Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania was established in 1951 to protect the ecosystem behind the Great Migration. Its habitats range from open grass plains to woodland and rivers.
- Country
- Tanzania
- Type
- National park
- Approx. area
- 14,763 km²
- Best time
- January to February and June to September
- Suggested stay
- 3–5 days
- Main gateway airport
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Big Five
- Present
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to Serengeti
- The Great Migration of over a million wildebeest with zebra
- Calving season on the southern plains
- High densities of lion and cheetah
- Hot-air balloon flights
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981
Best time to visit Serengeti
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Serengeti is January to February and June to September.
Herds are on the southern plains near Ndutu; calving usually peaks in February-March and attracts predators.
Herds move north and west; Grumeti River crossings in the Western Corridor often occur around May-June.
Herds are in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara, with Mara River crossings; timing shifts each year with the rains.
Peak long rains; some seasonal camps close.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16–29 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| February | 16–29 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| March | 16–29 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 16–28 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 16–27 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 15–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| July | 14–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| August | 15–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| September | 15–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 16–29 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| November | 16–28 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 16–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Serengeti includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, black rhino, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, gazelles, eland, ostriches and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
Most visitors travel from Arusha by road via the Ngorongoro area, a long day's drive, or fly by light aircraft to airstrips such as Seronera.
Trips to Serengeti
Plan by travel style
- Serengeti for families
- Serengeti for a honeymoon
- Serengeti for photographers
- Serengeti for a first safari
- Serengeti on a budget
- Serengeti for luxury travel
Compare with
- Serengeti vs Tarangire
- Serengeti vs Nyerere
- Serengeti vs Ruaha
- Serengeti vs Lake Manyara
- Serengeti vs Ngorongoro
- Serengeti vs Akagera
Travelling to Serengeti from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Serengeti?
Generally January to February and June to September. Herds are on the southern plains near Ndutu; calving usually peaks in February-March and attracts predators.
How many days do I need in Serengeti?
Most visitors spend 3 to 5 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Serengeti?
Most visitors travel from Arusha by road via the Ngorongoro area, a long day's drive, or fly by light aircraft to airstrips such as Seronera.
Is there malaria in Serengeti?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: TANAPA - Serengeti National Park · TANAPA - About Serengeti · Climates to Travel - Serengeti
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.