Serengeti National Park Overview

Introduction to the Serengeti

The Serengeti National Park is one of the most iconic safari destinations in Africa, located in northern Tanzania. Covering an area of 14,763 km² (5,700 sq mi), the park stretches across the eastern Mara Region and northeastern Simiyu Region. It protects over 1.5 million hectares (3.7 million acres) of pristine savanna and was officially established in 1940.

The name Serengeti comes from the Maasai word Siringet, meaning “the place where the land stretches forever.” The Maasai people have lived in these vast plains for more than 200 years, long before European explorer Oscar Baumann first documented the area in 1892.

Why Serengeti National Park is Famous

The Serengeti is world-renowned as one of the top tourist destinations in Africa, attracting travelers with its breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and cultural heritage.

Key highlights include:

• The Great Wildebeest Migration, the largest overland migration on Earth.
• The largest lion population in Africa, alongside cheetahs, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos.
• Endless savannas and acacia-dotted plains, perfect for photography and game drives.

Despite its popularity, the park faces challenges such as deforestation, population growth, and ranching pressures.

The Great Wildebeest Migration

The Great Migration is the Serengeti’s most spectacular natural event and the longest overland migration in the world, covering nearly 800 km (500 mi) each year.

• January–March: Around 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• March–May: As the dry season begins, herds of 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles and elands begin moving north.
• April–June: The herds travel through the Western Corridor, facing perilous crossings of the Grumeti River, where crocodiles await.
• July–October: Herds cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, another dramatic and dangerous stage of the journey.
• October–December: As the rains return, the herds migrate back south, completing the cycle.

Every year, up to 250,000 wildebeests and 30,000 zebras die from predation, drowning, exhaustion, or disease, highlighting the harsh reality of survival in the wild.

Activities in Serengeti National Park

A safari in the Serengeti offers more than just game drives. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including:

• Guided nature walks and classic game drives
• Scenic Hot Air Balloon Safaris over the plains
• Bush meals and picnics in the wild
• Visiting the Serengeti Visitor Center for educational exhibits
• Exploring historical sites like Olduvai Gorge
• Excursions to the nearby Ngorongoro Crater
• Observing the Great Wildebeest Migration
• Camping in designated areas under star-filled skies
• Exploring wildlife-rich areas like Lobo Valley and Bologonja Springs
• Cultural visits to Maasai villages

Best Time to Visit the Serengeti

The Serengeti offers excellent game viewing all year round, but the best times to visit are:

• January–February: Calving season, when wildebeest give birth in the southern plains.
• June–October: Peak of the dry season, offering the best chance to witness dramatic river crossings.

The park’s open plains and mild climate ensure good visibility of wildlife throughout the year. Even during the short rainy seasons (November–December and March–April), safaris remain enjoyable, as rainfall is usually brief and does not disrupt travel significantly.