Home to the world’s last remaining large mammal migration

Welcome to Serengeti National Park

Maasai people called this park ‘Siringet‘, meaning endless plains. The Serengeti speaks for itself and with good reason not only the migration of over 1 million wildebeest through its plains and woodlands but also unique landscapes and other spectacular wildlife.

The Serengeti is home to the world’s largest populations of Wildebeest, Zebra, Cape Eland, Lion, Cheetah, Hyena and Gazelles. The scenic beauty of the sky with cool nights and warm days makes your visit to this remaining home for great migration of large mammals incredible!

Climate

The climate of the Serengeti National Park is subtropical, with rain season from November to April and dry season from May to October.

The park is located at an altitude between 1,100 and 2,000 meters with annual average rainfall ranging from 900 to 1,000 mm.

Getting there

The park can be accessed by road and air.

Road. Accessed from all towns and cities to the present entry or exit points/gates namely Naabi Hill, Seronera, Ndutu, Kusini, Kirawira, Handajega, Ikoma, Tabora ‘B’, Lamai, Lobo, Ndabaka, Machochwe and Kleins.Air. There are all weather airstrips in the center of the park (Seronera), in the South (Kusini), in the East (Lobo), in the West (Kirawira) and in the North (Kogatende & Lamai). There are scheduled and private charters from Arusha, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro, Musoma, Dar es salaam and Zanzibar.

Attractions

Serengeti National Park, a world-renown, World Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site that has many attractions than any other national park in Africa. The Great Migration, The Big Five, Unique Bird Collections, Endangered Species, Highest concentration of Carnivores and Herbivores, Scenic and Spectacular Landscapes are some of the attractions one will encounter!

The Great Migration

The great wildebeest migration of over 1.3million accompanied by large numbers of zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant’s & Thomson’s gazelle, eland and impala with an annual pattern seeking fresh grazing and water. Having a chance of encountering this phenomena gives you a life time experience from nature.

White Bearded Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) form major part of the “Great Migration”

Common zebra (Equus burchelli)

Thomson Gazelles (Eudorcas thomsonii)

Eland (Taurotragus oryx)

Highest Concentration of Carnivores

Serengeti has the highest concentration of carnivores especially all the big African cats such as Lions, Leopards, Cheetah and Spotted Hyena! Seeing these powerful predators hunting and sometimes fighting for the territory all makes your day! Please plan a visit!

Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) are commonly sighted in Serengeti plains

Leopard (Panthera pardus) despite their solitary behavior are commonly seen in Serengeti.

Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) are the most abundant of the large carnivores

Silver Backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas) are commonly seen in the park

Largest Concentration of Herbivores

Serengeti has more than 28 species of herbivores including buffalos, wildebeest, zebras, elands, hippos and waterbucks. During game viewing spotting herbivores coloring the endless plains while feeding gives you a thrilling experience!

Elephants (Loxodonta africana)

Hippo (Hippopotamus amphibious) are abundant in rivers of Serengeti National Park

Grant Gazelle (Gazella granti) are commonly seen

Klippsringers (Oreotragus oreotragus) are normally found on the rock outcrops (Kopjes) which characterize the park

Endangered Species

Serengeti is one of the last remaining sanctuary for critically endangered Black rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli) as well as endangered African hunting dog!

Endangered African hunting dog (Lycaon pictus)

Diverse Birdlife

With more than 530 species recorded one quarter being those migrating from other parts of the world, the park form an ecological important bird area and ideal place for bird lovers! Some of the species commonly seen are European and Abdim’s storks, Eurasian Roller, Barn Swallows, Fish & Martial Eagles etc.

Migratory White stork (Ciconia ciconia) are seen during the wet season

Egyptian geese (Alopochen aegyptiaca), Southern Serengeti

Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus)

Gully billed tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) are commonly seen in the southern plains during the wet season

Little bee-eater (Merops pusillus) are common in the park

Cultural & Historical Sites

Serengeti is home to many cultures from the famous tribes of Maasai, Sukuma, Kurya and Ikoma. Indigenous maasai ,ikoma use to live in parts of the park before they were resettled outside the park. The present signs which are still visible at famous Maasai Rock Painting, Gong rock and Ikoma ruins marks a special combination of game viewing and human history.

Gong rock in Moru Kopjes, Southern Serengeti

Fort Ikoma is a historical site about Germans in East Africa.

Ikoma Ruins that are believed to have been made by indigenous Ikoma tribe in the North Western Serengeti.

Scenic and Spectacular Landscapes

The vast scenic and unspoiled landscapes among others made this area recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. With its vast plains, rolling hills and island of Kopjes increases the beauty of the park

Gol Kopjes Southern Serengeti; a magnificent landscapes of the park

Mara River through the park is one of the beautful natural feature especially when viewed from above.

