Still Wild Safaris
Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park

The greatest wildlife spectacle on earth — 1.5 million wildebeest and 350,000 zebra crossing an endless plain, with lion, leopard and cheetah in extraordinary numbers year-round.

Overview

The Serengeti is Tanzania's crown jewel and the stage for the most iconic safari experience on the planet. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, this ancient ecosystem stretches from the volcanic plains of the south to the Mara River in the north, supporting the single largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world — over 1.5 million wildebeest, 350,000 zebra and 500,000 Thomson's gazelle moving in an endless clockwise loop. Beyond the migration, the Serengeti harbours more lions than almost anywhere on earth, dense resident leopard, cheetah on the open plains and a year-round cast of supporting wildlife that makes every drive compelling. The private concessions to the north and west — home to Sayari and Dunia camps — offer off-road driving and night-drive access that transforms the experience entirely. The green season (November–December) brings a quieter, lusher Serengeti with beautiful light and far fewer vehicles — a rewarding alternative for travellers who don't need to time a river crossing.

Serengeti at a Glance

Location
Northern Tanzania
Size
14,763 km²
Altitude
Best Time to Visit
June–October (northern crossings), January–March (calving season) & November–December (green season)

Key Attractions

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Over 1.5 million wildebeest, 350,000 zebra and 500,000 Thomson's gazelle move in an annual clockwise loop — with dramatic Mara River crossings from July to October and calving season on the short-grass plains in January and February.

Lion & Leopard Density

Lion & Leopard Density

The Serengeti holds one of the highest concentrations of lion in Africa, plus resident leopard in the riverine forest, cheetah on the open plains and, in the north, one of Africa's most rewarding and elusive big carnivore encounters — the chance to track African wild dog.

Private Northern Concessions

Private Northern Concessions

The far north — Lamai Wedge, the Eastern Loliondo area and the Klein's Camp concession — offers off-road driving, night drives targeting aardvark and serval, and a far lower vehicle count than the central Seronera area. It's where Sayari Camp and our most exclusive itineraries are based.

Western Corridor & Grumeti River Crossings

Western Corridor & Grumeti River Crossings

The Grumeti River in the western corridor produces its own dramatic crocodile-wildebeest encounters as the migration passes through, in scenes second only to the famous Mara crossings — with a fraction of the crowds.

Granite Kopjes & Kopje Lion Photography

Granite Kopjes & Kopje Lion Photography

The Serengeti's scattered granite kopjes — ancient rock outcrops rising from the open plains — are a favourite sunning spot for resident lion prides, producing some of Africa's most iconic and beautifully staged big-cat photography.

Getting There

The Serengeti is accessed via Arusha — approximately 8–9 hours by road, or 1–2 hours by charter flight from Kilimanjaro or Arusha airports. Several airstrips within the park (Seronera, Kogatende, Lobo and Grumeti) receive scheduled and charter flights daily. Flying into the Serengeti is strongly recommended over the long, rough road journey.

Plan Your Journey

Our team handles all logistics — airport transfers, cross-border road trips, and charter flights. Reach out and we'll design the smoothest route to suit your itinerary.

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Where to Stay

Sayari Camp
Luxury

Sayari Camp

Asilia's northernmost Serengeti camp, closest to the Mara River crossings, with just fifteen tented rooms and full off-road access. Our featured partner camp.

andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas
Luxury

andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas

a mobile luxury camp that relocates with the Migration throughout the year.

Singita Mara River Tented Camp
Luxury

Singita Mara River Tented Camp

riverside luxury in the northern Serengeti, in prime crossing territory.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Luxury

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

the only permanent luxury structure in the central Serengeti.

Nomad Tanzania camps
Luxury

Nomad Tanzania camps

seasonal mobile camps that follow the herds across the ecosystem.

Dunia Camp
Mid-Range

Dunia Camp

A mobile-style camp in the Central Serengeti, brilliantly positioned for the resident game of the Seronera valley. Our featured partner camp.

Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Mid-Range

Seronera Wildlife Lodge

a central location in the Serengeti's best year-round predator territory.

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Mid-Range

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

comfortable, well-positioned and reliable.

Kati Kati Tented Camp
Mid-Range

Kati Kati Tented Camp

a classic tented safari experience at good value.

Sayari Camp
Luxury

Sayari Camp

Asilia's northernmost Serengeti camp, closest to the Mara River crossings, with just fifteen tented rooms and full off-road access. Our featured partner camp.

andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas
Luxury

andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas

a mobile luxury camp that relocates with the Migration throughout the year.

Singita Mara River Tented Camp
Luxury

Singita Mara River Tented Camp

riverside luxury in the northern Serengeti, in prime crossing territory.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Luxury

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

the only permanent luxury structure in the central Serengeti.

Nomad Tanzania camps
Luxury

Nomad Tanzania camps

seasonal mobile camps that follow the herds across the ecosystem.

Dunia Camp
Mid-Range

Dunia Camp

A mobile-style camp in the Central Serengeti, brilliantly positioned for the resident game of the Seronera valley. Our featured partner camp.

Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Mid-Range

Seronera Wildlife Lodge

a central location in the Serengeti's best year-round predator territory.

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Mid-Range

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

comfortable, well-positioned and reliable.

Kati Kati Tented Camp
Mid-Range

Kati Kati Tented Camp

a classic tented safari experience at good value.

Practical Information & Travel Tips

Conservation Fees
Park fees run approximately USD 60–70 per person per day, usually included in lodge rates. Budget carefully — the Serengeti is among Tanzania's more expensive parks.
Malaria
The Serengeti is a malaria zone. Take prophylaxis, use repellent, and wear long, light-coloured clothing at dusk.
Crowds at Crossings
Popular river crossing points can attract many vehicles in peak season. Private concessions and the far northern Serengeti offer a more exclusive experience away from the crowds.
Flying vs Driving
The road from Arusha to Seronera takes 8–9 hours and is rough going. Flying in (1–2 hours) is significantly more comfortable and well worth the additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Crossings are most reliable from July through October. The exact timing shifts by a week or two each year — our in-field team monitors the herds daily and positions guests accordingly.