Serengeti National Park is, in our opinion, the premier wildlife viewing destination on the planet. Home to The Great Migration of Wildebeest – one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena – the Serengeti is the quintessential African safari experience. Vast plains dotted with acacia trees and rocky hills called “kopjes” are the background to the safari experience of your dreams. The 12,000 sq mile park (roughly the size of Maryland) is of course no secret as over 1 million people visit annually. Most tourists will concentrate in the central region known as Seronera due to its large concentration of predators. However, wildlife viewing is spectacular in all areas. Different months offer different experiences, with most of it depending on the status of The Great Wildebeest Migration.
- December – March: The wildebeest herds can be found in the Southern Serengeti (technically part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area) called Ndutu. January – March is also calving season, during which an incredible 10,000 calves can be born in a single day.
- April – mid-July: The wildebeest head north through the Central Seronera area towards the Western part of the Serengeti along the Grumeti River – a lesser-known but equally dramatic river crossing with crocodiles waiting.
- Mid-July – September: Probably the most iconic moment of the migrations is when the herds head north to cross the mighty Mara River into Kenya. The exact time and dates are unpredictable.
- October – November: Usually in early October the herds must cross back to the southern side of the Mara River. The return trip occurs in a lesser-visited area of the park known as Lobo. After they cross, they make their way back south for the calving season once again
Many falsely believe that the migration is a singular event that happens once a year, but in fact, it is a year-long journey that can be experienced at a varying stage regardless of which time you choose to visit. All the while, Africa’s largest population of Lions and other predators are following closely behind. The Serengeti is one of the few places in the world that still has populations of all of the Big Five – Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, and Rhinoceros.
How to Get To Serengeti National Park?
Serengeti National Park is located in the Northern area of Tanzania along the border of Kenya’s Maasai Mara near Lake Victoria. With most visitors to Tanzania’s Northern safari circuit entering through Arusha in the Northeast, Serengeti National Park can be accessed either by prop plane or car.
Flights from JRO airport to Seronera Airstrip in Central Serengeti take 1.5 – 2 hours and can be arranged for approximately $300 per person one way.
Total driving time from JRO airport to Seronera is around 6.5 hours, but would typically be broken up with stops in other parks along the way to and from Serengeti. Parks along the way include Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater/Conservation Area.
If you’re short on time and want to maximize your time in the Serengeti, then flying might be your best option. If you have more time, would like to see other parks in Tanzania, and budget is a factor, then driving would be a better choice. A reminder that we will pick you up and drop you off at the airport, or hotel of your choice.
How Far is Serengeti National Park From Other Destinations in Tanzania?
- JRO Airport: 6.5 hours
- Arusha City: 5.5 hours
- Mt. Kilimanjaro basecamp (Moshi): 7 hours
- Arusha National Park: 6 hours
- Lake Manyara National Park: 3.5-4 hours
- Ngorongoro Crater: 2.5-3 hours
- Tarangire National Park: 4.5-5 hours
What Kind of Wildlife Can Be Found In Serengeti National Park?
As mentioned earlier, all 5 of the Big Five can be found in Serengeti National Park – Lions, Leopard, Buffalo, and Elephant are found in abundance and even Rhinoceros numbers are growing here. Other predators such as Cheetahs, Hyena, Crocodile, and even Wild Dog are also present in the park. Millions of migrating wildebeest and zebra join Elephants, giraffes, hippos, Buffalo, and many antelope species as common herbivores. All three big cats – Lions, Leopard, and Cheetah – are common sightings during a trip here. Even small cats such as Serval, Caracal, African Wild Cat, and the adorably deadly Black-Footed Cat hunt these fertile grounds. You never know what you’ll see and every day is an adventure in the Serengeti.
Common Highlights: Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Elephant, Hippo, Giraffe, Buffalo, Wildebeest, Hyena, Zebra, and many more.
Serengeti National Park Lodges and Accommodation
Being 12,000 sq miles, unless you are visiting the very outer boundaries of the park you will be spending the night within it. The tented lodges of the Serengeti are often the highlight of visitors’ trips. Even mid-range accommodations offer excellent service and comfort in a world-class setting. Falling asleep to the sounds of the African savannah is a memory you’ll be recalling for a lifetime.
Is Serengeti National Park Good For a Day Trip?
No. Serengeti National Park is too remote for a day trip regardless of your starting point. If you are looking for a day trip, Arusha National Park or potentially Tarangire National Park are your best options.
What does Serengeti National Park Look Like?
A park the size of Maryland offers a wide range of habitats. In general, Serengeti National Park is what people think of in their idealistic imagining of what an African safari would be. Vast grassland plains, acacia trees, rocky kopjes that will remind you of Disney’s Lion King,, etc. But it also has rivers, forests, and rocky hills depending on where you are.
What is the Best Time Of Year to Visit Serengeti National Park?
NOTE: What constitutes the best time to visit is always subjective depending on what you prioritize. In general, the things to consider with seasonality are:
How busy will it be?
