Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is Africa’s most famous park due to the largest concentration of game on the continent and the migration of millions of wildebeest. The most impressive nature documentaries were shot in this beautiful park. ‘Serengeti’ comes from the Maasai language meaning ‘endless plains’ and nothing could describe it better. With almost 15,000 km2 (6,000 square miles), Serengeti National Park is the second-largest park in Tanzania.

Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park

The annual wildebeest migration of more than a million wildebeest is probably Serengeti’s main attraction. It is a truly impressive sight to see all those mammals thunder across the Serengeti plains, crossing rivers, searching for water and fresh grass. Mega herds on the move stretch up to 40 kilometres long, covering a distance of some 1,000 kilometres. A dangerous journey for the wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles who need to outsmart their hungry predators. The biggest challenge is to cross the Mara and Grumeti Rivers, where giant crocodiles and fast flowing water awaits. The Great Migration is listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and clearly is the highlight for many visitors. As one of the world’s largest wildlife spectacles, this does not come as a surprise.

You can witness the wildebeest migration anytime of the year, since the animals migrate in a circle between the Serengeti and Masai Mara (Kenya). The exact timing of the migration depends upon the rainfall patterns each year. Thanks to our experienced Your Tanzania Trip guides, we can make a fairly accurate prediction.

If you like to know more about the wildebeest migration, check our page about the wildebeest migration.

Wildlife in Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park offers so much more beauty than just the wildebeest migration. You can see a variety of landscapes and wildlife unlike anywhere else in Africa. The endless plains are home to more than 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, 225 cheetahs and 3,500 hyenas. It’s no surprise there are so many predators due to the abundance of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and buffalo. The Serengeti is also one of the best places to see the Big Five – rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, and leopard. Almost all the famous African animals are present in this majestic park. This includes rare animal species like the pangolin, East African Oryx, rhino and African wild dog.

The captivating landscapes of Serengeti National Park vary from savannas with acacia trees and vast grasslands to rising mountains, lakes, and swamps. Each area is unique and has its own atmosphere. Because of its natural beauty and variety of plants and animals, the park is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place definitely touches your soul.

Do you want to add Serengeti National Park to your itinerary? Check out our Tanzania safaris for inspiration, or contact us for personal advice.

Excursions and activities in Serengeti National Park

• Hot air balloon safari

Travel time to Serengeti National Park

• Arusha to Serengeti: 5 hours
• Ngorongoro to Serengeti: 2 hours
• Lake Manyara to Serengeti: 3.5 hours
• Tarangire to Serengeti: 4 hours
• Flight Arusha to Serengeti: 1 hour (about 238 euros per person, one way)

Travel tip from our experts about Serengeti National Park

My name is Samson, and I have been a guide at Serengeti National Park for 18 years. Most of our guests are impressed to see so many lions, but also leopards and cheetahs. Of course, the Great Wildebeest Migration is an outstanding spectacle to witness for all our guests. The wildlife in Serengeti National Park is unmatched anywhere else.

How long to stay? At least two days, but some guests would say even a week is not enough.

Which hotel? Thorn Tree Camp, a beautiful, luxurious tented camp. The advantage of a tented camp is that it brings you close to nature. The perfect way to experience the beautiful Serengeti.

Best time to see the wildebeest migration

The exact timing of the Serengeti wildebeest migration depends upon the rainfall patterns each year. Thanks to our experienced Your Tanzania Trip guides, we can make a fairly accurate prediction. Read When and where is the wildebeest migration?

Want to see more? This video is worth watching!