The Serengeti is the most famous national park in Africa. Covering about 14,750 km² of grassland, woodland and rocky kopjes, it supports one of the highest concentrations of large mammals on the planet. This guide will help you make the most of your visit.
What makes the Serengeti special?
- The Great Migration, present somewhere in the ecosystem all year
- Big cats — the Serengeti has one of Africa's largest lion populations, plus cheetahs and leopards
- Classic African scenery of flat-topped acacias and endless horizons
- Variety — from the southern plains to the riverine forests of the north
The main areas of the Serengeti
Central Serengeti (Seronera)
The Seronera River valley has water all year, so resident wildlife is excellent in every season. It is the best area for leopards, which rest in the sausage trees along the river.
Southern Serengeti and Ndutu
Short-grass plains that come alive between December and March when the herds arrive to give birth.
Western Corridor
A long finger of the park stretching towards Lake Victoria, best from June to July for the Grumeti River crossings.
Northern Serengeti
Remote and beautiful, with the Mara River crossings from July to October.
How many days do you need?
Plan at least two nights in the Serengeti. Three or four nights let you explore more than one area or follow the migration. Our 5 Days Classic Northern Circuit Safari includes two nights in the central Serengeti.
Where to stay
The Serengeti has everything from public campsites to exclusive tented camps. Permanent lodges are comfortable and good value, while tented camps put you closer to nature — you will fall asleep to the sound of lions calling.
Getting there
You can drive from Arusha via the Ngorongoro highlands (around eight hours with game viewing), or take a light-aircraft flight of about an hour to one of the Serengeti's airstrips.
Wildlife you can expect
Beyond the big cats and the migration, the Serengeti is home to elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals, bat-eared foxes, servals and more than 500 bird species, including ostriches, secretary birds, kori bustards and several vulture species.
A day on safari in the Serengeti
- Sunrise: early game drive when predators are most active
- Mid-morning: return to camp for breakfast, or enjoy a bush breakfast in the field
- Midday: rest, lunch and a swim if your lodge has a pool
- Afternoon: game drive until the park's closing time
- Evening: sundowners, dinner and stories around the campfire
Full-day game drives with a picnic lunch are popular when following the migration or exploring far from camp.
Serengeti and conservation
The Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Park fees support anti-poaching patrols, research and community programmes. By choosing responsible operators and camps, visitors help keep the ecosystem healthy for future generations.
Combining the Serengeti with other parks
Most travellers combine the Serengeti with the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. Adding a few nights in Zanzibar makes a perfect two-week holiday. See our beach and safari combos.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Serengeti worth visiting outside the migration season?
Absolutely. The central Serengeti has excellent resident wildlife throughout the year, and there are always big cats to see.
Can I do a day trip to the Serengeti from Arusha?
It is not practical by road because of the distance. A fly-in day trip is possible but expensive. We recommend at least two nights.
Are there fences around Serengeti camps?
Most camps are unfenced so animals can move freely. Staff escort you to and from your tent after dark.
Serengeti safari tips
- Start game drives early — predators are most active at dawn.
- Pack binoculars for every passenger.
- Wear neutral colours and avoid dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies in wooded areas.
- Consider a hot air balloon flight for a unique view of the plains.
- Respect park rules: stay in the vehicle and keep noise low near animals.
Ready to go? Explore our Serengeti National Park guide or contact us to start planning.
Utmost Tanzania Tours
Utmost Tanzania Tours is an Arusha-based tour operator specialising in tailor-made wildlife safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro treks, Zanzibar beach holidays and cultural tours.
