Serengeti National Park Travel Guide
Serengeti National Park: The Complete Travel Guide
Best time to go, what happens each month, how far everything is, and every question answered, written by a locally owned, TALA-licensed Tanzanian safari company.
Ask us about Serengeti National ParkMonth-by-month guideDistancesAbout Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is Tanzania’s most famous national park and one of the great wildlife areas on Earth. Its endless golden plains, acacia-dotted kopjes and wide rivers support more than a million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, and some of Africa’s densest populations of lions, leopards and cheetah.
Wildlife is here all year, but where it is changes with the seasons. Calving takes place in the south from January to March, the herds move north-west through the Western Corridor and then to the Mara River, and return south again in the short rains. Choosing the right area for your dates matters more than almost any other decision in your safari, and that is where a local operator helps.
Quick answer: best time
The best time for a Serengeti safari is the dry season, June to October, when wildlife gathers near water and roads are easy. If your priority is newborn animals and predators, choose January to March in the south (Ndutu area). For river crossings, plan for late July to September in the north. April and May are quiet and cheaper but wet.
Top months: Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Serengeti National Park month by month
Tap a month to see what is happening, what the weather is like and how busy it gets.
Serengeti National Park in pictures
What to see and do
Great Migration
Follow the herds through the year: calving in the south, the Western Corridor, then Mara River crossings in the north.
Big cat game drives
The Seronera valley is among the best places in Africa to find lions, leopards and cheetah.
Kopjes & plains
Granite outcrops such as Simba Kopjes are favourite lion lookouts and great photo spots.
Hippo pools & Grumeti
Hippos, crocodiles and riverine forest with colobus monkeys and rich birdlife.
Hot-air balloon
A sunrise balloon flight over the plains, followed by a bush breakfast (book ahead; extra cost).
Walking & culture
Combine with Olduvai Gorge, Maasai visits and Lake Eyasi’s Hadzabe for a fuller Northern Tanzania story.
How far is Serengeti National Park from nearby places?
Approximate road distances and typical driving times from Serengeti National Park. Times include normal stops; road and weather conditions vary.
| To / from | Distance | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| ArushaVia Karatu and Ngorongoro; many guests drive one way and fly the other. | ~335 km | 8–9 h drive, or about 1–1.5 h by light aircraft |
| KaratuCommon overnight stop before the Serengeti. | ~200 km | 5–6 h |
| Ngorongoro Crater rimVia Olduvai Gorge and Naabi Hill gate. | ~145 km | 4–5 h |
| Naabi Hill GateMain southern entrance gate. | ~50 km | 1.5 h |
| Ndutu (south)Calving-season base, December to March. | ~100 km | 3 h |
| Kogatende (north)Mara River crossings, July to October. | ~130 km | 4–5 h |
| Lake ManyaraTypical stop on the way in or out. | ~240 km | 6 h |
Accommodation styles
- Mobile tented camps that follow the herds, ideal for calving and migration timing.
- Permanent tented camps and lodges in Seronera, Ndutu and the north.
- Budget camping safaris in public campsites, a good-value way to be in the park.
Plan like a local
- Plan at least 3 full days in the park; 4–5 is better if you want the migration or the north.
- Dress in earth colours, and bring a warm layer for early morning drives.
- Park fees are paid per person per 24 hours and make up a big share of any safari price.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom. Dust is common, so protect equipment.
- Book 6–12 months ahead for June to October and for the calving season.
Trips that include Serengeti National Park
Every tour is private with your own guide. Open a tour for the full itinerary, inclusions and price.
Serengeti National Park: your questions answered
When is the best time to visit the Serengeti?
June to October is the best all-round period because it is dry and wildlife is easy to see. January to March is best for calving in the south, and late July to September for Mara River crossings in the north.
Where is the Great Migration in each month?
January to March: southern Serengeti and Ndutu. April to May: moving north-west through the central area. June to July: Western Corridor and Grumeti. July to October: northern Serengeti and the Mara River. November to December: moving back south.
How far is the Serengeti from Arusha?
About 335 km by road to central Serengeti (Seronera), roughly 8–9 hours with a stop. A flight from Arusha takes about 1–1.5 hours.
How far is the Serengeti from Ngorongoro Crater?
Around 145 km from the crater rim to Seronera, about 4–5 hours including gate procedures and game viewing on the way.
How many days do I need in the Serengeti?
We recommend at least 2 nights; 3–4 nights allows time to follow wildlife movement. Combine with Ngorongoro and Tarangire for a full Northern Circuit safari.
Can I see the Big Five in the Serengeti?
Lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo are regularly seen. Rhinos are rare and best seen in Ngorongoro Crater.
Is the Serengeti suitable for families and couples?
Yes. We run private family and romantic safaris with your own vehicle and guide, so the pace suits you.
What does a Serengeti safari cost?
It depends on season, accommodation level and group size. See our packages for current prices, then message us for a tailored quote within 24 hours.
Questions about Serengeti National Park?
Tell us your dates and what you want to see. We reply within 24 hours with advice and a clear price.