Destination
Type
3
Sub-areas
12
Properties
Jun-Oct
Best Time
About Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is the definition of African safari — a name that has become synonymous with wildlife spectacle on a scale found nowhere else on Earth. Covering 30,000 square kilometres of grassland, woodland, and riverine forest, the Serengeti hosts the greatest concentration of large mammals on the planet.
The Great Wildebeest Migration dominates the Serengeti calendar — over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle moving in a clockwise circuit that follows the rains and fresh grass. The dramatic river crossings at the Mara River between July and October are among nature's most breathtaking spectacles. But the Serengeti is far more than the migration; resident wildlife populations include over 3,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, and significant numbers of cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and hippo.
The park's sheer scale means different areas offer distinctly different experiences. The central Seronera valley provides year-round game viewing. The northern Serengeti delivers the famous river crossings. The southern plains host the calving season. The western corridor offers less-visited wilderness. With multiple nights, it's possible to experience the Serengeti's extraordinary diversity of landscape and wildlife.
Ready to Visit Serengeti National Park?
Get free quotes from verified safari operators.
Areas in Serengeti National Park
Why Visit Serengeti National Park
The top experiences that make Serengeti National Park worth the journey.
Plan Your Visit to Serengeti National Park
Everything you need to know before booking your Serengeti National Park safari — from the ideal season to budget expectations and logistics.
Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park
Year-round destination. June-October for dry season and northern river crossings. January-March for calving season in the south. April-May is low season with rain but fewer tourists and lower prices.
What It Costs
Park fees $70/adult/day (highest in Tanzania). Budget camping safaris from $150/day. Mid-range lodges $400-700/day. Luxury tented camps $800-2,500/day. Balloon safaris $500-600/person. Budget 3-4 nights minimum.
Getting There
Bush flights from Arusha (1.5hrs) to multiple Serengeti airstrips — Seronera (central), Kogatende (north), Ndutu (south). Road access from Arusha via Ngorongoro (8hrs) or from Mwanza (4hrs). Most luxury camps include airstrip transfers.
Places to Stay in Serengeti National Park
Handpicked lodges, camps, and hotels
Destinations Near Serengeti National Park
Combine Serengeti National Park with these nearby destinations for a multi-stop safari itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Serengeti National Park
When is the best time to visit the Serengeti?
The Serengeti offers excellent wildlife year-round. Peak season is June–October when animals concentrate in the north following the migration. January–March is calving season in the south — thousands of wildebeest calves are born daily and predators follow. April–May is the green season with fewer tourists and lower prices.
How much does a Serengeti safari cost?
A Serengeti safari costs $300–$900 per person per day all-inclusive. Budget camps start from $200/night, mid-range lodges from $350/night, and luxury tented camps from $600–$2,000/night. Tanzania's national park fees ($60/day) are typically included in lodge packages.
Can I combine the Serengeti with Zanzibar?
Yes — this is one of Africa's most popular combinations. A typical itinerary is 4–7 nights in the Serengeti (wildlife) then 3–5 nights in Zanzibar (beach). Direct flights connect Serengeti airstrips to Zanzibar. This combination appeals to families, honeymooners, and first-time safari visitors.
Is the Serengeti or Masai Mara better for the Great Migration?
Both are part of the same ecosystem. The Serengeti is better for: calving season (Jan–Mar), larger park area, and lower entrance fees ($60 vs $80/day). The Masai Mara is better for: river crossings (Jul–Oct, more dramatic in Kenya), shorter drives to the best action. Many experienced safari-goers visit both.
How do I get to the Serengeti?
The most common entry is via chartered or scheduled flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport to one of the Serengeti's 5 airstrips (Seronera, Grumeti, Kleins, Lobo, or Kogatende). Arusha is 2.5 hours by air. Road access via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area takes 5–6 hours from Arusha and passes through the Ngorongoro Crater — ideal as a combined itinerary.