Plants and Insects

The park is rich in plant life as well as insects. During the rain seasons the park bust in wild flowers and beautiful butterflies providing exceptional experience to botanists and entomologists

Beautful flowers decorate the park during the rain season.

Activities

Having unparalleled attractions ,Serengeti has a number of tourism activities and opportunities for visitors to get the best wildlife experience! Some of these includes Hot Air balloons, Game Drives, Filming and photographic safaris, Walking safaris, Bush meals and Cultural tourism.

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Hot Air balloon which gives visitor a chance to see the park in a different perspective!…. Seeing it from the top!

A balloon flight; normally conducted during the morning!

Game Viewing by Vehicles

This is major tourist activity in the park. It gives the visitors an opportunity to see animal comfortably from their vehicles. Don’t miss come and see!

Professional Filming &Photographing

The park is a perfect place for professional photographing, footages and filming. Come and have a snap!

Filming activity in the park

Bush meal

Having a meal in the middle of the bush while surrounded by animals, the sceneries and the beautiful sky makes the day memorable!

Tourism Sinks

These designated special areas provides a chance for visitors to stretch and see things around therefore come close to nature.

Walking Safaris

The best way to experience nature is on foot. Serengeti offers opportunity for walking safaris in wilderness and normally accompanied by an armed Park Ranger.

Accomodation Facilities

Accommodation options are many from extreme air-conditioned luxury to simple camps, lodges and camping sites. TANAPA oversees the booking and management of Public, Special and seasonal campsites, rest house and bandas.

Public Campsite

Shared campsite with toilets, kitchen, dinning and shades

Special/Seasonal Campsite

These kind of accommodation facilities are available in the park. They range from normal to luxury ones.

Bandas

The self contained rooms with shower block, toilets and cooking/dining area are available

Rest House

The self contained rooms with shower block, toilets and cooking/dining area

Hostels

These are affordable accommodations for students and low budget tourists

Lodges

The park has about 6 Lodges ranging from 3 to 5 star! These are Seronera wildlife lodge, Lobo Wildlife lodgeMelia Serengeti, Four season safari Lodge, Serena and Sopa Lodge

Permanent Tented Camp

These kind of categories are available as well most of them being high- end facilities. Some of these are Sayari Camp, Serengeti Bush tops, Kurya Hills, Nimali Mara etc.

Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) designed for a classic 3–5 day safari experience. You can adjust depending on your time and budget.

Full Itinerary Of Serengeti National Park

I’ll assume a common route starting from Arusha or Moshi, which is the main gateway to the northern safari circuit.

🦁 Full Itinerary of Serengeti National Park

Day 1: Departure from Arusha – Drive to Serengeti

• Early morning pick-up from Arusha/Moshi
• Drive through the Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Game viewing en route as you enter Serengeti
• Afternoon: First game drive in central Serengeti (Seronera area)
• Dinner and overnight at lodge or tented camp inside Serengeti

Highlights:

• First wildlife sightings (lions, zebras, giraffes, antelopes)
• Scenic landscapes of endless plains

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Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Central Serengeti

• Early morning game drive (best time to see predators hunting)
• Breakfast in the bush or camp
• Continue exploring Seronera Valley
• Picnic lunch inside the park
• Afternoon game drive near rivers and kopjes (rock formations)
• Return to camp for dinner and overnight

Wildlife you may see:

• Lions, cheetahs, leopards
• Elephants, buffalo, hyenas
• Hippos and crocodiles

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Day 3: Northern or Western Serengeti (Seasonal Migration Route)

• Early breakfast and departure with packed lunch
• Drive to northern Serengeti (Kogatende) or western corridor (Grumeti)
• Follow the Great Migration (depending on season)
• Afternoon game drive near Mara River (if in northern Serengeti)
• Dinner and overnight in tented camp

Highlights:

• Wildebeest migration crossings (seasonal)
• Predator action near river crossings

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Day 4: Full Day Exploration / Optional Hot Air Balloon

• Optional early morning hot air balloon safari
• Full-day game drive exploring remote areas
• Visit different habitats (savannah, riverine forest, plains)
• Picnic lunch in the wild
• Sunset game drive return to camp

Optional activity:

• Hot air balloon safari (extra cost but highly recommended)

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Day 5: Serengeti – Return to Arusha/Moshi

• Early morning short game drive
• Breakfast at camp
• Drive back via Ngorongoro highlands
• Optional stop at Maasai villages or crater rim viewpoints
• Arrival in Arusha/Moshi in the evening