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Three giraffes standing in golden African savannah grassland at dawn
National Parksavannah

Serengeti National Park

The endless plains where the Great Migration unfolds

The Serengeti is East Africa's most iconic park, famous for the Great Migration and exceptional predator sightings. At 14,750 km², it offers vast open plains, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests supporting one of the world's most complex ecosystems.

Key Facts

Size

14,750 km² (5,700 sq mi)

Established

1951

UNESCO Status

World Heritage Site since 1981

Elevation

920-1,850 m (3,020-6,070 ft)

Annual Visitors

~350,000

Park Fees

$70 per adult per 24 hours

Wildlife

Signature Species

Great Migration herdsBig catsNile crocodile

High Probability

Buffalo
Guaranteed
Wildebeest(1.5 million during migration)
Guaranteed
Zebra(250,000 during migration)
Guaranteed
Lion(One of Africa's densest populations)
Very Likely
Elephant
Very Likely
Hippo(In rivers and pools)
Very Likely
Crocodile(At river crossings)
Very Likely
Hyena
Very Likely

Moderate to Rare

Leopard(Best in Seronera area)
Likely
Cheetah(Open plains ideal for sightings)
Likely
Wild Dog(Occasionally seen)
Rare
Black Rhino(Small population exists)
Rare

Best Time to Visit

Recommended: July-October for river crossings, January-February for calving

Peak Dry

July-October

peak crowdsRecommended
Conditions: Dry, excellent visibility, wildlife concentrated at water
Wildlife: Migration in northern Serengeti, river crossings

Short Dry

January-February

high crowdsRecommended
Conditions: Dry, good roads
Wildlife: Calving season in southern plains

Green Season

March-May

low crowds
Conditions: Heavy rain, some road closures
Wildlife: Dispersed but active, newborns

Short Rains

November-December

moderate crowdsRecommended
Conditions: Light rain, lush landscape
Wildlife: Migration moving south

Is Serengeti National Park Right for You?

Best for

Migration seekers, first-time safari travelers, wildlife photographers

What You Gain

  • +Unmatched wildlife density during migration
  • +Excellent predator sightings year-round
  • +Iconic African landscapes
  • +Well-developed infrastructure

What You Trade

  • -Popular areas can be crowded
  • -High park fees
  • -Large park requires multiple days
  • -Limited night drive and walking options

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Activities

Available

  • Game drives
  • Hot air balloon

    Morning flights with champagne breakfast

  • Walking safari

    In designated areas only

  • Bush meals

Not Available

  • Night drives

    Not permitted in national park

Practical Information

Getting There

Fly to Seronera airstrip (1.5hr from Arusha) or drive from Ngorongoro (3-4 hours)

Typical Stay

3-4 nights minimum, often combined with Ngorongoro

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