The greatest wildlife show on earth
The Big Five
and many more incredible species
Safari Jeeps
cover massive distances from dawn til dusk
Prides of Lions
prey on wildebeest during their Great Migration
Wildebeest
dramatically cross the Mara River on their Great Migration
Premier safari adventures across vast, dramatic landscapes
The Serengeti is one of the world’s most famous national parks, annually hosting the Great Migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra who follow the grass to and from the neighbouring Maasai Mara in Kenya, as well as an incredible variety of wildlife which is resident year-round.
At 14,750 square kilometres (5,700 square miles), roughly the same size as Connecticut, its name derives from the Maasai siringet which means ‘the place where the land runs on forever’, an apt way to describe its panoramic savannah plains which stretch to the horizon. Dotted with umbrella acacia and tumescent baobabs, wandering giraffe, dozing lion prides, lumbering elephant herds and cheetahs on the lookout from atop termite mounds, it is the quintessential East African landscape.
Spanning almost to Lake Victoria, the Western Corridor follows the forested courses of the Mbalageti and Grumeti Rivers. It is on the south banks of that latter where the migration concentrates between May and June, exhausting the grass before braving the enormous Nile crocodiles that have been lying in wait for many months in an incredibly dramatic safari spectacle.
Across the river is the private Grumeti Reserve and the remote (and therefore quiet) northern stretch of the park toward the border with Kenya. The migration reaches the Mara by September and October though many animals still remaining on the Tanzanian side, turning south in November and reaching the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti in December and spreading out across a huge area including the Maswa Game Reserve, Mwiba Wildlife Reserve and Ngorongoro Conservation Area before calving in February.
The centre of the Serengeti, around Seronera, has some fabulous wildlife on offer, even after the migration passes through on its way northward April and May, but it is also one of the busiest areas, and we prefer to plan safaris to quieter, more remote areas of park (or one of the exclusive private reserves which border it) for the best safari experience depending on when you want to travel. We can also arrange stays at a number of mobile safari camps which move every few months following the migration, which work well paired a stay at a permanent luxury lodge.
Highlights
Visit the park in July and August to witness wildebeest dramatically cross the Mara River on their Great Migration
Experience the pristine natural atmosphere at the break of dawn on exciting morning game drives
Visit the central serengeti at any time of the year to witness the areas excellent resident wildlife
Soar high over herds of wildlife on hot air balloon safaris
Enjoy the mesmerising African sky with star gazing activities from your camp
Let your expert safari guides lead you through the natural wonders of the Serengeti on exciting bush walks
When to visit
The migration is usually in the area from July through to September. However, it’s still an excellent place to go right through to November.
River Crossings
July – August
Safari
June – October
Green Season
April – May
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.
