Serengeti National Park

World-renowned for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse its vast plains. It offers exceptional Big Five...

Serengeti National Park at a Glance

Location
Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit, Tanzania, East Africa
Coordinates
-2.371387, 34.565720
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
June to October (dry season) for best game viewing. January to March for wildebeest calving in the Serengeti.

Getting to Serengeti National Park

Nearest airport: Ongino Airstrip, 438 km away.

Big Five in Serengeti National Park

4 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, Leopard, African Buffalo, Leopard Tortoise.

Weather & Climate in Serengeti National Park

The warmest temperatures in Serengeti National Park occur in October, averaging 24.5°C (up to 32.1°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 21.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 3.4mm. Average humidity: 44.5%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 21.6°C (rainfall: 103.4mm)
  • February: 22.6°C (rainfall: 73.5mm)
  • March: 22.8°C (rainfall: 88.8mm)
  • April: 21.8°C (rainfall: 135.5mm)
  • May: 22.1°C (rainfall: 50.8mm)
  • June: 22.7°C (rainfall: 6.9mm)
  • July: 22.6°C (rainfall: 3.4mm)
  • August: 23.4°C (rainfall: 10.4mm)
  • September: 23.7°C (rainfall: 27.8mm)
  • October: 24.5°C (rainfall: 31.4mm)
  • November: 22.6°C (rainfall: 138.5mm)
  • December: 21.9°C (rainfall: 91.3mm)

Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park

The best months to visit Serengeti National Park are June, August, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 21.56°C, rainfall 103.4mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 68.8%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.58°C, rainfall 73.5mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 64.5%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.8°C, rainfall 88.8mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 62.8%
  • April: Good, temperature 21.78°C, rainfall 135.5mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 71.4%
  • May: Great, temperature 22.1°C, rainfall 50.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 63.4%
  • June: Great, temperature 22.66°C, rainfall 6.9mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 48.4%
  • July: Great, temperature 22.56°C, rainfall 3.4mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 44.5%
  • August: Great, temperature 23.39°C, rainfall 10.4mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 44.4%
  • September: Great, temperature 23.73°C, rainfall 27.8mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 48.7%
  • October: Great, temperature 24.51°C, rainfall 31.4mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 49.4%
  • November: Great, temperature 22.59°C, rainfall 138.5mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 64%
  • December: Great, temperature 21.9°C, rainfall 91.3mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 68.1%

Wildlife in Serengeti National Park

Home to 121 recorded species including 40 iconic birds, 31 birds of prey, 22 waterbirds, 5 antelope & gazelle, 5 tropical birds, 4 big five.

Recommended Packing List for Serengeti National Park

Based on average temperature of 22.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 58%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 23°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Serengeti National Park

50 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

ultra-luxury

Similar Parks in Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit

Visitor Tips - Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is more than just a national park; it is a living, breathing testament to the wild heart of Africa. We love the sheer scale of it, the endless plains stretching to the horizon, and the palpable anticipation of witnessing the Great Migration. It is a place where every sunrise feels like a promise and every sunset is a masterpiece, leaving us with memories that feel both luxurious and timeless.

Gate Times

Serengeti National Park gates typically open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM daily. We always recommend arriving at your chosen gate with ample time, especially if you have a long drive ahead. Park entry permits are mandatory and are almost always pre-arranged by your safari operator, which we find streamlines the process immensely. There are no seasonal variations in gate times, but wildlife viewing opportunities certainly shift with the Great Migration.

Tipping

Tipping is an important part of the safari economy and a way to show appreciation for excellent service. For your safari guide, we recommend budgeting around $15-25 per person per day, given directly at the end of your safari. For general camp staff (cooks, housekeepers, waiters), a communal tip of $5-10 per person per day, placed in a central tip box, is customary. We do not typically tip park rangers directly unless they have provided an extraordinary, specific service, which is rare. Always tip in cash, preferably in USD or Tanzanian Shillings, and discreetly.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Tanzania

Travel advisory for Tanzania

Serengeti National Park FAQs

When is the absolute best time to witness the Great Migration within the Serengeti, and where should I focus my visit?

While the migration is a year-round phenomenon, the most dramatic river crossings, particularly at the Mara River in the northern Serengeti, typically occur between July and October. For witnessing the calving season and massive herds on the southern plains, plan your visit from January to March.

What is the typical cost range for a Serengeti safari, and what factors most influence the price?

A Serengeti safari can range from $400-$800 per person per day for mid-range options to over $1500+ for luxury experiences, excluding international flights. Key factors influencing cost include accommodation style (e.g., mobile tented camps vs. permanent lodges), duration of the safari, whether it's a private or group tour, and the time of year, with peak migration season being more expensive.

Beyond the Big Five, what unique wildlife viewing opportunities does the Serengeti offer that set it apart from other parks?

The Serengeti is renowned for its exceptionally high concentrations of predators, particularly cheetahs and leopards, which are often easier to spot here than in many other African parks. You can also witness vast herds of plains game, diverse birdlife, and unique species like the African wild dog in certain areas, offering a comprehensive wildlife experience.

What essential safety precautions should I take during a Serengeti safari, especially regarding wildlife encounters and health?

Always adhere strictly to your professional safari guide's instructions, as they are trained to navigate wildlife safely and responsibly; never exit your vehicle outside designated areas. While malaria risk is high, taking prescribed prophylactics, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito nets are crucial preventative measures.

What types of accommodation are available within Serengeti National Park, and how can one best manage the crowding level during peak times?

The Serengeti offers a range from permanent lodges to luxurious mobile tented camps that strategically relocate to follow the Great Migration, providing an immersive experience. To mitigate crowding, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-May, November) or focusing on less-visited sectors like the western corridor or remote northern areas during peak migration.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Bradt Guide: Northern Tanzania by Philip Briggs - The best single-country safari guide - covers Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara in extraordinary detail with expert local knowledge.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Tanzania by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive guide covering Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and beyond. Practical transport, accommodation, and itinerary advice for independent and guided safari travellers.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.