Absolute WildernessTravel & Tours
Vast Serengeti plains at golden hour with wildebeest herds
The Great Migration

Serengeti National Park

The world's greatest wildlife spectacle — 14,763 km² of open savanna, the Big Five, and 1.5 million wildebeest on the move.

14,763 km²
Park Size
~350,000
Annual Visitors
1.5 million+
Wildebeest
500+
Bird Species
About the Serengeti

The World's Greatest Wildlife Show

The Serengeti is Tanzania's most iconic safari destination — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Stretching across 14,763 km² of open savanna, acacia woodland, and granite kopje-studded plains, it is the stage for the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth.

The annual Great Migration sees over 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebra, and 500,000 gazelle move in a continuous loop through the ecosystem — driven by rainfall and the search for fresh grass. The Mara River crossings between July and October are among the most dramatic wildlife events on the planet.

Beyond the migration, the Serengeti supports year-round populations of lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and over 500 bird species. The Seronera Valley is one of Africa's most reliable big-cat viewing areas.

Wildebeest crossing the Mara River during the Great Migration
· UNESCO World Heritage Site ·
Designated 1981 — one of Africa's oldest and most protected ecosystems
When to Go

Best Time to Visit the Serengeti

The Serengeti rewards visitors year-round — each season offers something different. The key is matching your travel dates to your priorities.

Jan
Calving season
Feb
Peak calving
Mar
Short rains
Apr
Long rains
May
Long rains
Jun
Dry season starts
Jul
River crossings
Aug
Peak crossings
Sep
River crossings
Oct
Migration south
Nov
Short rains
Dec
Migration south
Dry Season (Jun–Oct)
Best overall game viewing

Wildlife concentrates around water sources. The northern Serengeti hosts the Mara River crossings July–October. Excellent visibility, cooler temperatures, and minimal rain.

Calving Season (Jan–Mar)
Newborn wildebeest & predator action

The southern Serengeti and Ndutu area come alive with hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves. Predator activity is at its peak — cheetah, lion, and wild dog hunting daily.

Green Season (Nov–May)
Lush landscapes & fewer crowds

The Serengeti transforms into vivid green. Migratory birds arrive, resident wildlife disperses across the plains, and rates are significantly lower. Some roads may be impassable.

Wildlife

What You'll See

The Serengeti supports one of the highest densities of predators in Africa. The Seronera Valley is particularly renowned for lion and leopard sightings, while cheetah are commonly seen on the open plains. All of the Big Five are present year-round.

Lion
Leopard
Cheetah
Elephant
Buffalo
Black Rhino
Giraffe
Hippo
Crocodile
Wild Dog
Zebra
Wildebeest
Lion portrait in the SerengetiLeopard resting in an acacia tree in the Serengeti
Common Questions

Serengeti Safari FAQ

The Serengeti is a year-round destination. The Great Migration river crossings peak from July to October in the northern…

· serengeti · frequently asked
Plan your safari

The Serengeti is a year-round destination. The Great Migration river crossings peak from July to October in the northern Serengeti. January to March offers calving season in the southern Serengeti — one of the most dramatic wildlife events on earth. The dry season (June–October) delivers the best overall game viewing.

We recommend a minimum of 4 nights to do the Serengeti justice. 6–7 nights allows you to explore multiple zones — the central Seronera, the northern Mara River area, and the remote western corridor. Longer stays dramatically increase your chances of witnessing a river crossing.

The Serengeti is home to all of the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino. Year-round residents include cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodile, and over 500 bird species. During the migration, over 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra traverse the ecosystem.

The Great Migration is the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebra, and 500,000 gazelle in a circular route through the Serengeti–Masai Mara ecosystem. The dramatic Mara River crossings — where crocodiles await — occur between July and October in the northern Serengeti.

Camp location depends on the season. For the migration river crossings, stay in the northern Serengeti (Kogatende area) from July–October. For calving season, the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area is ideal from December–March. The central Seronera region offers year-round predator sightings.

Absolutely. The most popular combination is Serengeti + Ngorongoro Crater, which can be done in 6–8 days. Adding Tarangire creates a classic northern circuit. For a complete Tanzania experience, combine with Zanzibar for a beach extension after your safari.

Combine With

Pair the Serengeti With

Ready to Go?

Plan Your Serengeti Safari

Our guides have spent decades in the Serengeti. Tell us when you want to travel and we'll build an itinerary around the migration, your preferred camps, and your budget.