Serengeti National Park is the most famous park in Africa due to the largest concentration of wildlife on the continent and the migration of millions of wildebeests, the park’s name “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai language meaning “endless plains” which perfectly describes the park.
With almost 15,000 km2 (6,000 sq miles), Serengeti National Park is the second largest park in Tanzania.
Witness The Great Migration in Serengeti National Park
The annual wildebeest migration of more than a million wildebeest is probably the main attraction in Serengeti, it is a truly impressive sight to see all these mammal thundering across the Serengeti plains, crossing rivers, in search of water and fresh grass. Mega herds on the move stretch up to 40km long, covering a distance of some 1000 kilometers.
This dangerous journey for the wildebeest, zebras and gazelles who need to keep outsmarting the predators. Especially the Mara and Grumeti River is where giant crocodiles and fast flowing water awaits. The Great Migration is listed among the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is for lots of visitors the highlight of their journey.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is definitely one of the world’s largest wildlife spectacles.
You can witness the wildebeest migration anytime of the year, since the animals migrate in a circle between the Serengeti and Masai Mara (Kenya). The exact timing of the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration depends on the rainfall patterns each year.
Thanks to our experienced Tanzania guides, were are able to make a fairly accurate prediction. If you would like to know where wildebeest migration is at different times of the years, check our blog about the Wildebeest Migration.
Wildlife in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park offers so much more beauty than just the Great Wildebeest Migration, here you can see a variety of landscapes and wildlife unlike any other place in Africa. The endless plains of Serengeti are home to more than 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, 225 cheetahs and 3,500 hyenas. It is no surprise there are so many predators due to the abundance of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles and buffaloes which are their prey.
Also, the Serengeti is one of the best places on the planet to see the Big Five -rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion and leopard.
Almost all the famous African animals are present in Serengeti, this includes rare animal species like the pangolin, East Africa Oryx, rhino and wild dog.
The incredible landscapes of the Serengeti National Park vary from savannahs with acacia trees and vast grasslands to rising mountains, lakes and swamps. Each area of Serengeti is unique and has its own atmosphere. Because of its natural beauty and variety of planets and animals the park is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Travel time to Serengeti National Park
- Arusha to Serengeti: 5 hours’ drive.
- Ngorongoro to Serengeti: 2 hours’ drive.
- Lake Manyara to Serengeti: 3,5 hours’ drive.
- Tarangire to Serengeti: 4 hours’ drive.
- Flight Arusha to Serengeti: 1 hour
Information and facts
Serengeti National Park is the most famous park in Africa due to the largest concentration of game on the continent and the migration of millions of wildebeests.
Most common animals
- Lions
- Cheetahs
- Leopards
- Wildebeest (more than 1 million)
- Zebras (more than 200.000)
- Gazelles (more than 300.000)
- Rhinos
- Elephants
- Crocodiles
- Hippos
- Grant Gazelle
- Thomson Gazelle
Facts about Serengeti National Park
- Endless plains with typical Lion King trees
- Calving season in February, when 8.000 wildebeest calves are born each day
- Simba Kopjes are granite outcroppings where lions like to rest
- Seronera River is a valuable water source and attracts lots of wildlife.
- Retina Hippo Pool, home to about 200 hippos
- Grumeti River and Mara River, famous for the wildebeest river crossings.
- Lobo Valley, great views of elephants and big cats.
Excursions and Activities in Serengeti National Park
Hot air balloon safari
Soar above the endless plains of Serengeti National Park and have a different perspective of the vast park, you will enjoy aerial views of the park’s landscape and animals. Hot air balloon safari is most fascinating during the wildebeest migration allowing travelers to observe the herds in large columns.
Game Viewing Safari
Game viewing safaris are the most popular safari activity in Serengeti National Park done as morning, afternoon and full day game drives.
The morning game drives in Serengeti National Park starts at sunrise and ends at around 11 am, this experience is designed to allow tourists to spot nocturnal animals as they retreat back to their dens or observe herbivores going out to graze.
The afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park starts at around 2 pm till 5:30 pm.
Guided Nature Walks
Get a closer encounter with wildlife in Serengeti National Park on a guided nature walk, on this experience you follow tracks that cannot be reached by a safari vehicle allowing you to spot several reptile species, birds, insects and other rare plants along the way.
Visit the Maasai
The Maasai Mara are semi-nomadic pastoralists living in most areas of Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania, arguably they are the most known East African tribal group thanks to their fascinating culture and traditions that has not been spoilt by modernity and technology yet.
The Maasai have a tall stature and put on vibrant/colorful attires, a visit to the Maasai Bomas is an excellent opportunity to learn about their culture and traditional beliefs. They are very friendly people and will show you how to hunt, milk cattle and goats, prepare some of their traditional meals, be entertained by local dances and drama, and also visit the local schools and markets market centers
Start Planning your safari to Serengeti with us today.