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Northern Circuit
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania's most famous park, known for big cats and the Great Migration
Park Size
14,750 km²
Established
1951
Recommended Stay
3-4 nights minimum
Elevation
920-1,850m above sea level
Overview
The Serengeti National Park is Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park, a world heritage site and recently proclaimed one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa. The word 'Serengeti' comes from the Maasai language meaning 'endless plains'. This iconic destination covers 14,750 square kilometers of rolling grasslands, savanna, and riverine forests, supporting the largest remaining unaltered animal migration in the world. Home to over 3 million large mammals, including the spectacular Great Migration of 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, the Serengeti offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities year-round. The park boasts exceptional predator populations with lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas thriving in this abundant ecosystem.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Wildlife Viewing Quality
Based on diversity, abundance, and sighting probability
4/5
The Big Five
Lion
Leopard
Elephant
Buffalo
Rhino (rare)
Key Species
WildebeestZebraGazelleGiraffeHipposCrocodiles
Unique & Endemic Species
Kori Bustard (heaviest flying bird)
Secretary Bird
Ostrich
Excellent Bird Watching
This destination is a paradise for bird enthusiasts with diverse species year-round
Experiences & Activities
Game Drives
Morning, afternoon, and full-day drives across the plains
2-8 hours
Year-round
Easy
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Sunrise balloon flight over the Serengeti with champagne breakfast
3-4 hours
Dry season
Easy
Walking Safaris
Guided nature walks in designated areas
2-3 hours
Dry season
Moderate
Photography Safaris
Specialized tours for wildlife photographers
Full day
Golden hours
Easy
Maasai Village Visit
Cultural experience with local Maasai communities
2-3 hours
Year-round
Easy
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season
June-October (dry season, migration crossings)
Low Season
March-May (long rains)
Month-by-Month Guide
Jan-Feb
Wildlife: Calving season in Southern Serengeti
Weather: Warm, short rains possible
Mar-May
Wildlife: Migration moves west
Weather: Long rains, lush green
Jun-Jul
Wildlife: Grumeti River crossings begin
Weather: Cool, dry
Aug-Oct
Wildlife: Mara River crossings (peak)
Weather: Dry, excellent visibility
Nov-Dec
Wildlife: Migration returns south
Weather: Short rains, good birding
Where to Stay
Luxury Options
Four Seasons Safari Lodge
$1,500-$3,000/nightUltra-luxury lodge with infinity pool overlooking waterhole
- Spa
- Fine dining
- Private plunge pools
Mid-Range Options
Serengeti Serena Lodge
$400-$700/nightHilltop lodge with panoramic views
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Cultural boma
Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp
$350-$600/nightMobile camp following the migration
- En-suite tents
- Bush dining
- Migration proximity
Camping Options
Public Campsites
$30-$50/personBasic campsites throughout the park
- Shared facilities
- Bring own equipment
Sample Itineraries
Serengeti Express
3 days
1
Central Serengeti Exploration
Arrive at Seronera, afternoon game drive in central Serengeti focusing on big cats
2
Full Day Game Drive
Full day exploring northern or southern regions depending on migration location
3
Seronera River Valley & Departure
Morning game drive along Seronera River, departure after lunch
Complete Serengeti Experience
5 days
1
Arrival & Central Serengeti
Fly into Seronera, afternoon game drive
2
Seronera Valley
Full day exploring Seronera Valley - prime lion territory
3
Western Corridor
Drive to western corridor, Grumeti River exploration
4
Northern Serengeti
Head north towards Mara River for crossing opportunities (seasonal)
5
Final Game Drive & Departure
Morning game drive, fly out from Kogatende airstrip
Safari Packages Including Serengeti National Park
Explore our curated safari packages that include visits to Serengeti National Park. Each tour is carefully designed to showcase the best of this incredible destination.
From $4,200
7 Days Great Migration Safari - River Crossings & Predator Action
Witness the spectacular wildebeest migration river crossings
7 days / 6 nights
Starting at $4,200 per person
10/10(2 reviews)
View Tour Details
From $2,450
5 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari
A classic Northern Circuit safari covering Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro
5 days / 4 nights
Starting at $2,450 per person
9.2/10(5 reviews)
View Tour Details
From $2,800
3 Days Luxury Serengeti Safari - Paradise & Star Beds
Ultimate luxury safari experience in premium lodges
3 days / 2 nights
Starting at $2,800 per person
10/10(1 reviews)
View Tour Details
From $1,546
6 Days Best of Northern Tanzania Parks - Affordable Safari
Affordable 6-day safari covering Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Manyara
6 days / 5 nights
Starting at $1,546 per person
0/10(0 reviews)
View Tour Details
From $5,200
9 Days Wildlife & Bird Photography - Expert-Led Workshop
Intensive photography workshop with professional instruction
9 days / 8 nights
Starting at $5,200 per person
0/10(0 reviews)
View Tour Details
From $2,064
4 Days Luxury Safari - Serena Lodges Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Premium 4-day safari staying at prestigious Serena Safari Lodges
4 days / 3 nights
Starting at $2,064 per person
0/10(0 reviews)
View Tour Details
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Travel Info
By Air
Daily scheduled flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, and Nairobi to Seronera, Kogatende, or Kusini airstrips
By Road
8-9 hour drive from Arusha via Ngorongoro Conservation Area (scenic route)
Transfer Time
1 hour by air, 8-9 hours by road
Conservation Efforts
The Serengeti is part of the larger Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, one of the most intact ecosystems on Earth. Conservation efforts focus on anti-poaching patrols, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and maintaining wildlife corridors.
Community Initiatives
Revenue sharing with local Maasai communities, employment opportunities, and support for schools and health clinics
Cultural Context
The Serengeti region is traditional Maasai land. The Maasai people have coexisted with wildlife for centuries, their pastoral lifestyle complementing conservation efforts.
Maasai
What to Pack
- Neutral-colored clothing
- Binoculars
- Camera with telephoto lens
- Sunscreen and hat
- Warm layers for early mornings
Health
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended
- Yellow fever vaccination required
- Drink bottled water only
Best Photography Times
- Golden hour (6-8 AM, 5-7 PM)
- Overcast days for soft light
- Dust adds atmosphere during dry season
Frequently Asked Questions
The migration is year-round, but river crossings occur July-October in the north. Calving season is January-February in the south.
Minimum 3 days, but 4-5 days allows better exploration of different regions.
Yes, when staying in your vehicle during game drives and following guide instructions. Lodges and camps are secure.
Self-driving is allowed but not recommended for first-time visitors. Guided safaris provide better wildlife spotting and safety.
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