Serengeti National Park

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Karibu Serengeti National Park

Let the great migration in this dynamic ecosystem move you.

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

The Serengeti National Park has a diverse range of animals, including a million wildebeests migrating onto the Serengeti Plains in search of new pasture. You’ll have to go in February to see more than 8000 wildebeest calves being born every day.

The endless plains of the Serengeti grasslands are home to around 500 different bird species. The secretary birds, which may wander up to 20 kilometers in pursuit of vipers, cobras, and other snakes, can be seen here. There are also African Fish Eagles, White-backed vultures, Lesser Flamingos, Ostriches, and a variety of other birds.

One of Africa’s seven natural wonders is the world-famous Serengeti migration.

The attractions found in the Serengeti

The greatest wildlife destination on earth

The magic of Serengeti National Park is not easy to describe in words. Not only seeing, but also hearing the buzz of millions of wildebeest so thick in the air that it vibrates through your entire body is something you will try to describe to friends and family, before realising it’s impossible. Vistas of honey-lit plains at sunset so beautiful, it’s worth the trip just to witness this. The genuine smiles of the Maasai people, giving you an immediate warming glow inside. Or just the feeling of constantly being amongst thousands of animals – it doesn’t matter what season of the migration you visit the Serengeti National Park, it’s magical all year round.

The never-ending circle of the Great Migration

Serengeti National Park was one of the first sites listed as a World Heritage Site when United Nations delegates met in Stockholm in 1981. Already by the late 1950s, this area had been recognised as a unique ecosystem, providing us with many insights into how the natural world functions and showing us how dynamic ecosystems really are.

Today, most visitors come here with one aim alone: to witness millions of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles and elands on a mass trek to quench their thirst for water and eat fresh grass. During this great cyclical movement, these ungulates move around the ecosystem in a seasonal pattern, defined by rainfall and grass nutrients. These large herds of animals on the move can’t be witnessed anywhere else. Whereas other famous wildlife parks are fenced, the Serengeti is protected, but unfenced. Giving animals enough space to make their return journey, one that they’ve been doing for millions of years.

Beyond the Great Migration

Even though, for many travellers, the migration is one of the main reasons to visit Serengeti National Park, it’s worth looking beyond this immense spectacle. First of all, nature can’t be directed. Having realistic expectations of your chances to witness a river crossing, or a large herd on the move, is crucial. A river crossing for example often only lasts thirty minutes, so can be missed in the blink of an eye. But don’t let this discourage you: there are plenty of other reasons to visit the Serengeti. If it’s not for this vast stretch of land where you can drive forever and never get enough, it might be for the incredible skies of dazzling colours, or the primal feeling of excitement when a deep dark-grey thunderstorm appears on the broad horizon. Or you might answer the lion’s call, and come to the Serengeti for one of the largest concentrations of predators in the world: the herds support about 7,500 hyenas, 3,000 lions and 250 cheetahs. And how about the silent grey giants? Elephants in the Serengeti amble over the plains into the woodlands, feasting on leaves and tree branches.

Tribes in the cradle of human life

Even though animals still rule the plains of the Serengeti, this area has an incredibly long history of human occupation. Not only humans, but also human ancestors (Australopithecus afarensi) lived in this area for almost 4 million years. Today, Serengeti National Park is still home to several indigenous tribes. One of the most famous tribes is the Maasai: this tribe is unique and popular due to their long-preserved culture. Despite education, civilization and western cultural influences, the Maasai people have clung to their traditional way of life, making them a symbol of Tanzanian and Kenyan culture.

Vibrancy, variety and vastness

You will soon realise that amazement doesn’t have boundaries in this world-renowned National Park of Tanzania. Serengeti is a transition area, with distinct changeovers going from rich flat soils, to poor hilly soils in the north, attracting a wide variety of vegetation and animals. Whether you are looking for big cats, birds or even smaller creatures: Serengeti National Park delivers. Even to understand and experience just a small part of this ecosystem, will change your vision on our world and the environment.

After being overwhelmed by the vibrancy, variety and vastness of this land, this place of transition will leave you changed forever.

