The Great Migration
Calving on the southern plains around Ndutu from January to March, and dramatic river crossings in the north between July and October.
Serengeti National Park
Where the Great Migration moves the horizon
- Best time
- June – October
- Recommended stay
- 3 – 4 days
- Nearest airport
- Seronera Airstrip (SEU)
- Main attraction
- Great Migration & Big Five
About Serengeti
The Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest and most famous national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of about 14,750 km² of grassland, acacia woodland and granite kopjes. Its name comes from the Maasai word siringet, meaning the place where the land runs on forever.
It is home to the Great Migration, the year-round circular journey of more than a million wildebeest with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle. Predators follow the herds, which makes the Serengeti one of the best places in Africa to see lion, leopard and cheetah.
Different parts of the park shine in different months. Our guides plan your route around where the herds and the action are when you travel.
- Size
- ≈ 14,750 km²
- Established
- 1951
- Status
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Drive from Arusha
- ≈ 7–8 h to Seronera
What makes it special
Seronera Valley
The central Serengeti, with rivers and kopjes that hold resident lions and leopards all year.
Kopjes
Granite outcrops such as Moru and Gol where big cats rest and look out over the plains.
Grumeti and Mara rivers
The famous crossing points, where herds face crocodiles on their way north and back.
What you can see and do
- Lion
- Leopard
- Cheetah
- Elephant
- Buffalo
- Wildebeest
- Zebra
- Giraffe
- Hippo
- Nile crocodile
- Spotted hyena
- Topi
- Over 500 bird species
Game drives
Morning, afternoon and full-day drives in a 4×4 with a pop-up roof.
Hot-air balloon safari
A sunrise flight over the plains, followed by a bush breakfast.
Migration tracking
Seasonal camps placed close to the herds.
Photography safaris
Longer sightings and flexible timing for photographers.
When to go
June – October for dry-season game viewing; January – February for the calving season
- January: Best
- February: Best
- March: Good
- April: Rainy / low season
- May: Rainy / low season
- June: Best
- July: Best
- August: Best
- September: Best
- October: Good
- November: Good
- December: Good
- Best
- Good
- Rainy / low season
April and May bring the long rains: fewer visitors and lower lodge rates, but some roads become difficult.
Recommended stay: 3 – 4 days
Getting there
By road: about 7–8 hours from Arusha to central Seronera, usually combined with Tarangire and Ngorongoro on the way.
By air: daily scheduled flights from Arusha and Kilimanjaro to Serengeti airstrips take 1–2 hours and save a long drive.
Nearest airports & airstrips
- Seronera AirstripSEUCentral Serengeti
- Kogatende AirstripNorthern Serengeti, July – October
- Kilimanjaro International AirportJROInternational arrivals
Where to stay
Options range from public campsites and comfortable tented camps to luxury lodges. Mobile camps move with the migration so you stay close to the herds.
Entry and conservation fees
| Fee | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation fee — adult non-resident | $70 per person / 24 h | +18% VAT |
| Conservation fee — child 5–15 years | $20 per person / 24 h | +18% VAT |
| Concession fee (lodges and camps inside the park) | $60 per person / night |
Fees are included in all SASU Tours safari packages unless stated otherwise.
Park and conservation fees are set by TANAPA, NCAA and the Zanzibar authorities and can change. Figures shown are indicative; your quotation always uses the current official rates.
Requirements & safety
- Valid passport and Tanzania visa
- Yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country
- Entry is by registered vehicle with a licensed guide
Serengeti in pictures
Tours & safaris
Packages that visit Serengeti
Wildlife Safaris
Classic Northern Circuit Safari
Arusha · Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
- Game drives
- Crater tour
- Picnic lunches
Honeymoon
Serengeti & Zanzibar Honeymoon
Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Zanzibar
- Balloon safari
- Private dinners
- Beach resort
Wildlife Safaris
Western Corridor Migration Safari
Arusha · Serengeti · Grumeti · Ikorongo
- River crossings
- Walking safari
- Night drive
Keep exploring
All destinations More destinations
National ParkNorthern Tanzania
Arusha National Park
Close to Arusha town: Mount Meru, crater forest, colourful lakes and walking safaris.
Mount Meru & Momella LakesView destination
Game ReserveWestern Serengeti
Grumeti Game Reserve
A private reserve on the Serengeti's western corridor, known for Grumeti River migration crossings.
Migration river crossings (June – July)View destination
Game ReserveWestern Serengeti
Ikorongo Game Reserve
A reserve north of Grumeti on the Serengeti border, crossed by the migration and visited by very few people.
Quiet migration countryView destination