Serengeti National Park

About Serengeti National Park

Welcome to Serengeti National Park - the only place where you can witness millions of migrating wildebeest over the Acacia plains, the cradle of human life, and probably the closest to an untouched African wilderness you will ever get. Where time seems to stand still, despite the thousands of animals constantly on the move.

The magic of Serengeti is not easy to describe in words. The buzz of millions of wildebeest vibrating through your entire body, vistas of honey-lit plains at sunset, and the genuine smiles of the Maasai people create an experience you'll never forget. Whether you visit during calving season, river crossings, or the quiet months, Serengeti is magical all year round.

Established in 1930 as a 2,286 square kilometer game reserve, the park was formally designated in 1951 and became one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981. Originally including Ngorongoro, which split off in 1959, the park now protects one of the world's most complete ecosystems. This is a transition area from rich flat soils to poor hilly soils, supporting incredible biodiversity and the annual Great Migration of over 2 million animals.

Highlights

The Great Migration - 2+ million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles

Mara River Crossings - Dramatic wildebeest crossings (July-October)

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981

7,500 hyenas, 3,000 lions, 250 cheetahs - highest predator density

Endless Acacia plains stretching to the horizon

Cradle of human life - Australopithecus afarensi fossils (4 million years old)

Maasai cultural heritage and traditional way of life

Unfenced ecosystem allowing natural migration patterns

Calving season (January-March) with 8,000 births daily

Year-round exceptional game viewing

Wildlife

Wildebeest (2+ million during migration)

Zebras (over 200,000)

Gazelles (Thompson's and Grant's)

Elands

Lions (3,000 - largest population in Africa)

Cheetahs (250)

Spotted Hyenas (7,500)

Leopards

African Elephants

Cape Buffaloes

Giraffes

Hippos

Crocodiles (in Mara and Grumeti rivers)

Black Rhinos (rare, in protected areas)

Wild Dogs (rare)

Over 500 bird species

Activities

Great Migration Game Drives - Following the herds year-round

Mara River Crossing Viewing - Witnessing dramatic crossings (July-October)

Hot Air Balloon Safaris - Sunrise flights over the plains

Game Drives - Morning, afternoon, and full-day safaris

Walking Safaris - Guided bush walks in designated areas

Cultural Tours - Maasai village visits and cultural experiences

Bird Watching - Over 500 species including raptors and water birds

Photography Safaris - Capturing predator action and landscapes

Night Game Drives - Nocturnal wildlife viewing (select camps)

Fly Camping - Mobile tented camps following the migration

Best Time to Visit

Serengeti offers exceptional wildlife viewing year-round, with each season offering unique experiences. The dry season (June-October) is ideal for predator sightings and Mara River crossings. The short rains (November-December) bring lush landscapes and fewer crowds. Calving season (January-March) in the southern Serengeti sees 8,000 wildebeest births daily with intense predator action. April-May (long rains) offers dramatic skies and excellent value, though some areas may be less accessible.