Wild

Serengeti

Discover the endless plains that define the true meaning of African Wilderness and Safaris in the wild in the Serengeti National Park.

Serengeti National Park

An unparalleled experience

The Serengeti National Park is undoubtedly the heartbeat of Tanzania’s safari experience – a land of endless plains, powerful predators, and the greatest wildlife migration on Earth. About two million wildebeest and zebras thunder across the savannah each year, pursued by lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles lying in wait at the infamous Mara River.

But the magic of the Serengeti is not just in the spectacle – it’s in the quiet and private moments, too. A leopard draped over an acacia branch, elephants moving through the morning mist, the golden glow of a sunrise from a hot-air balloon. From the rocky Moru Kopjes to the wide-open grasslands, this is Africa at its wildest, its most untamed.

A place where every game drive feels like a scene from a nature documentary – and every visit leaves you wanting more.

Serengeti National Park

Best time to visit

Serengeti in Jan & Feb

Calving season in the Southern Serengeti, with over 500,000 wildebeest births drawing predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Warm temperatures, lush plains, and excellent big cat sightings make it one of the most dramatic safari months.

Place to be: Southern Serengeti & Ndutu

Great time to visit

Serengeti in March

The rains begin mid-month, turning the Serengeti even greener and dispersing wildlife across the plains. The migration starts moving north, but Seronera’s resident lions, leopards, and elephants offer reliable sightings throughout.

Place to be: Central & Southern Serengeti

Good time to visit

Serengeti in Apr & May

The Green Season brings heavy rains, fewer tourists, and strikingly vibrant landscapes. The migration spreads across the central plains, but Seronera remains a predator hotspot, with active lions and elusive leopards thriving in the thick vegetation.

Place to be: Central Serengeti

Fair time to visit

Serengeti in June

The start of the dry season sees the migration entering the Western Corridor, where Grumeti River crossings bring wild predator-prey action. With cooler temperatures and dry plains, big cats, elephants, and giraffes are easy to spot across the park.

Place to be: Western Serengeti

Good time to visit

Serengeti from Jul to Sep

Peak safari season, with dry weather, clear skies, and epic Mara River crossings in the north. Beyond the migration, Seronera’s lion prides, cheetahs in the open plains, and large elephant herds keep the wildlife action strong throughout the park.

Place to be: Northern Serengeti

Great time to visit

Serengeti in October

A transitional month, as most of the migration has crossed the Mara River and some early groups begin turning back and moving south from the Maasai Mara. The big cats, buffalo, and resident game remain active. The first scattered showers may arrive, bringing a touch of green back to the plains.

Place to be: Central & Northern Serengeti

Great time to visit

Serengeti in November

The short rainy season begins, with sporadic showers reviving the landscape. The migration trickles south, but Seronera’s predators remain active, and elephants, giraffes, and hippos are easily seen near water sources. Fewer tourists make this a great value safari month.

Place to be: Central & Eastern Serengeti

Great time to visit

Serengeti in December

The short rains continue, making the park lush but not overly wet. The migration reaches the Southern Serengeti, setting the stage for calving season. With festive-season travel, it’s a popular month despite occasional showers.

Place to be: Central Serengeti

Great time to visit

Serengeti National Park

Annual Weather

January–Mid March: Warm & Green

Short Dry Season
The Serengeti enjoys warm days (25–30°C / 77–86°F) and sporadic showers, but the landscape remains lush from the earlier short rains. It’s a comfortable time for game drives, with clear skies most mornings and evenings. By mid-March, heavier rains start, bringing increased humidity and greener landscapes.

Mid March–May: Long Rainy Season

Wettest Months
The long rains begin mid-March, peaking in April and May with heavy downpours in the afternoons and occasional all-day rain. Temperatures stay mild (24–27°C / 75–81°F), but some roads may become muddy and difficult to navigate. The landscape is at its greenest, with dramatic storm clouds and fewer tourists.

