At the heart of many safaris in northern Tanzania lies the Serengeti National Park, known for the world’s most spectacular Great Migration. Beyond this renowned wildlife phenomenon, the Serengeti boasts an impressive abundance of wildlife all year round. While the southern plains remain a favourite hotspot, exploring the Western Corridor and Mara River regions also promises rewarding experiences.

The Great Migration

Every year, over 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle journey 800km across the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Most of this migration occurs within the Serengeti National Park, which is much larger than Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve. Both regions are crucial for this awe-inspiring spectacle.

 

 

Wildlife in Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti maintains an astonishing wealth and variety of wildlife, ranging from the iconic Big Five (although the black rhino is seldom spotted) to giraffes, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, black-backed jackals, warthogs, and a large quantity of antelope species. The Grumeti and Mara Rivers are inhabited by bellowing hippos and massive, prehistoric-looking crocodiles, famous for their voracious feeding frenzy during the yearly wildebeest river crossings.

The landscape

The vast, stunning landscape of Serengeti National Park captivates the senses. This untamed wilderness is renowned for its sweeping grassland plains dotted with rocky outcrops known as Kopjes in the southeast. Traveling along the Western Corridor, you’ll follow the Grumeti and Mbalageti Rivers, bordered by lush riverine forests stretching toward Lake Victoria. In the Lobo Hills area, massive granite boulders rise majestically into the sky, creating a striking contrast. Farther north, the Mara River takes center stage, setting the scene for unforgettable river crossings—the pinnacle of the wildebeest migration.

 

What to do in Serengeti National Park

Game drives in the Serengeti are highly productive. You can opt for two game drives – morning and afternoon – or indulge in a full-day adventure with a picnic lunch. For an extra thrill, consider adding a hot-air balloon safari to your itinerary. Imagine soaring above the Serengeti’s vast landscapes! Following your descent, savor a champagne breakfast in the bush. Additionally, some camps and lodges offer night drives and guided walks for further exploration.

Climate

The Serengeti is typically not very hot. Daytime temperatures hover around 27°C/81°F, offering pleasant conditions, though nights can be chilly. Warm clothing is advisable for early morning game drives. Rain is infrequent during the dry season (June to October), seldom affecting activities. November to May is wet season but it won’t effect outdoor plans much. In March and April a bit more rainfall may occur. The landscape turns into a lush green, allowing for many photographic opportunities.

 

Best time to visit Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti welcomes visitors year-round, with each season offering unique experiences. January to February witnesses the wildebeest calving in the Ndutu area. The migration typically reaches the Western Corridor around June and July. August and September are prime for witnessing the wildebeest crossing the Mara River. For optimal wildlife viewing in Lobo area, August and September are recommended. April and May mark the rainy season in the Serengeti, transforming the savannah into a lush green landscape. During this time, prices are considerably lower.