National Park · Northern Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, and the stage for the largest overland wildlife migration on Earth — over a million wildebeest moving in an endless annual circuit.
How to get there
By road from Arusha (roughly six to eight hours) or by scheduled light aircraft (around 45-90 minutes depending on airstrip).
What to find
The wildebeest and zebra migration, dense predator populations, and endless open plains that give the park its Maasai name, "Siringet" (endless plains).
Overview
Serengeti National Park covers about 14,750 km² of grassland, acacia savanna and granite kopjes in northern Tanzania. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, and its name comes from the Maasai word for 'endless plains'.
It's the heart of the Great Migration, where more than a million wildebeest, with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, move in a year-round circuit in search of grazing, followed by lions, cheetahs and hyenas. It's one of the best places in Africa for predator sightings.
Highlights
- The wildebeest calving season in the southern plains (roughly January to March)
- Mara River crossings in the north (roughly July to October)
- Big cats on the kopjes of the central Seronera area
- Hot-air balloon safaris at dawn
- Black rhino in the Moru Kopjes area
Things to do
Game drives
Full days in the field following the herds and predators.
Balloon safari
A sunrise flight with breakfast in the bush.
Walking safaris
Offered in some areas and camps.
Best time to visit
Excellent all year, but where you stay should follow the migration: the south from January to March, the centre and west around May to June, and the north from July to October.
Getting there
About 6 to 8 hours by road from Arusha via Ngorongoro, or 1 to 2 hours by scheduled light aircraft to Serengeti's airstrips.
Where to stay
Lodges and tented camps across every area, including mobile camps that move with the migration.
Serengeti
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Tanzania →
Good to know
- Choose your area by month to be near the herds.
- Combine with Ngorongoro and Tarangire for the classic northern circuit.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.
Related guides