Serengeti National Park

Quick Facts

  • Country: Tanzania
  • Size: 14,763 km² (1,476,300 hectares)
  • Established: 1951 (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Regions: Northern, Southern (ndutu), Central (Seronera), and Western Corridor
  • Wildlife: Home to the Great Migration; massive lion prides and high cheetah density
  • Malaria Zone: Moderate risk; prophylaxis is recommended
  • GPS Coordinates: 2.3333° S, 34.8333° E
  • Fence Status: Unfenced; part of the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem
  • Habitat: Vast open grasslands, terminalia woodlands, and rocky outcrops (kopjes)
  • Best Time to Visit: June–October for the Mara River crossings; January–March for the calving season in the south.

Overview

The Serengeti is the quintessential African wilderness. It hosts the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world, where over two million herbivores follow the rains in a circular journey. It is a land of massive scale, offering some of the most dramatic predator-prey interactions on the planet.

Location & Access

  • Main Entry Gates: Naabi Hill (South), Ikoma (West), Klein’s (Northeast)
  • Air Travel: * Kilimanjaro International (JRO): The primary gateway for international travelers.
  • Airstrips: Numerous bush strips (Seronera, Kogatende, Grumeti) serve specific regions via "bush flights" from Arusha.
  • Road Access: ~7–8 hours from Arusha; typically accessed via a multi-day "Northern Circuit" safari including Ngorongoro.

Habitats & Landscapes

  • Short-Grass Plains: The southern plains provide nutrient-rich grass for the calving season.
  • Kopjes: Ancient granite rock formations that act as "islands" in a sea of grass, favored by lions and leopards.
  • Riverine Forests: Lush greenery along the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, home to giant Nile crocodiles.

Wildlife Highlights

  • The Great Migration: 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra on the move.
  • Big Cats: Exceptional sightings of lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
  • The Rare & Unique: Serval cats, caracals, and the endangered African wild dog.

Best Time to Visit

Season
Months
Weather
Game Viewing
Dry Season
June–October
Clear skies, cool nights
Peak. River crossings in the North; animals congregate at water sources.
Wet Season
Nov–May
Afternoon rain, lush
Excellent. Calving season (Feb); best birding and lower crowds.