Serengeti National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Great Migration
Nature's Greatest Journey

Witness over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the endless plains in Earth's most spectacular wildlife migration.

14,763

Square Kilometers

1.5M+

Wildebeest Migration

500+

Bird Species

Big Five

All Present

Migration Patterns

The Great Migration Journey

Follow the annual migration cycle as millions of animals move across the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water.

December - March

Southern Serengeti - Calving Season

The herds gather in the southern plains for the calving season. Over 8,000 calves are born daily during February, attracting predators and offering incredible wildlife action.

Calving Season Predator Action Ndutu Region
Short Rains
Long Rains

April - May

Central Serengeti - Migration North

As the rains begin, the herds start moving northward through the central Serengeti. This is a quieter season with fewer tourists, offering intimate wildlife experiences.

Rainy Season Fewer Crowds Central Plains

June - July

Western Corridor - River Crossings Begin

The migration reaches the Grumeti River where dramatic river crossings occur. This is peak season with incredible action as herds brave crocodile-infested waters.

River Crossings Peak Season Grumeti River
Dry Season
Peak Dry Season

August - September

Northern Serengeti - Mara River Crossings

The most dramatic river crossings occur at the Mara River. Thousands of wildebeest plunge into the waters, facing massive crocodiles in nature's most spectacular display.

Mara River Drama Peak Kogatende

October - November

Return Journey - Southward

The herds begin their journey back south through the eastern and central Serengeti, following the short rains to reach the southern calving grounds once again.

Return Migration Short Rains Lobo Area
Transition Period
Wildlife Encounters

Serengeti's Magnificent Wildlife

Home to Africa's most iconic wildlife, the Serengeti offers unparalleled opportunities to witness the Big Five and countless other species in their natural habitat.

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Lions

Over 3,000 lions roam the plains, including the famous Serengeti lion prides

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Elephants

Large herds of elephants migrate through the park, especially during dry seasons

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Rhinos

Rare black rhinos in protected areas, a conservation success story

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Leopards

Elusive leopards often spotted in trees along the Seronera River

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Buffalo

Massive buffalo herds, often seen wallowing in mud during hot days

Grazing Herds

  • 1.5+ Million Wildebeest
  • 250,000 Zebras
  • 500,000 Gazelles
  • Elands, Topis, Impalas

Predators

  • Cheetahs - Fastest Land Animals
  • Hyenas - Skilled Hunters
  • Jackals - Cunning Scavengers
  • Wild Dogs - Rare Pack Hunters

Birdlife

  • 500+ Bird Species
  • Ostriches - World's Largest Birds
  • Secretary Birds - Snake Hunters
  • Flamingos & Waterbirds

Home of The Great Migration

Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous wildlife destinations in the world. It is best known for the Great Wildebeest Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and thousands of zebras move across the plains in search of fresh grazing.

The park offers classic African safari landscapes — endless golden plains, dramatic sunsets, and exceptional wildlife viewing including lions, cheetahs, elephants, leopards, and buffalo.

It is ideal for travelers seeking a true "National Geographic" safari experience.

Signature wildlife

  • Lions, cheetahs, leopards
  • Elephants & buffalo
  • Massive wildebeest & zebra herds

Best for

  • First-time safari travelers
  • Great Migration seekers
  • Photography-focused trips

View more images

Serengeti Gallery

Serengeti
Plan your safari

Explore Serengeti packages

Browse safari itineraries that include Serengeti National Park and match your ideal budget, comfort level, and travel season.

View Tours

Best time to visit

June–October for dry-season game drives and river crossings. December–March is great for calving and predator action.

Top activities

Game drives, hot-air balloon safari, sunrise photography sessions, and private bush picnics with your guide.

Getting there

Fly to Seronera or Kogatende airstrips, or drive via the Northern Circuit from Arusha with stops at Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara.

Where to Stay

Serengeti Accommodation

From luxury lodges to mobile tented camps, find the perfect base for your Serengeti safari adventure.

Luxury Lodges

Premium accommodations with spa facilities, gourmet dining, and panoramic views of the plains.

  • • Four Seasons Serengeti
  • • Singita Sasakwa Lodge
  • • &Beyond Grumeti
$500-1500/night

Tented Camps

Authentic safari experience with comfortable tented accommodations close to wildlife action.

  • • Serengeti Serena Lodge
  • • Moyo Camp
  • • Kub Kub Lodge
$200-500/night

Mobile Camps

Follow the migration with seasonal mobile camps that move to the best wildlife locations.

  • • Nomad Serengeti Camp
  • • &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas
  • • Alex Walker's Serian
$300-800/night
Safari Experiences

Unforgettable Activities

From sunrise game drives to sunset balloon safaris, experience the Serengeti in every way possible.

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Sunrise Game Drives

Early morning drives when predators are most active

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Balloon Safaris

Aerial views of the migration and plains at dawn

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Photography Tours

Specialized tours for wildlife photography enthusiasts

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Bush Dinners

Romantic dinners under the African stars

Ready for Your Serengeti Adventure?

Let our expert guides help you witness the Great Migration and create memories that will last a lifetime.