The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most famous national parks. Beyond game drives, however, there are plenty of other things to do there. This park often embodies the ideal image of an African safari, with its abundant wildlife; its vast plains dotted with thorny acacia trees; and its rivers teeming with crocodiles and hippos.

A herd of hippos in the river Among other accolades, the Serengeti has earned a place among the “Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.” It is home to the world’s largest migration of land mammals, involving approximately 2 million animals. However, beyond the Great Migration, the park also boasts the world’s densest population of lions, all of the “Big Five,” and nearly 500 species of birds.

What is the Serengeti?

The name “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai word “siringet,” which translates to “endless plains.” The Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania and covers an area of approximately 15,000 km².

The term Serengeti is generally used to refer specifically to the protected national park. However, the Serengeti ecosystem—defined by the wildebeest migration route—is actually much larger (30,000 km²). It includes several other reserves and parks, notably the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.

The wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park

When is the best time to visit?

The Serengeti is one of the regions in Tanzania that can be visited year-round, although it’s best to avoid the heavy rains of April and May.

Here is a rough guide to the four sections of the Serengeti and what you can expect to see:

A crocodile in the Western Serengeti Park The southern plains region of the Serengeti is easily accessible and offers an ideal spot for viewing the herds from December through March. The calving season in February is particularly interesting. However, wildlife is generally much scarcer during the dry season. The Central Serengeti and Seronera region is the most visited. Wildlife viewing is good there year-round, and it offers the greatest number of accommodations, but it is also the busiest section of the park. The Western Serengeti or Western Corridor region offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year, especially during the migration. It’s also an ideal spot for spotting crocodiles and hippos in the Grumeti River. The northern Serengeti region (Kogatende, Lobo, Loliondo) is the least visited and most remote section. However, it also offers some of the best luxury camps and lodges in the country. You’ll have the chance to see the Mara River crossings around July and August. In addition, several camps in the north offer walking safaris and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Where to stay in Serengeti National Park?

Two cooks preparing a meal at a camp Serengeti National Park offers a wide range of accommodations, from public camps to luxury lodges. While some camps are permanent and open year-round, others are mobile, and some are seasonal. The greatest variety of lodges is found in the central Serengeti region, around Seronera. For lodges, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak season; for public camps, this isn’t necessarily necessary. Don’t hesitate to ask your SoGuide for advice!