SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Discover Serengeti National Park
Location
The Serengeti National Park spans key areas of northern Tanzania, with the Serengeti ecosystem covering the eastern Mara and northern Simiyu regions.
Size
The Serengeti National Park covers an area of approximately 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 square miles).
History
Exploration of the Serengeti dates back to the late 1800s, but it gained recognition in the 1920s when the great wildebeest migration was first witnessed and photographed. In the 1930s, the Serengeti Game Reserve became a popular sport hunting destination until hunting ceased around 1937, and the area was given protected status in 1940. The park headquarters were initially located on the Ngorongoro Crater rim when the southern part of the reserve became a national park in 1951. In 1959, the park separated from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and has since become one of Tanzania’s most visited and remarkable national parks. Serengeti National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
Entrance Fees & Permits
Entrance fees to the Serengeti National Park are USD 60 per adult and USD 30 per child.
Hours of Operation
The park gates are open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
How to Get There
By Road
Traveling by road from Arusha to the Serengeti National Park is approximately a 200-mile journey, taking around eight hours.
By Air
Guests flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport will transfer by road to Arusha (about 30 miles), followed by a 30-minute flight on a small aircraft to one of the airstrips within the Serengeti National Park.
Best Time to Visit
Weather & Climate
The Serengeti experiences a dry winter from June through August, with temperatures reaching up to the mid-70s°F (24°C). July and August are cooler months. Short rains occur between November and December, while the long rains fall in March and April. Game viewing is optimal during the dry season, particularly in July and October when the great migration is a highlight.
Avoiding Crowds
To avoid crowds, consider traveling during the green season from late October to December, just after the busy winter peak. Visiting in late May and early June allows for a safari experience ahead of the crowds.
Value for Money
With a diverse range of accommodation options, it’s possible to enjoy a quality safari experience in the Serengeti on various budgets. Guests can choose lodges and camps in remote areas or stay in the heart of the great migration pathway. Traveling by road can also help manage overall costs.
Wildlife and Landscape
Popular Wildlife Sightings
The Serengeti is renowned for its abundance of wildlife, including big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as the Big Five. The park is also famous for the incredible great wildebeest migration, featuring large herds of plains game and predators commonly seen on game drives.
The Terrain
The park’s terrain consists mainly of vast savannahs in the western section, interspersed with occasional acacia trees. The northern area features hilly woodlands, providing diverse habitats for wildlife.
Experiences
Game Drives
Exploring the Serengeti in an open or enclosed 4×4 safari vehicle is an ideal way to observe the multitude of animals inhabiting the park. Early morning and late afternoon drives can be complemented with full-day outings, including picnic lunches.
Guided Walking Safaris
The Serengeti offers guided walking safaris ranging from two-day experiences to full-week adventures. These safaris allow guests to traverse terrain beyond the reach of vehicles, providing an up-close and personal encounter with nature.
Hot Air Balloon Experience
A hot air balloon ride offers a unique perspective over the savannahs and woodlands of the Serengeti, with opportunities to spot wildlife from above. Depending on the time of year, guests may witness the great migration, including the dramatic crossing of the Mara River.
Cultural Tours
Visitors can engage with local communities and immerse themselves in Maasai culture, learning about traditions and rituals that are integrated into contemporary society.
Accommodations
The Serengeti offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites, catering to various preferences and budgets. Options are available both within the park and in surrounding areas, providing guests with choices that suit their safari experience.
Serengeti National Park Lodging – Distance from park entrance
| Lodge or Hotel | Distance to park entrance (in miles) |
| Four Seasons Safari Lodge | 53.3 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Melia Serengeti Lodge | 30.5 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Ole Serai Luxury Camp – Turner Springs | 39.5 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Lemala Nanyukie Lodge | 40.3 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Siringit Serengeti Camp | 39.0 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Nimali Central Serengeti | 39.3 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Kirawira Serena Camp | 93 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Elawana Serengeti Explorer | 208 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp | 52.8 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Kubu Kubu Tented Camp | 40.7 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Serengeti Serena Lodge | 40.5 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge | 39 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Naskia Migration Camp | 21.3 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Lahia Tented Lodge | 64 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Serengeti Sametu Camp | 40.6 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Serengeti Mara River Camp | 123 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Serengeti Woodlands Camp | 23 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Serengeti Acacia Bliss Luxury Tented Camp | 79.3 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| The singing Grass Bush Camp | 28.5 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Ang’ata Serengeti Camp | 18.3 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Seronera Wildlife Lodge | 31.7 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Nyikani Central Serengeti Camp | 41.9 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Acacia Seronera Luxury Camp | 47.5 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Serengeti Kichakana Serengeti Camp | 46 miles from the Ndabaka Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Serengeti Bushtops Lodge | 39 miles from the Fort Ikoma Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Olakira Migration Camp | 37 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Serengeti Under Canvas | 40 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Ole Serai – Moru Kopje | 42 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Ole Serai – Kogatende | 90 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Lemala Serengeti – Mara & Ndutu | 87 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Nimali Mara | 92 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Kati Kati Serengeti | 23.5 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Mara Under Canvas | 95 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Acacia Central Camp | 25 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Angata Kemarishe Tented Camp | 35 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Angata Migration Camp | 37 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Lobo Wildlife Lodge | 55 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Nyikani Migration Camp | 35 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Elewana Pioneer | 56 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Elewana Migration Camp | 37 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Kirurumu Under Canvas: Northern Camp | 93 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Kirurumu Under Canvas South | 31 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Kirurumu Under Canvas Central | 62 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Mawe Tented Camp | 47 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Gnu Migration Camp | 106 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Embalakai Serengeti | 62 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Kaskaz Mara | 106 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Naona Moru Camp | 16 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Serengeti Safari Lodge | 47 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Serengeti Tanzania Bush Camp | 87 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Serengeti Simba Lodge | 93 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Mbalageti Safari Lodge | 50 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Africa Safari Lodge | 50 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Serengeti Sound of Nature | 47 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| ThornTree Camp | 47 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
| Serengeti Sopa Lodge | 19 miles from the Naabi Hill Gate of the Serengeti National Park |
Explore Serengeti National Park with Adventure In The Wild Safaris
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Serengeti with Adventure In The Wild Safaris. Experience the park’s rich biodiversity, witness the great migration, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.
