Explore Uganda Tanzania Safari Tours – Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Beyond

Located in northern Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, Serengeti National Park is a great place for a safari holiday.

It is one of the most visited conservation areas in Africa, home to many predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

The park is in the Simiyu and Mara regions and is managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority. The name “Serengeti” comes from the local word “Siringet,” meaning “a place where the land runs forever.”

There are over 3,000 lions, many mammals, reptiles, and primates, more than 34 raptor species, and over 500 bird species.

Masai Mara National Park in Kenya and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are part of the larger Serengeti conservation area.

The park’s neighbors include Maswa Game Reserve in the southwest, Loliondo Game Control Area in the north and northeast, Ngorongoro Crater in the southeast, Grumeti Game Reserve, and Ikorongo Reserve in the west.

The area was once mostly unoccupied, with wildlife roaming freely. However, in the 20th century, the nomadic Masai pastoralists arrived. Farming, poaching, and other harmful human activities affected the wildlife population in the Serengeti.

Over time, diseases reduced the Masai population and the number of their cattle, leading to their relocation to the Ngorongoro region.

In 1930, about 2,286 square kilometers of land in the eastern and southern parts of the region were set aside as a game reserve to protect wildlife.

By 1950, the area was declared a national park after a request to the Tanganyika authorities to create an ecosystem that followed international conservation agreements.

By 1981, the park covered about 12,950 square kilometers, only a portion of the original Serengeti area. Over time, more land was added, and today it covers about 14,750 square kilometers, with woodland, riverine forest, savanna, and grassland plains. The land is mostly flat, with only a few trees.

Serengeti National Park’s Main Regions

Northern Serengeti

This region has hills, open woodlands, and Commiphora trees. It stretches from the Seronera region in the south to the Mara River on the Kenyan border.

This area is known for game drives, rock formations called kopjes, grazing land, an airstrip, and many plants and animals. The park’s main headquarters and lodging facilities in Seronera include lodges and camps for staff, researchers, and visitors.

The northern region is also where the final stages of the annual wildebeest migration take place.

Western Corridor

This area has small mountain ranges and riverine forest. It is mostly flat and is where wildebeests cross from May to July, attracting many visitors. The Grumeti and Mbalageti Rivers are also found here.

Serengeti Plains

Located in the southern part of the park, this region has large granite formations, which provide good viewing spots for predators. These rock outcroppings, called kopjes, blend into the plains.

Tourist Activities in Serengeti National Park

Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania

The annual wildebeest migration is one of the top activities in Serengeti National Park.

About 1.5 million wildebeests, along with over 30,000 zebras, Thomson’s gazelles, and other antelope species, move from the southern to the northern Serengeti and into Masai Mara in Kenya.

From January to March, it is calving season. In April, the migration begins as the animals search for water and fresh grass.

By May, they cross the western corridor, passing through the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, where the most dramatic moments of the migration take place. As they travel 800 kilometers, about 40% of the migrating animals die due to predators, thirst, disease, and exhaustion.

In late October, they return to the Serengeti for fresh grazing land.

Visitors can follow the migration, watching the animals’ movement patterns, communication, and survival skills. Mobile camps allow tourists to track the migration both day and night.

Game Drives in Tanzania

Visitors can see predators, prey, birds, and primates in the western corridor and the Seronera region.

Game drives are available all year, taking place in the morning and at night.

Some of the common mammals include black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, warthogs, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, civets, wild dogs, hyenas, jackals, mongooses, and gazelles.

Primates such as baboons, patas monkeys, vervet monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys are also found here.

Night game drives provide the chance to see nocturnal animals that come out after dark.

Bird Watching Safaris in Tanzania

With over 500 bird species, Serengeti National Park is a great place for birdwatching.

Bird species found in the park include Masai ostriches, southern ground hornbills, sacred ibises, goliath herons, lovebirds, vultures, African fish eagles, shoebills, helmeted guineafowls, secretary birds, knob-billed storks, pink-backed pelicans, hadada ibises, marabou storks, and flamingoes.

