildlife while in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.

Many tourists also book Serengeti with the amazing Ngorongoro Crater Safari Guide, which offers a chance to see a lot of the animals in one of the world’s most complete volcanic craters.

For those crossing over into Kenya, be sure to catch another extraordinary Great Migration area with our Masai Mara Safari Guide and excellent Big Five viewing.

Conclusion

A safari in the Serengeti is an extraordinary and incredible animal experience. From January to March, watch thousands of wildebeest gather for the calving season, in July to September, watch for dramatic Mara River crossings, and, of course, enjoy a peaceful game drive, a trip through the endless brings unmatched world holiday vibes, ensuring there is something to be enjoyed at every wildlife viewing occasion.

Serengeti National Park offers a wide variety of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and plenty of opportunities for safaris all year round, making for an incredible experience. Take time to enjoy the precious balance of this amazing ecosystem, plan your trip around the season that is right for you, and travel responsibly.

For those wishing to make an even wider journey across Africa, visit our East Africa Safari Guide, Ultimate African Safari Holidays Guide, Tanzania Safari Guide, Masai Mara Safari Guide and Ngorongoro Crater Safari Guide to find the safari holiday of a lifetime.

FAQ

Is Serengeti worth visiting?

Absolutely. It is one of the world’s greatest safari destinations, offering incredible wildlife throughout the year.

What is the best time to visit Serengeti?

The best time to visit Serengeti depends on your interests. Visit between January and March for the calving season or July to September for the spectacular Mara River crossings.

How many days should I spend in Serengeti?

Three to five days allows enough time to explore different regions and maximise wildlife sightings.

Can I see the Big Five in Serengeti?

Yes. Lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and black rhinos all live within the greater Serengeti ecosystem, although rhinos are the rarest to spot.

Is Serengeti suitable for families?

Yes. Many lodges welcome families and offer child-friendly safari activities, though age restrictions may apply for certain experiences such as walking safaris and balloon rides.

Do I need a guide?

Yes. Nearly all visitors explore the park with experienced safari guides, who greatly enhance the experience by tracking wildlife and sharing expert knowledge.

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