The Activities found and To do at the Serengeti national park

Key activities in Serengeti National Park include witnessing the Great Migration, game drives, cultural encounters with the Maasai, and hot air balloon safaris

1. Witness the Great Migration

One of the most breathtaking natural spectacles on Earth, the Great Migration involves over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, moving across the Serengeti in search of grazing lands. This cycle typically spans from December to June, with the migration culminating in river crossings, such as at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, which attracts many predators

2. Game Drives

Game drives are the primary way to experience wildlife in Serengeti National Park. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) as well as a variety of other wildlife. The Seronera Valley is particularly famous for abundant wildlife viewing year-round .

3. Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Experience the park from above with a hot air balloon ride at dawn, offering unique views of the landscapes and wildlife below. This exhilarating ride typically concludes with a celebratory breakfast in the wild, adding a touch of luxury to your adventure

4. Cultural Experiences with the Maasai

Engage with the Maasai people, known for their rich cultural heritage. Visits to Maasai villages allow travelers to learn about traditional lifestyles, customs, and community practices. Enjoy traditional dances and storytelling during your interactions

5. Explore the Seronera River Valley

This area is renowned for its stunning wildlife displays, including large populations of herbivores and predators attracted to the Seronera River. It’s an ideal spot for photography and wildlife watching

6. Visit Olduvai Gorge

Known as the “Cradle of Mankind,” Olduvai Gorge is significant for its archaeological site that features the remains of ancient human ancestors. A visit offers historical insights and the opportunity to see fossils and tools displayed in the museum established by Mary Leakey

7. Moru Kopjes

The Moru Kopjes, rocky outcrops dotted throughout the Serengeti, are home to unique wildlife, including black rhinos and many bird species. The area also features ancient rock paintings that reflect the history and culture of the Maasai

8. Night Game Drives

Experience the park’s nocturnal wildlife by taking a night game drive, which offers a glimpse of different animal behaviors and species, typically including predatory animals

9. Predator Sightings at Grumeti River

The Grumeti Riveris a hotspot for witnessing wildlife during migration, especially where crocodiles lie in wait for the wildebeest to cross. This area is excellent for spotting large predator populations during migration seasons

10. Bird Watching

With over 500 bird species, Serengeti National Park is a prime location for birding experiences. Various ecosystems provide different viewing opportunities throughout the year and are especially prolific during migratory seasons

These activities collectively offer an immersive experience into the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of Serengeti National Park, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Going on safari in the Serengeti National Park

Going on safari in Serengeti National Park

As with all adventures, a successful Serengeti safari starts with planning your adventure.

Many questions come to mind as soon as you start planning a Serengeti safari; what should I bring on a safari? Do I need special gear and clothing? What about rain suits? Or a torch perhaps? We are happy providing you with some general information, although it will always depend on how you are traveling and where you are going. If you are flying in for a short stay, you won’t need to pack too much.

What does a typical safari in the Serengeti look like?

If this is your first safari trip (we feel your excitement!), you might be curious about what your safari days will look like. Although this can vary slightly from camp to camp, there is generally a day-plan most lodges follow, simply because the rhythm of wildlife and weather conditions are changeable. Don’t worry if you are not much of a morning person; there is plenty of time for napping later in the day. We can also guarantee that the minute you are awakened by the sound of birds and a far-off cry of a scavenging hyena, you will become an early bird yourself.

Drive-in, fly-in or combo safari?

Many roads lead to Serengeti National Park. So which one should you choose? This really depends on your wishes, needs and further travel plans. If you’re looking for a fast and convenient way to travel, or just have a few days to spend in the area, a fly-in safari is the option for you. If you’re planning to visit some other sites as well or looking to save some money on transportation, a drive-in safari is the way to go. A popular option is to combine these two, starting with a drive-in safari from Arusha, with an overnight stay at the Ngorongoro Crater along the way. From the crater it’s just an three hour drive to the Serengeti National Park. After your Serengeti safari you can fly out from one of the airstrips – saving you at least eight hours of driving to Arusha.

