Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is Africa's most well-known park because it has the highest number of wild animals on the continent, and millions of wildebeests migrate here. It's famous for being featured in impressive nature documentaries. The name "Serengeti" means "endless plains" in the Maasai language, and that perfectly describes the park. Covering almost 15,000 square kilometers (6,000 square miles), it's the second-largest park in Tanzania.

In Serengeti, you can see many animals, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, wildebeests (over a million of them), buffaloes, elephants, gazelles, and hippos.

a lion in Serengeti park

Experience the Amazing Migration in Serengeti National Park

The main attraction in Serengeti National Park is the yearly migration of over a million wildebeest. It's a breathtaking sight to see these animals thundering across the plains, crossing rivers in search of water and fresh grass. The massive herds can stretch up to 40 kilometers and cover a distance of about 1000 kilometers. It's a challenging journey for the wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they try to outsmart predators, especially around the Mara and Grumeti Rivers where there are giant crocodiles and fast-flowing water.

The Great Migration is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is a highlight for many visitors. It's one of the largest wildlife spectacles globally. You can witness the migration at any time of the year as the animals move in a circle between the Serengeti and Masai Mara in Kenya. The exact timing depends on the yearly rainfall patterns, but our experienced guides can provide a fairly accurate prediction.

If you're interested in knowing where the wildebeest migration is at different times of the year, check our page about the wildebeest migration.

About Serengeti

• Vast plains with iconic Lion King trees

• February is calving season, with 8,000 wildebeest calves born daily

• Simba Kopjes are rocky areas where lions often rest

• Seronera River is an important water source, drawing lots of wildlife

• Retina Hippo Pool houses around 200 hippos

• Grumeti River and Mara River are known for wildebeest river crossings

• Lobo Valley offers excellent views of elephants and big cats

leopard on tree in Serengeti park

Animals in Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park has more to offer than just the wildebeest migration. You'll experience diverse landscapes and wildlife that you won't find anywhere else in Africa. The vast plains are home to over 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, 225 cheetahs, and 3,500 hyenas. With plenty of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and buffaloes, it's no wonder there are so many predators.

The Serengeti is also a top spot to spot the Big Five – rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, and leopard. Almost all the famous African animals are in this stunning park, including rare species like the pangolin, East African Oryx, rhino, and wild dog.

The captivating landscapes of Serengeti National Park range from savannahs with acacia trees and vast grasslands to towering mountains, lakes, and swamps. Each area has its unique atmosphere. Because of its natural beauty and the variety of plants and animals, the park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting this place is truly soul-stirring.

Interested in including Serengeti National Park in your travel plans? Check our Tanzania safaris for inspiration or reach out to us for personalized advice.

Tourists on a balloon in Serengeti park

How long it takes to get to Serengeti National Park

  • Arusha to Serengeti: 5 hours’ drive.

  • Ngorongoro to Serengeti: 2 hours’ drive.

  • Lake Manyara to Serengeti: 3,5 hours’ drive.

  • Tarangire to Serengeti: 4 hours’ drive.

  • Flight Arusha to Serengeti: 1 hour (about €238,- per person, one way).