Why the Serengeti?
The Serengeti is one of the world's most famous wildlife areas — 14,763 sq km of open savanna that hosts over 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebra and 470,000 gazelle. The Great Wildebeest Migration — the largest land animal migration on Earth — passes through here every year in a roughly circular route.
Beyond the Migration, the Serengeti has year-round populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo and over 500 bird species. It earns its reputation honestly.
Park Fee
This is the highest park fee in Tanzania. It is included in all reputable safari package quotes — always confirm this before booking. The fee directly funds conservation and anti-poaching operations.
The Serengeti Zones — Which to Visit?
| Zone | Best For | Best Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central (Seronera) | Year-round wildlife, Big Five | Year-round | Most visited area |
| Northern (Lobo) | Migration crossing, Aug–Oct | Aug–Oct | Fewer crowds |
| Western Corridor | Mara River crossings | Jun–Jul | Dramatic crossing scenes |
| Southern (Ndutu) | Calving season, cheetahs | Jan–Mar | Excellent for predators |
The Great Migration Month by Month
- January–March: Southern Serengeti / Ndutu — calving season. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves born. Excellent predator activity.
- April–May: Herds move north through Central Serengeti. Long rains make some roads difficult. Much cheaper.
- June–July: Western Corridor — first Mara River crossings. Dramatic and photogenic.
- August–October: Northern Serengeti near Masai Mara border — peak crossing season. Most spectacular but most expensive and crowded.
- November–December: Herds return south. Short rains. Fewer tourists.
How to Get to the Serengeti
By road: 4–5 hours from Arusha via Ngorongoro. Common on budget and mid-range safaris. Dusty but passes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
By air: Multiple airstrips including Seronera, Lobo, Kogatende and Ndutu. Charter flights from Arusha or Kilimanjaro take 45–90 minutes. Fly-in safaris are significantly more expensive but save days of road travel.
Serengeti Balloon Safari
The hot air balloon flight over the Serengeti at dawn is one of Africa's iconic experiences. The flight lasts roughly 1 hour and ends with a bush champagne breakfast. Book in advance — it sells out, especially in peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for most travellers. It is expensive — park fees alone are $70 peak / $60 low per day — but the wildlife density and the Migration make it one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles on Earth. Combine it with Ngorongoro for the best northern Tanzania circuit.
Minimum 2–3 days to see the main wildlife. 4–5 days is ideal to cover multiple zones and increase the chances of witnessing a kill or Migration crossing. Longer stays are rewarded.
They are the same ecosystem divided by the Kenya-Tanzania border. The Serengeti is larger with more space and fewer tourists per sq km. The Masai Mara is more accessible from Nairobi. For the river crossings, both sides have excellent viewing July–October. See the full comparison: Kenya vs Tanzania →