June–October: Cool & Dry

Peak Safari Season
The Serengeti enters its long dry season, with cool mornings (as low as 14°C / 57°F) and warm afternoons (26–28°C / 79–82°F). Skies are clear, visibility is excellent, and water sources begin drying up, making it easier to spot wildlife. This is the most popular safari season, with almost no rain.

November–December: Short Rainy Season

Unpredictable Showers
The short rains arrive, with occasional showers that come and go quickly rather than long, continuous rain. Temperatures rise slightly (27–30°C / 81–86°F), and the landscape begins turning green again. Wildlife is still active, and fewer tourists make this a good time for quieter safaris.

Serengeti National Park

Natural Wildlife

Serengeti National Park

Things to do

Game Drives

The ultimate safari experience

A game drive in the Serengeti is the purest form of safari adventure. As the sun rises over the vast plains, your 4×4 safari vehicle sets out in search of Africa’s most iconic wildlife—lion prides on the hunt, elephants moving through the woodlands, and cheetahs scanning the horizon for prey. Whether it’s a full-day excursion or an early morning drive, every moment in the Serengeti feels like a scene from a wildlife documentary.

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Serengeti from the skies

For a safari like no other, float above the Serengeti at sunrise in a hot air balloon. As you rise with the morning light, the landscape unfolds beneath you – herds of wildebeest stretching to the horizon, giraffes moving gracefully through the golden grass, and rivers carving through the plains. The flight ends with a champagne breakfast in the bush, making it an unforgettable experience.

Bush Lunch

Dine in the wild

There’s nothing quite like stopping in the middle of the Serengeti for a bush lunch surrounded by nature. Picture yourself seated under the shade of an acacia tree, enjoying a freshly prepared meal with the distant sound of zebras braying and birds calling from the treetops. It’s a moment of pure safari magic, where dining meets adventure in the heart of the wilderness.

Sundowners

A Serengeti sunset ritual

As the day winds down, there’s no better way to end a safari than with a sundowner in hand, watching the Serengeti glow in golden light. Whether you’re on a kopje (rocky outcrop) or by a riverbank, the sight of the African sun dipping below the horizon, with silhouettes of elephants in the distance, is simply breathtaking. It’s a perfect blend of serenity and celebration – a tradition that defines the safari experience.

Serengeti National Park

Getting to the Serengeti

Getting to the Serengeti by Road

Most travelers arrive at the Serengeti by road from Arusha, often stopping at Ngorongoro Conservation Area along the way. While road safaris offer a chance to see rural Tanzania and possibly spot wildlife before entering the park, they also require long driving hours.

Main entry gates & routes

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Naabi Hill Gate (Southeast)

The most commonly used entrance, connecting from Ngorongoro. This route takes 6–7 hours from Arusha and offers a scenic drive through the Rift Valley and Ngorongoro highlands.

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Ndabaka Gate (West)

Best for those coming from Mwanza (2.5 hours away) on the shores of Lake Victoria. This is the most convenient access point to Western Serengeti, particularly in June, when the migration moves through this region.

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Lamai Gate (Northwest)

The primary entry/exit point for travelers moving between the Serengeti and Maasai Mara via the Sirari/Isebania border. This is a key access route for those combining a Kenya-Tanzania safari.

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Klein’s Gate (Northeast)

A lesser-used entry, mainly for safaris connecting to the Loliondo Game Controlled Area.

Getting to the Serengeti by Air

Flying is the quickest way to reach the Serengeti, with daily scheduled flights from Arusha (ARK), Zanzibar (ZNZ), and Dar es Salaam (DAR). This saves hours of driving and allows visitors to land directly inside the park.

Key Airstrips and when to use them

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Seronera Airstrip (Central Serengeti)

The most used airstrip, open year-round, making it the best choice for travelers who want flexibility in their itinerary.



Kogatende Airstrip (Northern Serengeti)

Best from July to September, when the Great Migration reaches the Mara River. Flying here avoids long drives from central Serengeti.



Ndutu Airstrip (South, in Ngorongoro Conservation Area)

Ideal for January to March, during the calving season in Ndutu and connecting to the Southern Serengeti.



