Serengeti National Park
Safari suitability: 10/10
Find your tourThis park has it all and an incredible tourism infrastructure to boot.
What YAS members think
Highlights
- Annual migration of over two million ungulates
- The big five are present here
- Vast, open plains with the ability to get away from crowds and have your own ‘private’ safari.
About Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous parks in Africa and is certainly Tanzania’s most famous and visited park. Established in 1951, it is also Tanzania’s oldest national park. Measuring around 14,763 km² or 5700 miles², it is over six times the size of its contiguous park in Kenya—the Masai Mara. The Serengeti and Masai Mara are very similar in terrain and in the types of wildlife sightings, but off-road driving is severely limited in the Serengeti whereas it is freely allowed in the Masai Mara. By restricting where the safari vehicles can travel, the wildlife of the Serengeti are less accessible to tourist and are able to live in a more wild environment.
Serengeti wildlife
Serengeti is home to the big five and big seven, which are the big five plus cheetah and wild dog. Probably the biggest claim to fame for the Serengeti is its annual migration of herbivores. All year-round over three million herbivores travel throughout the Serengeti, in a clockwise fashion, in search of the most lush and nutritious grasses. While the main stars of the migration are the blue (or white-bearded) wildebeest, of which there are over two million, the annual migration also includes herbivores such as zebras and various species of antelope.
Regions of the Serengeti
The Serengeti is generally divided into four sections:
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Central Serengeti
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Eastern and Southern Serengeti
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Northern Serengeti
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Western Serengeti
Central Serengeti
The central region of the Serengeti is a very fertile area with year-round water supplies. At the heart of the Serengeti is the Seronera Valley, with its lush green grasses and rivers. The year-round water results in resident prides of lions and other predators that do not need to follow the migration as they’ve adequate prey around the water supplies. Almost any safari to the Serengeti will include a few days in the central region as there is always ample wildlife to be seen.
Eastern and Southern Serengeti
The eastern and southern regions are where the short grass plains are, which makes for an excellent viewing locale for cheetahs. The area is more open here and one can see a large number of elephants and, during the migration, prides o f lions.
Northern Serengeti
As one heads north, the land becomes more rolling and is dotted with trees. The migration passes through this area on its way up to Kenya and must cross two rivers in the north: the Grumeti River and the Mara River. Both rivers are home to the Nile crocodile and crossings are a sight to behold. This region is also home to the largest population of elephants.
Western Serengeti
The western corridor is the least visited but has much to offer. The Grumeti River also runs through here and makes for excellent game viewing when the migration passes through. This area tends to be more open than that of the north and central and regions.
When to see the annual wildebeest migration in the Serengeti
| Month | Wildebeest location in the Serengeti |
| January | Central Serengeti, Eastern and Southern Serengeti |
| February | Eastern and Southern Serengeti |
| March | Eastern and Southern Serengeti |
| April | Central Serengeti, Eastern and Southern Serengeti |
| May | Central Serengeti. Western Serengeti |
| June | Central Serengeti. Western Serengeti |
| July | Western Serengeti, Northern Serengeti |
| August | Northern Serengeti |
| September | Northern Serengeti |
| October | Northern Serengeti |
| November | Northern Serengeti, Central Serengeti |
| December | Central Serengeti, Eastern and Southern Serengeti |
The Serengeti is often considered the best wildlife reserve in Africa, and it offers an unparalleled concentration of wildlife.
When is the best time to visit the Serengeti?
The Serengeti is a top safari destination at any time of year. January through early March is when the ungulates of the great migration give birth.
Looking to see baby wildebeest faces? Visit in January or February.
After a cheaper safari? March through May is the long rain season, which has its benefits, including lower lodging prices, less tourists and flowers.
Want that wildebeest river crossing photo? July through October sees the migration in northern Serengeti, where wildebeest must cross the perilous Mara River.
I had a great time in Serengeti National Park. The golden savannah and endless plains- the place has a lot of animals -wildebeest and zebra along with predators following them. I was overjoyed by everything. i was lucky enough to spot an elusive cheetah as it made its way into the tall grasses. Other animal sightings include hyenas, gazelles, crocodiles, giraffe, zebras, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos and antelopes. I created beautiful memories visiting Serengeti National Park.
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I took a luxury package with Pocho Tours to Tanzania. The entire experience was incredible! The tour guides were knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. They made sure that our group had the best possible experience in Tanzania. The accommodations were luxurious and the food was delicious. The wildlife sightings were spectacular and we were able to take many pictures and videos to remember our trip.
This is one of the seven wonders of the world. We visited this park last year in the month of August while the migrations was taking place between Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya. We were able to see the big five wildlife like lion ,leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinos all in one day. The management of the park is great, too.
