Serengeti National Reserve

Overview

The Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous safari destinations in the world, known for its endless plains, dramatic wildlife encounters, and the Great Migration — often described as the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth. Covering about 14,750 square kilometers, the Serengeti is part of a larger ecosystem that includes Kenya’s Masai Mara, creating a seamless corridor for millions of animals. The word “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai language meaning “endless plains,” a perfect description of its sweeping landscapes.

Location

The Serengeti lies in northern Tanzania, primarily in the Mara and Simiyu regions, and stretches all the way to the Kenyan border where it connects with the Masai Mara. It is about 335 km (208 miles) from Arusha and 600 km (373 miles) northwest of Dar es Salaam. Coordinates: 2.3333° S, 34.8333° E.

Why – Reasons to Visit

• The Great Migration – Witness over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains and rivers in a life-and-death journey.
• Big Five & Beyond – Home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, cheetahs, hyenas, and countless antelope species.
• Predator Action – The Serengeti has one of the highest concentrations of large predators in the world.
• Scenic Landscapes – From the endless savannahs to granite kopjes, river valleys, and woodlands, every corner of the Serengeti offers unique beauty.
• World Heritage Site – Recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding natural value and biodiversity.

When – Best Time to Visit

• December to March – Calving season in the southern Serengeti (Ndutu area), attracting predators.
• June to July – Dramatic river crossings at the Grumeti River.
• August to October – Northern Serengeti river crossings at the Mara River (shared with Masai Mara).
• Year-round – Incredible wildlife viewing at any time, though experiences vary by location and season.

How to Get There

• By Air: Daily flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Dar es Salaam to airstrips across the Serengeti (Seronera, Kogatende, Lobo, Ndutu). Flight times range from 1–2 hours.
• By Road: About an 8-hour drive from Arusha through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering scenic game drives along the way.
• From Kenya: Visitors can cross into Serengeti from Masai Mara through the Isebania border.

Popular Attractions & Points of Interest

1. Seronera Valley – The heart of the Serengeti, known for its year-round big cat sightings.
2. Western Corridor – Famous for the Grumeti River and seasonal wildebeest crossings.
3. Northern Serengeti – Remote and wild, this is the place to see the Mara River crossings without large crowds.
4. Ndutu Region – Prime location for the wildebeest calving season (Dec–March).
5. Lobo Hills & Kopjes – Rocky outcrops offering panoramic views and great predator sightings.

Accommodation Options

The Serengeti has a wide variety of stays, from luxury lodges to mobile camps that follow the migration:

• Luxury Camps & Lodges: Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Singita Grumeti, Serengeti Migration Camp.
• Mid-range Options: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Acacia Central Camp.
• Budget Camps: Public campsites around Seronera and Ndutu.
• Mobile Tented Camps: Nomad Serengeti, Lemala Ewanjan, and Ubuntu Camp, which move seasonally to follow the migration.

General Travel Tips

• Park Fees: Non-resident adults pay approx. USD $70 per day (check TANAPA’s latest rates).
• Timing Your Visit: Base your safari around migration patterns for the best experiences.
• Clothing: Neutral-colored, lightweight clothing, plus warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings.
• Photography Gear: A zoom lens (at least 300mm), binoculars, and extra batteries are must-haves.
• Health Precautions: Malaria prophylaxis and yellow fever vaccination recommended; carry insect repellent.
• Safari Style: Consider combining Serengeti with Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire for a classic northern Tanzania circuit.