Kusini Airstrip (Southern Serengeti)

Another option for calving season, though Ndutu offers better flight connections and is closer to where the action is.



Kirawira Airstrip (Western Serengeti)

Useful for June safaris when the migration is in the Western Corridor or for lodges in this region.



Lobo Airstrip (Eastern Serengeti)

A good option for travelers staying in the remote eastern Serengeti, though it sees fewer flights than Seronera or Kogatende.

Flight availability & aircraft type

Flights between Arusha and Serengeti operate daily, but booking well in advance is essential during the peak season (June–October & December–February).

There are also direct flights between Serengeti and Zanzibar, allowing for easy safari-to-beach itineraries. However, these flights are operated using small bush planes, such as 14-seater Cessna Grand Caravans. Flights from Serengeti to Zanzibar can take multiple hours, as they often make stops at other airstrips before reaching the coast.

An alternative to flying to Zanzibar from the Serengeti is to catch a bush flight to Arusha and then transfer to a larger local carrier (like Precision Air or Air Tanzania) for a faster and more convenient connection to Zanzibar, or other places.

💡 Tip: Most bush planes have a strict 15 kg (33 lbs) luggage limit, and soft-sided bags are highly encouraged. Ensure you check your luggage allowance on your airline ticket.

Serengeti National Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Serengeti?

The Serengeti National Park is located in Northern Tanzania.

How big is the Serengeti?

The Serengeti National Park is approximately 14,500 square kilometres. The entire Serengeti ecosystem, with its adjacent game reservers and game controlled areas measures around 25,000 square kilometres.

When was the Serengeti established?

The Serengeti was established as a game reserve way back in 1920. In 1940, it was officially designated as a National Park with expanded boundaries and in 1959 the Maasai people of the areas were moved to the adjacent Ngorongoro area which was carved out of the park, restricting habitation and movement inside the park boundaries.

Is it safe to go to the Serengeti with kids?

Yes, the Serengeti is completely safe for family safaris. Many lodges and camps cater to families, offering child-friendly accommodations and activities. Choosing the right lodge is key, as some are more suitable than others for younger children.

What are the fees to enter the Serengeti?

As at 2025, park entry fees for non-resident adults are $82.60 per day, while children (ages 5–15) pay $23. East African residents and citizens have different rates. Fees may change, so check the latest updates before traveling. Fee restructures are generally announces around June/July with the release of the new Government Budget.

Can I self-drive in the Serengeti?

Yes, self-driving is allowed but not recommended. The Serengeti is vast, remote, and challenging to navigate. A professional driver-guide enhances your experience by tracking animals and handling rough terrain with extensive knowledge of the landscape.

Is there WiFi in the Serengeti?

Most lodges and camps offer WiFi, but speeds can be slow as they rely on satellite connections in these remote areas. Coverage varies – some lodges provide WiFi in all areas including rooms, while others limit it to main areas only.

Local mobile networks do offer significant coverage over the vast expanses but blackout zones are expected.

Are there rhinos in the Serengeti?

Yes, the Serengeti is home to Black Rhinos. However, they are extremely rare. They are mostly found in the Moru Kopjes area, and spotting one is a very special experience.

Are night game drives allowed in the Serengeti?

No, night game drives are not permitted inside the Serengeti National Park at the time of writing this. However, they are allowed in some private reserves and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) surrounding the park.

Can I fly a drone in the Serengeti?

Drones require special permits from Tanzanian authorities. Strict regulations apply for importation and use, and unauthorised drone flying can result in fines or confiscation.

Always consult your safari operator for the exact nature of your drone use and allow them to guide you on the necessary import and permit procedures.

Can I visit a Maasai boma in the Serengeti?

No, there are no Maasai bomas inside the Serengeti, but you can visit them in the neighbouring Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the Maasai live.

No human habitation is permitted within the boundaries of the Serengeti National Park, beyond tourist activities like camps, hotels and lodges.

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