Fly-in Serengeti safari

Upon arrival at one of Serengeti’s airstrips, a guide or tracker from the lodge will pick you up and take you to their property. Some of the more exclusive lodges even have their own airstrip; giving you the opportunity to maximize your time to enjoy the splendours of the savannah and the lodge. The coming days you will be exploring the Serengeti with one of the guides from the lodge.

Drive-in Serengeti safari

When choosing to book a drive-in safari a driver/guide from Arusha will take you to your lodge in the Serengeti in a 4×4 safari vehicle (and other places to visit -depending on your itinerary- along the way). In general, the driver/guide will also be your guide in the Serengeti and take you on the game drives through the park. However, at some of the more exclusive Serengeti lodges it is a requisite to go on game drives with one of the guides at the lodge, as they want to make sure that their high standards are met and you will have the best possible (safari) experience at their lodge.

Serengeti cuisine and sundowners

A four-course dinner of delicate dishes, with views over the vast plains, under a tree lit by lanterns, or fuelling up on freshly made macarons during a high-tea before the afternoon game drive. And how about unwinding after an exhilarating day with a buffet of appetizers and a glass of full-bodied African wine? Although the highlight of your safari is of course the wildlife viewing; what is a safari day without excellent meals in between your activities? You will be pleasantly surprised by the high standards the Serengeti lodges live by when it comes to drinks and dining, even though they’re all located in remote places. This will definitely be something to reminisce about once back at home. There is no lack of fresh produce, local specialities, as well as international dishes, sometimes with a twist personal to the chef. And it’s a reassuring thought that all meals, as well as coffee and tea and (often) local brand drinks, are included in the price.

We don’t want to ruin all the surprises your staff has planned for you, but dinner is often served at different locations throughout your stay. And how many times have you had dinner while watching giraffes having a juicy meal of tree branches themselves? To top it off, traditional singing and dance performances are often part of the dinner, as well as magnificent sunsets or a sky full of stars. Always be aware of that memorable moment, that can sneak up on you unexpectedly: maybe it’s when you’re sipping a freshly brewed morning coffee when you see the light of the sunrise slowly getting brighter and brighter. Or maybe it’s that one evening when you’re gazing up at the stars with a nightcap in your hand, realizing how incredibly small we are and how precious our planet is.

Dietary requirements and arrival

If you have any dietary requirements, please inform the lodge accordingly; the chefs are more than happy to oblige. Arriving late? Please call ahead to the lodge, so they can prepare a late night dinner for you and you don’t have to go to bed with a rumbling belly.

Serengeti safari packing list: We’ve got your bag

Congratulations: you’ve made the decision to take the trip of a lifetime. Once on your safari, you don’t want to be distracted by packing inconveniences or other irrelevant obstacles.

We will try to answer all your questions about what to pack and how to pack it. Although it depends on how you are travelling and where you are going, there are some general guidelines. If you are flying in for a short stay, you don’t need to pack too much. Do note that smaller chartered planes allow 12 to 15 kg for carry-on luggage, and soft bags are strongly recommended. Also, don’t hesitate to contact us for further information.

What clothes to pack for a Serengeti safari?

You don’t need an entire new wardrobe when going on a Serengeti safari (but if you need an excuse to shop, we won’t stop you of course). Just leave your brightly-coloured clothes at home, and don’t pack too much.

Bring light fabrics and loose-fitting clothing that dries fast, in tranquil colours. Laundry is offered daily in most camps, so you don’t have to worry about not having any clean clothes.
Pack a warm sweater (or jacket) and a scarf. Temperatures plummet in mornings and evenings; warm clothes during a game drive are a necessity. If you still find yourself shivering during a game drive, camps also provide ‘bush babies’ (you will soon find out what those are) and blankets.
Shorts for men and women are perfect for a safari drive or bush walk, but (light) longer trousers are preferred in rural villages.
It is accepted to dress casually in safari camps.
A ‘squashable’ hat and sunglasses with good (polarized) UV protection are essential during your trip.
Leave all your trendy camouflage or military-themed clothes at home: in Africa this is not considered appropriate and the police might question you.
Wear lightweight footwear with ankle support if possible. Make sure the shoes feel comfortable and that you can walk on them for a while. We recommend trying them at home for some longer walks to make sure they don’t hurt your feet.
Bring a few pairs of thin socks that dry fast, rather than one pair of thick socks. Wearing several layers of thin socks is often more comfortable. Visit an outdoor speciality store to get more information on socks.

