Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park: Home of the Great Migration

Endless golden plains, lions resting on rocky outcrops and millions of animals on the move. The Serengeti is the classic African safari brought to life, and one of the most famous wildlife destinations on the planet. Every year, it hosts the Great Migration, one of nature’s greatest spectacles. If there’s one safari that belongs on every bucket list, this is it.

The Endless Plains

Serengeti National Park lies in northern Tanzania and covers nearly 15,000 km² of grassland, woodland and riverine forest. The name comes from the Maasai word “Siringet”, meaning “the place where the land runs on forever”, and once you see the plains stretching to the horizon, you’ll understand why.

The park was established in 1951 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. It forms part of the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, which includes Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve and Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The Great Migration

Each year, more than a million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, travel in a huge loop through the Serengeti and into the Maasai Mara in search of fresh grass and water. Predators follow closely behind, making this one of the most dramatic wildlife events on earth.

The herds move with the rains, so timing can shift from year to year, but here’s a rough guide:

January to March: Calving season. The herds gather on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti around Ndutu, where thousands of calves are born each day. With so many young animals around, predator action is intense.

April to May: The long rains. The herds begin moving north and west through the central Serengeti.

June to July: The Grumeti River crossings. In the Western Corridor, the herds brave the crocodile-filled waters of the Grumeti River.

July to October: The Mara River crossings. In the northern Serengeti, the herds make their famous crossings of the Mara River. This is the scene you’ve seen in wildlife documentaries, with thousands of animals plunging into the river as crocodiles wait below.

November to December: The return south. The short rains bring the herds back through the east and centre of the park towards the southern plains.

What You’ll See

The Serengeti has one of the highest concentrations of predators in Africa, including large prides of lions, leopards, cheetahs and spotted hyenas. It’s also home to elephants, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and a small population of black rhino, completing the Big Five.

Look out for the kopjes, granite rock outcrops that rise from the plains. Lions often use them as lookout points, and they make for incredible photographs. Birdlife is rich too, with over 500 species recorded, from ostriches and secretary birds to colourful rollers and bee-eaters.

Areas of the Park

Central Serengeti (Seronera). The heart of the park, with year-round game viewing and some of the best big cat sightings in Africa.

Southern Serengeti (Ndutu). The place to be during calving season, with huge herds and plenty of predators.

Western Corridor. Known for the Grumeti River crossings and its large crocodiles.

Northern Serengeti. Quieter and wilder, and home to the dramatic Mara River crossings.

Things to Do

Go on guided game drives. Most visitors explore with experienced local guides in open-roof safari vehicles, which is the best way to find wildlife and learn about the park.

Float over the plains in a hot-air balloon. A sunrise balloon safari followed by a bush breakfast is one of the most memorable experiences in Africa.

Witness a river crossing. Time your visit right, and you may see the herds brave the Grumeti or Mara rivers.

Visit a Maasai village. Learn about the culture and traditions of the Maasai people who live in the surrounding areas.

Combine it with nearby highlights. Many safaris include the Ngorongoro Crater, a huge volcanic caldera packed with wildlife, and Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.

When to Go

The Serengeti offers great wildlife viewing all year, but what you’ll see depends on the season.

The dry season (June to October) is the most popular time to visit. Animals gather near water, the grass is shorter and game viewing is excellent. It’s also the time of the Mara River crossings, so expect more visitors in the north.

Calving season (January to February) is perfect for seeing newborn animals and exciting predator action in the south.

The long rains (March to May) bring green landscapes, fewer crowds and lower prices at some lodges, though some roads can become muddy and difficult.

Getting There From Durban

By air: Fly from King Shaka International to Johannesburg, then take a connecting flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha. Some routes also connect through Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.

From Arusha: Take a light aircraft flight to one of the Serengeti’s airstrips, which takes around an hour, or travel by road with your safari operator. The drive takes most of a day and is often combined with a stop at the Ngorongoro Crater.

Most visitors book a guided safari package, which includes transport, park fees, accommodation and game drives.

Handy Tips for Your Visit

• Check visa and entry rules. South African passport holders can usually visit Tanzania for short stays without a visa, but always confirm before you travel.
• Ask about yellow fever requirements. You may need a vaccination certificate, depending on your route and any countries you pass through.
• Take malaria precautions. The Serengeti is in a malaria area, so speak to a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
• Book early, especially for the migration season from July to October, when the best camps fill up fast.
• Plan your route around the migration. Tell your safari operator what you most want to see, and they can suggest the best area for your travel dates.
• Pack neutral-coloured clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, a hat and sunscreen.
• Bring binoculars and a good zoom lens. Some of the best sightings happen at a distance.
• Budget in US dollars. Park fees and many safari costs are charged in dollars, and tipping guides is customary.
• Respect the wildlife. Follow your guide’s instructions and keep noise to a minimum during sightings.

Plan Your Serengeti Safari

The Serengeti is more than just a safari. It’s a front-row seat to one of the oldest and greatest wildlife shows on earth. Whether you watch newborn wildebeest take their first steps, lions surveying the plains from a kopje or thousands of animals charging across a river, the memories will last a lifetime. Start planning your trip and get ready to experience Africa at its wildest.