Serengeti National Park: When to Go and What to Expect

The Serengeti National Park covers 14,763 square kilometres of open savanna in northern Tanzania. It is one of the oldest ecosystems on the planet and one of the best places in Africa to see wildlife. ## The Great Migration Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles move in a continuous circle across the Serengeti and into Kenya's Masai Mara in search of fresh grass and water. This is the Great Migration, and it is the primary reason most people visit. The migration does not stop — the herds are always moving. Where you find them depends on when you visit: - **January to March** — Herds are in the southern Serengeti (Ndutu area). Calving season, with up to 500,000 calves born in a few weeks. Predator activity is high. - **April to May** — Moving northwest through the central Serengeti. Long grass, fewer tourists. - **June to July** — Reaching the Western Corridor near the Grumeti River. Crocodile crossings begin. - **July to October** — Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara. The famous Mara River crossings happen here — dramatic scenes of thousands of wildebeest plunging into crocodile-filled water. - **November to December** — Herds move back south through the eastern Serengeti. ## Beyond the migration The Serengeti has year-round wildlife. Large resident lion prides, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, and over 500 bird species live here regardless of season. ## Getting there The main entry point is Seronera in the central Serengeti. Most visitors fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, then connect to one of the airstrips inside the park. ## Where to stay There are three accommodation tiers inside the Serengeti: - **Budget**: Public campsites (basic facilities, bring your own gear) - **Mid-range**: Permanent tented camps with en-suite facilities - **Luxury**: Private conservancy lodges with exclusive game drives Staying inside the park allows early morning and late evening game drives when animals are most active. ## Tips - Bring binoculars — the plains are vast - A good zoom lens (400mm+) makes a big difference for wildlife photography - Book accommodation and park fees in advance, especially for peak season (July to October) - The Serengeti does not allow walking outside of designated areas