Tools, tools, tools: what tools to bring on a Serengeti safari?

Handy tools are an important part of a successful safari. Most lodges don’t hesitate to provide anything you need, but picking and bringing your own tools is fun too. So what should you bring? Here are a few items we always find useful during our own trips.

Your own binoculars (to view animals from your private deck or wherever you may be).
Your own camera for those amazing pictures (of course!).
A cheap (waterproof) watch (leave expensive jewellery at home).
Sunblock and lipsalve with high UV protection.
High-quality insect repellent.
Camps often provide water bottles, but you can bring one yourself, too, to limit plastic waste.

Tips for amazing safari photos

A resting lion under a tree, opening his mouth for a long yawn… and click! You just made an amazing safari shot. We don’t need to tell you that the Serengeti is a paradise for photographers. To create these beautiful memories, we would like to help you become an even better photographer. Therefore, we would like to provide you with some of our tips.

For great results, use a (digital) SLR camera with one or more lenses. For photography of wild animals, a lens with a minimum range of 200 mm is crucial, preferably a 300 mm lens. For landscape photography, a wide-angle lens (18 mm or less) is recommended. Pretty portraits can be shot with lenses with a fixed focal length (usually a 50 mm lens provides good results) and large aperture. If you don’t feel like carrying heavy bags of photo equipment on your Serengeti safari: a 18-200 mm zoom lens can make beautiful shots, and pretty much all subjects are within range. Important during your Serengeti safari is protecting your equipment: because you will probably drive on unpaved roads, dust easily gets into the car and may damage your camera. Make sure a quality dust-free bag always protects your camera.

A few words on safety during your safari

Going on a safari is very thrilling and exciting, but just as with any other trip, it comes with potential safety issues.

Although you probably won’t drive yourself during your Serengeti safari, you should know that in game reserves and national parks with big game it is absolutely prohibited to get out of your car, unless accompanied by armed rangers or/and guides. Unfortunately, each year travellers ignore this rule, despite the serious consequences.

Usually, a guide in a special safari vehicle will pick you up from a small airstrip. Once you are in the lodge, pay attention to the briefing provided by your ranger or accommodation staff. The staff always knows what game is currently roaming in the vicinity of the lodge.

Many lodges in the Serengeti are unfenced; wildlife can freely enter the premises and will do so. Therefore, you are not allowed to walk unaccompanied around the lodge after sunset. Would you like to go to the main building, restaurant or bar? Just call the reception and they will send someone to escort you from your room.

Again: if you have any concerns, reach out to us and we will answer all your questions.

When to visit Serengeti National Park

We don’t say this lightly: the Serengeti is always full of surprises, no matter the time of year.

The centerpiece of most travellers’ planning is, with good reason, to experience the Great Migration. However, we do invite you to look beyond ‘just’ the Great Migration and also discover other wonders of the Serengeti.

Follow the Great Migration

Serengeti National Park offers extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year – you just need to know when to go where to admire one of nature’s last remaining true spectacles: the Great Migration. For example, winter is the best time to see the herd in Southern Serengeti, while the Western Corridor and Northern Serengeti are the best places to spend the summer and autumn months. It’s worth bearing in mind that – also in this part of the world – nature will be its unpredictable self. Hence, chance plays a big part in witnessing the iconic river crossing when two million animals cross a river with rapids jostling their bodies and crocs snapping at their hooves. That being said, when choosing the right part of the Serengeti in the right period, large herds are usually easily spotted and there is a fair chance of seeing a spectacular migrational movement.