It is truly magical, nothing to compare when it comes to wildlife safaris it has so much to offer. From wildebeest migration to the endless plains, without forgetting the kopjes ( the intrusive volcanic features) which decorate these vast grass plains
The Serengeti is a unique and most visited reserve in Tanzania. When you visit this park, apart from seeing the famous wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and rhinos (the big 5), you will also see large herds of wildebeests migrating and becoming a major tourist attraction. Zebra, giraffe, hyena, fox, antelope and many others are also easy to spot. The size of this reserve is something that personally surprised and fascinated me; you need three days and more to visit each corner of the park with unique themes and attractions. Sunrise and sunset will give you images that look unique but also hot air ballon can add value and uniqueness to your trip. The beauty and popularity of the Serengeti reserve is found not only in the presence of wildlife but also in landscapes, vegetation, ancient human footprints but also the hospitality of the natives.
Germany
Serengeti National Park will give you a big opportunity to explore and interact with the nature from the Great Migration to the carnivores, great place.
The famous Serengeti wildebeest migration is an ever ending movement of more than 1.5 wildebeest joined by zebras, and small groups of Grant ’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, impala and eland making their way across the vast plains of Serengeti to maasai Mara in Kenya and back again. The movement is mainly instigated by the urge to seek fresh grazing land and water; each wildebeest may cover up to 800km of trekking. Each year bring about a different rain pattern which affects the movement. The journey is filled with danger as the vicious predators snatch the young and vulnerable calves alongside the weaker ones, without forgetting the enormous obstacles of river crossing which leave some with broken feet and only make room for the strongest to survive this perilous journey.
We were a group of friends who always wish to find out new things. Serengeti National Park was more a place to travel. We saw a lot of things like Big Five Big mammals, big birds e.t.c Bush and Forest Explorer African Safari took us there and made our day great.
Sweden
I had a dream of traveling to Serengeti after hearing a lot of stories from my friend Karin, this year I book 4 days safari with Kamtu Africa Adventures. I spent 3 days inside the Serengeti. What I saw was marvelous, lots of wildebeest, impala, Rhino, giraffes, elephants, lions, buffalos and other wild animals. It's Eden.
Thousands of wildebeests and zebras, hundreds of gazelles, giraffes, the park is simply the best! Huge herds of impalas, Thomson's gazelles, zebras and big herds of buffaloes. And almost every predator can be spotted here.
The endless rolling plains of Serengeti are (in our experience) the most spectacular safari location on the planet. Home to 4 of Africa's Big 5 and awarded year after year as Africa's greatest safari location, the sheer concentration of animals here is simply spectacular. Falling asleep to the sounds of the wild is a magic that cannot be put in to words. We lost our hearts to the Serengeti.
Driving to the Serengeti from Arusha
Most international flights will arrive at JRO, Kilimanjaro International Airport. As many of the international flights arrive in the evening, many tour operators will have guests spend their first night in Arusha, which is about 45 minutes away. Depending on where in the Serengeti you are headed, the drive will take between four and six hours. The first part of the journey will be on tarmac roads, which allow for faster speeds. The roads then turn to dirt, and become bumpier. Most people who drive to the Serengeti combine the trip with a visit to Ngorongoro Crater since the park is en route.
Domestic flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti
The Serengeti is easily accessible by plane, with domestic flights daily out of Arusha and Dar es Salaam. There are a few air strips in the Serengeti: one in the northern part, one in the western corridor and one in the central area, Seronera.
