Travel Tips

Serengeti National Park: Complete Visitor Guide

Everything you need to know about visiting Serengeti National Park, including best areas, accommodation options, and wildlife viewing tips.

David Mollel
July 8, 2025
13 min read
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Welcome to the Serengeti

Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world, covering 14,750 square kilometers of endless plains teeming with wildlife.

Park Regions

Southern Serengeti (Ndutu Area)

Best time: December to March

The calving season brings hundreds of thousands of wildebeest giving birth, attracting predators. This is one of nature's greatest spectacles.

Central Serengeti (Seronera)

Best time: Year-round

The heart of the park with resident wildlife. Excellent for leopards, lions, and cheetahs. The Seronera River attracts wildlife even during dry season.

Western Corridor

Best time: May to July

The migration reaches the Grumeti River, offering dramatic river crossings (though less famous than Mara River).

Northern Serengeti

Best time: July to October

The legendary Mara River crossings occur here as millions of wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters.

Wildlife Highlights

  • The Great Migration: 2 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles
  • Big Cats: Largest lion population in Africa
  • Leopards: Especially around Seronera
  • Cheetahs: Open plains provide excellent hunting grounds
  • Elephants: Large herds throughout the park

Accommodation Options

Luxury Lodges

High-end lodges offer incredible comfort with stunning views. Expect infinity pools, gourmet dining, and personalized service.

Tented Camps

Authentic safari experience with comfort. Fall asleep to the sounds of hyenas and lions - completely safe but thrilling!

Mobile Camps

Follow the migration with camps that relocate seasonally. Maximum wildlife proximity.

Planning Your Visit

How long: Minimum 3 days, ideally 5-7 days

Best combined with: Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire

Getting there: Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport, then charter flight or drive (6-7 hours)

Safari Tips

  • Game drives at dawn and dusk offer best wildlife viewing
  • Bring binoculars and zoom lens for photography
  • Dress in neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive)
  • Always listen to your guide's instructions
  • Be patient - sometimes the best sightings require waiting

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