Serengeti National Park draws over 1 million tourists each year, so it can get crowded in certain areas of the park during certain times of the year. Specifically, the Seronera area of Central Serengeti can be quite crowded during the peak season of June-October. If avoiding other visitors is important to you, you can plan your visit during the off-season or visit other areas of the park. We can help to make specific recommendations to you depending on your preferred trip dates and what is most important to you to see.
What is the weather like? Will the weather limit the accessibility of the park?
During dry season (June – October) typical temperatures during the day are in the high-70s and the high 50’s in the early mornings and evenings. Rain is rare. All areas of the park will be accessible.
During wet season temperatures are generally slightly hotter than dry season (high of low-mid 80s). Regarding precipitation, the wet season is further split in two sub-seasons known as the “long rains” and “short rains.”
The “short rains” are generally in November-December and consist of sporadic afternoon showers that will seldom effect your trip.
The “long rains” are usually between March and Mid-May and are characterized by more consistent rains. It usually won’t rain all day, but many days will be overcast and wet. Regardless of the weather, the park should still be fully accessible though you may encounter flash flooding during particularly heavy rainfall.
Between the short & long rains (January-February) are an unpredictable dry period. It is not possible to predict when exactly it will arrive in advance.
How easily can you spot the animals?
Wildlife spotting is excellent year-round in Serengeti National Park. The key thing to figure when considering wildlife viewing and seasonality is the location of the wildebeest migration. As mentioned previously:
- December – March: The wildebeest herds can be found in the Southern Serengeti (technically part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area) called Ndutu. January – March is also calving season, during which an incredible 10,000 calves can be born in a single day.
- April – mid-July: The wildebeest head north through the Central Seronera area towards the Western part of the Serengeti along the Grumeti river – a lesser known but equally dramatic river crossing with crocodiles waiting.
- Mid-July – September: Probably the most iconic moment of the migrations is when the herds head north to cross the mighty Mara River in to Kenya. The exact time and dates are unpredictable.
- October – November: Usually in early October the herds must cross back to the southern side of the Mara river. The return trip occurs in a lesser visited area of the park known as Lobo. After they cross, they make their way back south for the calving season once again
When booking a safari with African Reflection Tours, we can help to guide you on which areas will be best suited for your needs based on whatever time you choose to visit.
What are the cost differences?
Lodging rates can vary significantly depending on the season and therefore people who visit in the during the low season of April-May can often save big. This is especially true with the luxury level accommodations.
For example, the luxury lodge Lemala Nanyukie is around $1900/night for two people during peak season but around $1200/night in low season. A $700 savings. Savings are also tangible for mid-range lodging, but less dramatic. For example, Serengeti Heritage Camp is $500/night for 2 people in peak season and $450/night during low season. Keep in mind that all lodging includes full room & board.
An overview:
Low Season (April-May)
- It will rain most days and sometimes quite hard.
- The rains can bring in colder temperatures
- Wildlife viewing – while not to the level of peak seasons – will still be very good
- Steep discounts can be had, particularly with luxury lodging
- The wildebeest herds will generally be moving from Central to Western Serengeti
- Migratory birds are present
Peak Season (June – October)
- The weather is more pleasant. Daytime temperatures are typically in the high 70’s and evenings/mornings will be cool.
- Prices are higher and certain areas of the park will be crowded.
- There are three potential opportunities to see a dramatic river crossing – The Grumeti in the Western part of the park in Late May-June, and the Mara both heading North in July/August and south in late October/November.
- Wildlife viewing is generally spectacular
- Little to no rain
Shoulder Season (November – March)
- If the Wildebeest cross South over the Mara late – which does occur – you can witness it with far fewer people in the Lobo area than the first crossing.
- The migration heads south and calving season occurs in the Southern Serengeti area of Ndutu. 10,000 wildebeest calves can be born in a single day at the height of the birthing season in late January/early February. Predators are close behind
- Can be a good balance of cheaper prices and an opportunity to witness a major event of the migration with fewer people.
- Some rain is common, but typically not a lot. For example, it may rain most of your trip but only very lightly and for a short time in the afternoon. It can be an opportunity for dramatic photos.
- It can be busy during the holiday season in the weeks around Christmas and New Years.
- Migratory birds are present
What Is The Bottom Line?
Serengeti National Park is the most iconic in Tanzania and maybe all of Africa. It is the iconic image of an authentic African safari.
Wildlife viewing is spectacular. Serengeti is home to the largest population of lions, all of the big 5, and big cats such as Cheetah or Leopard are more easily seen here than just about anywhere.
The Great Migration of Wildebeest often dictates what the ideal itinerary would be for a given date range. Different times of year offer the opportunity to witness dramatic events such as Crocodile infested river crossings or calving season with predators lurking.
The park can be quite crowded in the Central area known as Seronera during peak season
The range and quality of accommodation in the park is fantastic. The Serengeti tented lodge experience is often the highlight of any Tanzanian vacation.
Prices can vary by season especially regarding luxury accommodations. The low season of April-May can be much cheaper, but also has heavy rains to contend with.
At 12,000 square miles, you could spend a lifetime exploring the Serengeti and still feel as though you haven’t seen it all
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