When you picture a classic safari, the Serengeti National Park likely comes to mind—and for good reason. It’s one of the most breathtaking national parks in the world.

Located in northwest Tanzania, the park and its neighboring reserves are home to one of the planet’s last remaining wildlife migrations. This incredible spectacle, along with the park’s abundant wildlife and diverse, stunning landscapes, led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

The Serengeti provides outstanding wildlife viewing throughout the year, offering the chance to witness the great wildebeest migration and encounter the Big Five.

The Four Areas of the Serengeti National Park

Central Serengeti

The Seronera Valley is the heart of the park and home to large numbers of wildlife. Spot lions and cheetahs snoozing on the plains in the shade of acacia trees. The Seronera River is lined with Palm, Sausage and Yellow Fever trees. The river attracts numerous birds and animals, including a high population of leopards. At the Retima Hippo Pool, you can see vegetarian giants in their natural habitat.

Southern Serengeti

On the southern plains, you will be amazed by the never-ending grasslands and the huge granite formations called kopjes, home to the whole food chain. Kopjes offer the perfect shady resting places, look-outs and nurseries for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas to name but a few. Other interesting species to look out for, include the rock hyraxes and colourful Agama lizards. All of the kopjes are named. The most commonly known are Simba, Gol, Research and Moru. From January to February the wildebeest calving occurs around Lake Ndutu. Large numbers of predators can be seen during this time.

Western Serengeti

The Western Serengeti stretches almost as far as Lake Victoria. The vegetation changes to wooded savannah and black cotton soils that are impassible in the rainy season. The Grumeti Game Reserve and the Ikorongo Game Reserve border the park and within it run two large rivers: The Grumeti and the Mbalageti River, which both flow into Lake Victoria. The Grumeti River is famous for its river-crossings, huge crocodiles and the rare Patas Monkeys. From mid-May the wildebeest arrive in this area and the Grumeti river-crossing begins.

Northern Serengeti

Northern Serengeti is made up of open woodlands, riverine forests and ranges of hills. The majestic Mara River is located here and is famous for five-metre-long crocodiles and the iconic wildebeest river-crossing, which is at its most spectacular from mid-July. This area is a lot less frequented by visitors, making it a great place for an intimate safari experience.

Animals and birds of the Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is home to the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—though spotting the elusive Black Rhino can be a challenge. The park boasts a large population of lions, leopards, and cheetahs, while buffalo and an increasing number of elephants roam the savannah.

With around 530 bird species, the park is a haven for birdwatchers. Notable species include Secretary Birds, Egyptian Geese, Black-Headed Herons, Grey Crowned Cranes, Kori Bustards, and Tanzania’s largest population of ostriches.

The Great Wildebeest Migration

Witnessing around 1.5 million wildebeest gathered in one place is a truly awe-inspiring sight. This abundance of herbivores naturally draws many predators, making the drama of the plains and river crossings a thrilling spectacle.

To experience the migration, plan your visit between June and October, with July being the prime time to catch the dramatic river crossings at the Mara River. However, be prepared for crowds both in the park and at the crossing points. For a quieter, more personal safari, consider visiting during the low season or exploring the park’s more remote areas. The calving season occurs from January to February, while the wildebeest rut (mating season) happens from May to June. Mid-May is the ideal time to witness the Grumeti River crossing. Explore our Migration Safaris for more details.