Birdwatching is best in the early morning and late afternoon when the birds are active.

Other activities in the park include cultural visits with the Masai people, guided nature walks, and camping.

Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park

The park is open to visitors all year. However, the best time to see the migration is from June to October.

From December to March, the park has plenty of wildlife, and the weather is good for game drives, guided walks, and other activities.

There are many accommodation options in the park, ranging from budget to luxury campsites, lodges, and hotels. It is best to book a few months in advance.

Serengeti National Park is one of the top safari destinations, perfect for adventure, honeymoons, education, photography, and family trips.

You can spend up to three hours on a game drive without feeling tired.

Popular Tanzania Safari Questions & Answers

As you plan your safari to Tanzania, the popular questions and answers below will be helpful in planning your journey.

• Where is Serengeti National Park located? Serengeti National Park is in northern Tanzania, East Africa.
• What is Serengeti National Park known for? It is famous for its wildlife, especially lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the Great Wildebeest Migration.
• What does the name “Serengeti” mean? Serengeti comes from the local word “Siringet,” which means “a place where the land runs forever.”
• How big is Serengeti National Park? The park covers about 14,750 square kilometers.
• What kind of animals live in the Serengeti? The park has lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, buffalo, rhinos, and many more animals.
• How many lions are in the Serengeti? There are over 3,000 lions in the park.
• What types of birds can be seen in the Serengeti? There are over 500 bird species, including ostriches, vultures, eagles, herons, and flamingos.
• What is the Great Wildebeest Migration? It is the yearly movement of about 1.5 million wildebeests, along with zebras and gazelles, in search of fresh grass and water.
• When does the wildebeest migration happen? It happens all year but is best seen from June to October.
• Which areas does the migration pass through? It moves from the southern Serengeti to the northern Serengeti and into Masai Mara in Kenya.
• How long is the wildebeest migration journey? The animals travel about 800 kilometers during the migration.
• What are the main regions of Serengeti National Park? The park has three main regions: Northern Serengeti, Western Corridor, and Serengeti Plains.
• What is special about the Northern Serengeti? It has hills, open woodlands, and is the final stop for the wildebeest migration.
• What can be found in the Western Corridor? It has small mountains, riverine forests, and the Grumeti and Mbalageti Rivers.
• What is unique about the Serengeti Plains? It has large rock formations called kopjes, which are good for spotting predators.
• Can visitors go on game drives in the park? Yes, game drives are available all year, in the morning and at night.
• What animals can be seen during a game drive? Visitors can see lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, and other animals.
• Are there night game drives in the Serengeti? Yes, night game drives allow visitors to see nocturnal animals like civets, jackals, and hyenas.
• Is Serengeti National Park good for bird-watching? Yes, it is one of the best places in Africa for bird-watching.
• When is the best time for bird-watching? Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see birds.
• Can visitors camp in the Serengeti? Yes, there are campsites for visitors who want to stay inside the park.
• Are there lodges and hotels in the park? Yes, the park has different types of accommodation, from budget to luxury lodges.
• Do I need to book accommodation in advance? Yes, it is best to book a few months before visiting, especially during peak seasons.
• What is the best time to visit the Serengeti? The best time is from June to October, but the park is open all year.
• Is it safe to visit Serengeti National Park? Yes, it is safe as long as visitors follow park rules and travel with guides.
• Can visitors walk in the park? Yes, guided nature walks are available with trained rangers.
• Can visitors meet the local Masai people? Yes, cultural visits to meet the Masai people are part of the experience.
• How long can a game drive last? A game drive can last up to three hours without feeling tiring.
• Why is Serengeti National Park important? It protects wildlife, supports tourism, and is a key part of Africa’s ecosystem.
• Is Serengeti National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Yes, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich wildlife and natural beauty.