Beyond the great migration

Although most travellers can’t wait to catch a glimpse of the wildebeest’s spectacular trek, Serengeti National Park has much more to offer. Golden-maned lions sunbathing on a rock, an elusive leopard chilling out on a branch of an acacia tree and a cheetah chasing a gazelle at full speed on the never-ending sunburnt plains – to name just a few of the Serengeti’s magical beasts.

There are some powerful arguments in favour of avoiding the Great Migration. First, areas where the Great Migration can be seen, become busy with fellow travellers, something that can be bothersome in terms of your Serengeti safari experience. Second, most predatory species (but also most other wildlife species except zebra and wildebeest) are territorial and do not wander too far from their territories, so there is no need to follow the crowds. Moreover, most Serengeti safari camps and lodges offer substantially lower rates (often referred to as ‘green season’ rates) in April and May. Last, outside peak periods the Serengeti (but also the other national parks, including the Ngorongoro Crater Area) is far less crowded, whilst wildlife viewing options are still superb.

Avoid the crowds

Unique spectacles such as the Great Trek can attract quite a lot of spectators, and you might experience the heart of the migration to be a bit crowded – with human species that is. Especially travellers that only visit the Seronera area may experience a Serengeti that feels crowded, sometimes too crowded for comfort. A wildlife sighting that involves a big cat, whether this a leopard, a cheetah or a lion pride, soon attracts many safari vehicles. Many visitors, and as a result their guides, are obsessed with big cats (and the Big Five): they feel that they would miss out when not joining a sighting. Within minutes of a big cat sighting being called on the radio, all vehicles will congregate on that one sighting. There is a good reason for this: Seronera is the location of many lodges and campsites and is the most accessible portion of Serengeti National Park. The result is that within a 10 kilometer radius from Seronera the road network is busy with safari vehicles indeed. Simply put, being in the wrong spot at the wrong time may lead to the misconception that the Serengeti is too crowded. It is not: one only needs to wander (or rather drive) further to avoid such sightings.

To avoid the crowds, or rather to experience Serengeti National Park as it should be experienced, we recommend splitting your safari itinerary in two: one portion of your trip in the heart of the migration action (and yes, you will experience heavier vehicle traffic), and the other portion in a remote, out-of-season, location. Options for the latter would be the Western Corridor between August and October, or the Mara Serengeti area between November and June. You will encounter far lower visitor numbers in these areas whereas the quality of wildlife viewing is almost, or just as good as in the Seronera area. It is not at all impossible spending time in the Serengeti (even during peak season) seeing no (or all right, barely) other visitors.

If you rather have the Serengeti to yourself, travelling in low season is your best option. Periods in which visitor numbers are low and camps rates are much lower include mid-March to mid-May (long rains), early November to mid-December (short rains) and the last two weeks in January.

Seasonal Serengeti

Most travellers pick the dry season (which takes place from late June to October) for a safari in the Serengeti National Park. Animals gather around rivers and waterholes to quench their thirst. The Great Migration is at its absolute prime and your chances of witnessing an iconic river crossing are at their best. Most lodges will remain open during the more tranquil ‘wet season’ when the rains turn the dry landscape into a lush, green oasis and the birthing season begins. Here are some pros and cons for the wet and dry season.

June to October – dry season

Pros:

The thick bush thins out and wildlife is easier to spot.
Animals will gather around the rivers and waterholes.
Expect bright days and lots of sunshine with afternoon temperatures around 25°C / 77°F.
Easier to spot the Great Migration (including these iconic river crossings, if lucky).

Cons:

The park gets crowded, especially around the Seronera area.
It gets relatively cold at night and early in the morning with minimum temperatures around 14°C / 57°F.
Occasional cold fronts are possible, with temperatures close to freezing.

November to May – wet season

Pros:

December to February is the time to see the calving in the Southern Serengeti – an excellent time to see predator action.
Birdwatching is at its best.
Fewer tourists and lower rates, especially in April and May.
A lush and green landscape.
From November to February, rains are mostly short afternoon storms and seldom interfere with your trip.
Less sunburn

Cons:

March to May is the peak of the wet season; It tends to rain most days, although seldom for the whole day. It is often cloudy and occasional sunlight.
January to March can be crowded around the Seronera area.

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