Serengeti National Park
1.5 million wildebeest cross endless golden plains. Lions in every direction. The world’s greatest migration plays out here year-round. The Serengeti is Africa’s most iconic safari.
Endless Plains, The Great Migration Year-Round
The Serengeti National Park is Africa’s most celebrated wildlife ecosystem — a 14,763km² UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Big Five roam year-round and over 1.5 million wildebeest follow an ancient clockwise migration route through the ecosystem across every season.
Calving peaks in the southern Ndutu plains from January to March, with 500,000 calves born in weeks. The Mara River crossings peak July to October in the north — wildebeest plunging into crocodile waters in one of nature’s most electrifying spectacles. The central Seronera area delivers year-round resident Big Five wildlife including Africa’s highest lion density.
Beyond the migration, cheetah and wild dog populations are exceptional. A dawn balloon safari over the Serengeti is Africa’s finest luxury experience. Our 6-Day Tanzania Luxury Safari visits the Serengeti at its most spectacular. Contact Apes & Wildlife Safaris to plan your perfect itinerary.
Vehicle fees additional. Balloon safari approx $500. All bookable through Apes & Wildlife Safaris.
The zone you visit must match the migration’s location — Apes & Wildlife Safaris tracks movements and places you optimally. Malaria prophylaxis required.
Wildlife & Natural Highlights
Great Migration
1.5M wildebeest follow an ancient annual circuit. Calving (Jan–Mar) in the south sees 500,000 calves born. Mara River crossings (Jul–Oct) in the north are the most dramatic wildlife spectacle on earth.
Lions
Africa’s highest lion density. Multiple prides on every game drive. Kopje-based prides in the central Serengeti are among the continent’s most studied and photographed.
Cheetah
The short-grass plains deliver the continent’s finest cheetah hunting spectacles. Coalition males and mothers with cubs frequently encountered in the Seronera area.
Leopard
The Seronera River’s fig trees are the most reliable leopard territory in the Serengeti — resident individuals well-habituated to vehicles. Dawn drives consistently produce close sightings.
African Wild Dogs
Pack territories established in the northern and western Serengeti. Apes & Wildlife Safaris guides track current territories for the best sighting probability.
Balloon Safari
A dawn balloon flight over the Serengeti — wildebeest herds below, Kilimanjaro on the horizon — is one of Africa’s defining luxury experiences. Pre-book months ahead.
Key Areas & Experiences
Each zone of Serengeti National Park delivers a distinct wildlife experience. Apes & Wildlife Safaris tailors your itinerary to cover the areas that match your interests and travel pace.
January–March: 500,000 wildebeest calves born. Predator concentrations extraordinary.
Permanent water draws resident Big Five year-round. Year-round excellent choice.
April–June: migration moves through and the Grumeti River crossings begin.
July–October: the most dramatic migration chapter. Remote and spectacular.
Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park
500,000 calves born. Predator density at peak. Southern Serengeti most productive.
Most dramatic migration spectacle. Northern Serengeti at maximum. Book 12 months ahead.
Western corridor migration. Beautiful landscape. Fewer visitors.
Migration returns south. Excellent resident wildlife in Seronera.
Curated Safaris Including Serengeti
Every Apes & Wildlife Safaris itinerary is tailor-made and can be extended to include Serengeti National Park alongside other parks across Tanzania.
Expert Tips for Serengeti National Park
Plan Well in Advance
Peak season for Serengeti National Park fills months ahead. Contact Apes & Wildlife Safaris early to secure the best dates, accommodation, and permits for your group.
Stay Multiple Nights
One day in any major African park only scratches the surface. Two to three nights reveals the full depth of the wildlife, seasonal behaviours, and landscapes across different times of day.
Never Miss the Dawn Drive
The first two hours after sunrise deliver the highest predator activity, best photography light, and most concentrated wildlife encounters of any part of the day — always prioritise the early start.
Trust Your Expert Guide
The best wildlife encounters come from guides who read animal behaviour and position the vehicle accordingly. Apes & Wildlife Safaris works exclusively with experienced guides who know their parks deeply.
Combine with Complementary Parks
Ask Apes & Wildlife Safaris about the ideal combination itinerary — pairing Serengeti National Park with complementary parks in Tanzania delivers a far richer experience than any single park in isolation.
Take Out Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation cover is essential for all safari travel. Apes & Wildlife Safaris can advise on appropriate cover for your specific itinerary and destinations.
Your Tanzania Safari Awaits
Apes & Wildlife Safaris handles every detail — permits, transfers, expert guides, and hand-picked accommodation — from first enquiry to final sundowner.