The following airlines travel to Serengeti National Park
As Salaam Air has grown to be a leading air carrier between the Tanzanian Islands. Our experienced team understands that customer satisfaction is important to the creation of a successful flight operation. Thus, we go above and beyond to satisfy our clients. The airline plies eight routes to promote tourism within and outside the country. We have two fuel-efficient aircraft Cessna 208B Grand Caravan and Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia, which are good for the environment and the safety of our clients.We would like to help you discover more about our Islands here on our website and at every step of your journey Visit website
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Auric Air Services Ltd is Tanzania's preferred corporate and safari airline with a wide network of domestic scheduled services with daily scheduled services to more than 30 destinations and handles approximately 8500 passengers every month. From its bases at Mwanza AirportMwanza, Julius Nyerere International AirportDar-es-salaam and Arusha Airport, Auric Air provides scheduled charter flights to some of the most remote and otherwise inaccessible destinations (parks & game reserves) within Tanzania. Visit website
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Coastal Aviation is an airline operating out of Dar es Salaam - charter flights. Coastal Aviation flying to some 100 strips located in some of the most isolated pockets of the East African Region. The scheduled Coastal network also connects visitors to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda with the world-famous Serengeti, links the emerging tourism destinations of Mozambique with the Southern Tanzania parks of Selous and Ruaha, and unites the tropical island paradises of Pemba, Zanzibar, Mafia and Fanjove Private Iaslandwith the National Parks and towns of the mainland. Our state of the art fleet is composed of 20 aircraft and has been expertly-adapted to the African safari environment, without compromise to safety and comfort. Visit website
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Flightlink is a scheduled airline with Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Air Service License (ASL) granted by Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority & Kenya Civil Aviation Authority to conduct Private & Scheduled Flight under Public Transport category within the region. All the aircraft in our fleet are chosen for their excellent safety records and their ability to perform in even in the most hostile conditions, so landing be it in the bush or on tarmac is not at all taxing. Visit website
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Precision Air is a publicly-listed Tanzanian airline and a leader in providing scheduled flight services to over 10 destinations within and outside Tanzania from its main hub Dar es Salaam. The company operates on the principle that quick, comfortable and reliable service is the best way to serve its customers. Through its customer-focused approach, many have become part of the Precision Air family. Precision Air started with its headquarters in Arusha - the midpoint between the Cape and Cairo, which is the entry point to many of Tanzania's world-renowned landmarks and national parks. The headquarters of Precision Air are now Dar es Salaam, the business complex of the country, which is home to a vast size of traffic travelling within and outside Tanzania. Visit website
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Premium Charter Service is an air charter broker based in Tanzania. We offer our valued clients a truly exclusive flying experience, one that combines luxury with the convenience of flying privately. Our network of domestic and international operators adheres to strict standards of quality. We deliver a superior experience to our clients with a high level of professionalism. Visit website
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Regional air is a recognized leader in the aviation industry in Tanzania, the airline began in 1997 with one pilot and one aircraft. They are affiliated to the long-established Nairobi-based domestic airline, Airkenya. We are based in the northern Tanzanian town of Arusha. Arusha is the starting point of safaris into Northern Tanzania, as the airline also offers charters to these various parks and game reserves. Visit website
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Safari Plus is Tanzanias first, Premium Charter operator in Tanzania positioned to offer unique flying experience while giving our customers flexibility and total control over their travel needs around the country and beyond. The Airline was established in 2009. 1 x Beechcraft King Air 350 with 8 Seats configured in executive club seating. 2 x Beechcraft 1900D with 18 Seats. Head office based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Operating base at Julius Nyerere International Airport. Approved by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority to operate both; Scheduled Air Services and Non-Schedule Air Services (Charter Services). Visit website
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Premier safari airline and charter. Safarilink is Kenya's premier safari airline with a network of connecting domestic scheduled services to all the best safari destinations within Kenya and across the border into northern Tanzania. From it's base at Wilson Airport, Nairobi SafariLink provides daily scheduled flights to Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo West, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Lewa Downs, Samburu, Lamu, Kilimanjaro, Loisaba, Migori and Diani Beach. Additionally it can also provide private charter flights if a client's particular requirement as regards destination or timing cannot be met by the scheduled services. Visit website
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TANZANAIR was formed in 1969 and pioneered aviation throughout Tanzania. Today it continues to live up to its slogan as theComplete Aviation Company. It was founded by Dinos J Samaras who managed the Company until he passed away in April 2010. It is now headed by his son John Samaras who was his deputy since 1983. With 45 years experience, TANZANAIR offers tailor-made air travel to suit the needs of its customers. With a modern fleet of twin and single-engine Cessna and Beechcraft turbine aircraft, TANZANAIRs well-established reputation leads the way in air charter services throughout the region. TANZANAIR operates out of its own purpose-built Passenger Terminal located between Terminal I and II at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. The passenger lounge is adjacent to the two hangars. It is housed within a secure wall enclosed compound with ample parking facilities. Visit website
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ZanAir Limited is a domestic airline based in Zanzibar. Since their inaugural flight in 1992, ZanAir has continued to establish a quality reputation, serving esteemed clientele. ZanAir is an acknowledged expert within Tanzania serving all destinations, including remote unpaved bush locations. Visit website
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Flown by an international team of pilots, Zantas Air has one of the youngest fleets of Cessna Grand Caravans in Tanzania. These are maintained to the highest safety standards and comply with the ICAO, CESSNA, and TCAA directives. We have an exclusive lounge at Arusha airport. Guests can relax in our comfortable lounge while they wait for their flight. Our operations are designed to suit our client's needs with a customized itinerary based on their schedule. Zantas Air works with its sister company, Mbali Mbali Lodges and Camps, to offer shared charter flights. We fly passengers from Northern Tanzania to Western Tanzania twice a week on Monday and Thursdays. Visit website
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