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National park · Northern Circuit

Serengeti National Park

Tanzania's most famous park, home to the Great Migration and endless plains teeming with wildlife.

Last updated

Circuit
Northern Circuit
Type
National park
Best time
June to October for dry season; January to March for calving
Location
2.33° S, 34.83° E
Safaris
8 trips visit

Overview

About Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park, spanning 14,763 km² of pristine African wilderness. Its name comes from the Maasai word "siringet" meaning "endless plains" - and once you witness the vast savannahs stretching to the horizon, you'll understand why.

The park is most famous for hosting the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 300,000 Thomson's gazelles make their annual circular trek following the rains. This spectacular event, often called the greatest wildlife show on Earth, sees dramatic river crossings where crocodiles await and predators follow the herds.

Beyond the migration, Serengeti has the highest concentration of large predators in Africa. Lions are everywhere - an estimated 3,000 live in the park. Leopards lounge in acacia trees, cheetahs sprint across the plains, and hyenas dominate the night. The Big Five are all present, with healthy populations of elephants and buffalos, though black rhinos are rare.

  • Great Migration
  • Big Five
  • Endless Plains
  • Hot Air Balloon Safaris

On the ground

What you can see and do

Wildlife you may see

  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Elephant
  • Buffalo
  • Wildebeest
  • Zebra
  • Cheetah
  • Hyena

Things to do

  • Game Drives
  • Hot Air Balloon
  • Walking Safaris
  • Photography

Inside Serengeti

Areas to know

  1. Central Serengeti (Seronera)

    The heart of Serengeti with year-round wildlife and the famous Seronera River.

    Year-round wildlife · Seronera River · Big cats · Hippo pools

  2. Western Corridor (Grumeti)

    Known for dramatic river crossings during the migration.

    River crossings · Grumeti River · Crocodiles · Migration route

    Best months

    May, June, July

  3. Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)

    The most dramatic Mara River crossings happen here.

    Mara River crossings · Migration · Remote wilderness · Fewer crowds

    Best months

    July, August, September, October

  4. Southern Serengeti & Ndutu

    Calving grounds where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth.

    Calving season · Short grass plains · Predator action · Lake Ndutu

    Best months

    January, February, March

Where to stay

Lodges and camps

  • Lodge · Luxury

    Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Location

Where Serengeti is

2.33° S, 34.83° E in the Northern Circuit. See it with every other park.

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“The combination of safari and Zanzibar beach was perfect. We saw all the Big Five in Serengeti and then relaxed on pristine beaches. The team handled every detail flawlessly. Can't recommend highly enough!”
Emma & David Williams · Australia · Safari & Beach Combo · September 2024

Trips

Safaris that visit Serengeti

All Serengeti safaris