Serengeti National Park- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Serengeti National Park: Tanzania’s Legendary Safari Destination

I. Overview of Serengeti National Park

Located in northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park spans roughly 14,000 km² of savanna, woodlands and riverine forests. The park earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1981 thanks to its exceptional ecosystem, vast wildlife populations and the unrivalled spectacle of the Great Migration.

The terrain is varied: sweeping open plains give way to granite outcrops (kopjes), wooded grasslands and river corridors. This variation supports a wide range of species and habitats. Because of its size, ecological integrity and continuous natural processes, the park remains one of Africa’s most intact safari landscapes.

II. Key Wildlife and Natural Phenomena

One of Serengeti’s defining features is the Great Migration: more than two million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, follow the rains and fresh pasture through a loop across the plains. Predator-prey dynamics play out as lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas shadow the herds.

Beyond the migration, Serengeti hosts one of Africa’s highest densities of large predators, vast herds of herbivores and over 500 bird species. The diversity of habitats—from open plains to riverine forest—gives opportunities for spotting rare species and varied behaviour.

III. Visiting the Park – Practical Essentials

Best Times to Visit & Seasonality

Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round, but different times offer different experiences. The dry season (June to October) often brings better concentration of animals around water sources and the migration may cross rivers in the northern zones. Meanwhile, the calving season of the migration (January-March) offers different drama and fewer crowds.

Access & Regions

Most visitors arrive via the gateway town of Arusha or fly into one of the airstrips within the park. The park is large and divided into zones:

• North – famous for river crossings and migration scenes.
• Central (Seronera) – excellent for big cats year-round.
• Western – known for Grumeti River and croc sightings.
• Southern – key calving area early in the year.

Planning Your Safari

For a meaningful safari, allow at least 3–4 full days within the park to experience different habitats and wildlife concentrations. Choose a credible safari operator or guide, especially if you want to track migration movements or target specific species. Be prepared for varying accommodation styles—from luxury lodges to mobile camps—and book early for peak migration periods.

Wildlife & Safety Considerations

While safari in the park is safe when conducted properly, remember that this is wild terrain:

• Stay inside the vehicle during game drives.
• Follow guide instructions carefully.
• Respect wildlife behaviour and maintain a safe distance.