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.
Everything you need to know before booking your Serengeti National Park safari — from the ideal season to budget expectations and logistics.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Serengeti National Park is known for incredible wildlife viewing. Top experiences include: The Great Wildebeest Migration — 2 million animals, Unrivalled predator action — lion, leopard, cheetah, River crossings at Mara River (Jul-Oct), Calving season in southern plains (Jan-Mar), Hot air balloon safaris at dawn, Vast, untouched wilderness stretching to the horizon. The specific species you'll encounter depend on the season and exact location within Serengeti National Park.
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.
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.
Serengeti, Tanzania
$350 /night
safari camp