Wildlife Highlights

The Serengeti National Park is one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations in the world, offering unparalleled opportunities for game viewing and nature exploration. Home to the legendary Great Migration, the Serengeti provides visitors with a front-row seat to one of nature’s most dramatic events, where over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the vast plains in search of fresh grazing grounds while braving the dangers of predators and river crossings.

In addition to the Great Migration, the Serengeti boasts an abundance of wildlife, including the famous Big Five:

• Lions – The Serengeti has one of the highest lion populations in Africa, with prides frequently spotted resting under acacia trees or stalking their prey in the golden grasslands.
• Leopards – These elusive big cats are often seen lounging on tree branches or moving stealthily through the tall grass, particularly in the Seronera Valley.
• Elephants – Large elephant herds roam the Serengeti’s woodlands and riverbanks, offering breathtaking sightings of these gentle giants.
• Buffaloes – Massive herds of African buffalo are commonly found in the park’s wetlands and grasslands, providing impressive wildlife encounters.
• Rhinos – While more elusive, black rhinos can still be seen in select areas of the park, particularly in the Moru Kopjes region.

Beyond the Big Five, the Serengeti is home to a diverse array of predators and herbivores. Cheetahs, known for their incredible speed, can be seen sprinting across the open plains, while hyenas roam in clans, scavenging and occasionally hunting in packs. The park also supports giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and various species of antelopes, such as impalas, topis, and Grant’s gazelles.

For birdwatching enthusiasts, the Serengeti is a paradise, with over 500 bird species recorded. The diverse habitats—ranging from riverine forests and rocky kopjes to vast acacia woodlands—support an incredible variety of avian life, including secretary birds, lilac-breasted rollers, ostriches, vultures, eagles, and storks. Whether you are an avid safari-goer or embarking on your first wildlife adventure, the Serengeti guarantees an unforgettable and immersive safari experience.

Best Times to Visit

Your experience in the Serengeti depends largely on the season and what you hope to see. Each time of year offers something unique, whether it’s the thrill of predator-prey interactions, the Great Migration’s river crossings, or the lush beauty of the rainy season.

Dry Season (June to October) – Best for General Wildlife Viewing & River Crossings

• The dry season is considered the best time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around permanent water sources, making game viewing easier.
• July to September is the prime time for witnessing the Great Migration’s famous river crossings at the Mara and Grumeti Rivers, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras face crocodile-infested waters and hungry predators.
• The weather is mostly clear and sunny, with little rainfall, making it ideal for game drives.
• The Serengeti’s vast plains become a dusty golden expanse, offering incredible opportunities for big cat sightings, particularly lions and cheetahs.
• This is peak season, so early bookings are recommended for accommodations near key migration areas.

Wet Season (November to May) – Best for Photography, Birdwatching & Calving Season

• The onset of the short rains (November-December) and long rains (March-May) transforms the Serengeti into a lush green landscape, perfect for photography and scenic beauty.
• Calving Season (January to February): The southern Serengeti becomes the birthing grounds for wildebeest, with hundreds of thousands of newborn calves taking their first steps. This abundance of young animals attracts predators, making for exciting predator-prey interactions.
• The park is less crowded, offering a more intimate safari experience compared to the peak season.
• Birdwatchers will be delighted with migratory bird species arriving from Europe and Asia, making this an excellent time for birdwatching enthusiasts.
• The occasional afternoon rains rarely disrupt game drives but add to the dramatic scenery, creating picturesque backdrops for photographers.

Regardless of when you visit, the Serengeti is a year-round destination, with each season bringing its own wonders. Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of the Great Migration, the serene beauty of the green season, or the majestic presence of Africa’s iconic wildlife, every moment in the Serengeti is an experience to treasure.