Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is Tanzania's most famous park, home to the Great Migration and year-round big cats across endless golden plains.

Northern Circuit Circuit

Approximately 14,750 km² Park size

What makes it different.

The Serengeti is Tanzania's flagship park and one of the most famous wildlife destinations on earth. It is the stage for the Great Migration, the year-round movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra, and it holds Africa's largest lion population alongside leopard, cheetah and the full cast of plains game.

The Great Migration, including the Mara River crossings from July to October.

Calving season on the southern plains from late December to March.

Africa's largest lion population, plus leopard and cheetah.

Endless short-grass plains, granite kopjes and riverine woodland.

A classic pairing with Ngorongoro and Tarangire on the northern circuit.

Optional hot-air balloon safaris over the plains

Wildlife to look for.

Wildebeest

Lion

Cheetah

Leopard

Plains Zebra

Elephant

Giraffe

When to go.

Dry Season

June to October is the classic window. Wildlife is easy to find, and from July the herds reach the northern Serengeti for the dramatic Mara River crossings. This is peak season, so book well ahead.

Green Season

Late December to March brings the herds to the southern plains for calving, with intense predator action and fewer crowds. April and May are the wettest and quietest months, with lush scenery and lower rates.

In pictures.

Getting there.

By Air

Scheduled flights connect Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and the southern parks to several Serengeti airstrips, the quickest way in.

By Road

From Arusha it is a full day's drive through Ngorongoro, usually combined with game viewing in Tarangire and the crater along the way.

Good to know.

When is the best time to see the Great Migration?

For the Mara River crossings, July to October in the northern Serengeti. For calving and predator action, late December to March on the southern plains. The herds move year-round, so timing depends on what you want to see.

Can you see the Big Five in the Serengeti?

Four are common: lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. Rhino are present but very rare and hard to see. For reliable rhino, pair the Serengeti with the Ngorongoro Crater.

How many days do you need in the Serengeti?

Two to four days lets you cover different areas and improve your chances with the migration, which can be spread across a vast park.

Is the migration guaranteed on certain dates?

No. The herds follow the rains, which vary each year, so movements are a guide rather than a fixed schedule. More days on safari raises your chances of a river crossing.