CATS Safaris
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania Mara Region / Simiyu Region

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is, quite simply, the most legendary wildlife destination on the planet.

Explore Wildlife

Destination Guide

About Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is, quite simply, the most legendary wildlife destination on the planet. Spanning 14,763 square kilometres of golden savannah, acacia-dotted plains, and riverine woodland in northern Tanzania, the Serengeti hosts the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth — the Great Migration. Each year, over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles thunder across the endless plains in a relentless cycle of birth, death, and renewal that has played out for millennia. The name itself comes from the Maasai word "Siringet," meaning "the place where the land runs on forever," and the moment you stand on its vast grasslands watching herds stretch to every horizon, you will understand why.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the Serengeti is home to the highest concentration of large predators in Africa — including approximately 3,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, and the continent's largest population of cheetahs. Beyond the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the critically endangered black rhino), the park supports over 500 bird species and an astonishing diversity of habitats, from the short-grass plains of the south to the wooded hills of the north, the Seronera Valley's riverine forests, and the Western Corridor's swampy channels. Whether you are watching a pride of lions lazing beneath an acacia at dawn, witnessing a Nile crocodile ambush at the Mara River, or drifting silently above the plains in a hot air balloon, every moment in the Serengeti feels like a scene from a nature documentary — because most of them were filmed here. A C.A.T.S Safari to the Serengeti promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Why Visit Serengeti National Park?

There is nowhere else on Earth where wildlife exists in such extraordinary abundance and drama. The Serengeti delivers on every possible safari dream: jaw-dropping predator action with multiple lion prides easily spotted, the thundering spectacle of the Great Migration river crossings between July and October, and landscapes so photogenic they have graced every major wildlife publication on the planet. Unlike many African parks, the Serengeti offers year-round game viewing — the migration simply shifts location with the seasons, so there is always something extraordinary happening. The park's massive size means you can find secluded corners away from other vehicles, especially in the northern and western sectors. For families, the Serengeti's open plains make wildlife spotting easy for young eyes, and the sheer density of animals means children are constantly engaged. Add in once-in-a-lifetime experiences like hot air balloon safaris over migrating herds, bush dinners under the Milky Way, and cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities, and you have Africa's ultimate safari destination.

Witness the Great Migration — over 2 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles on the move
See the highest concentration of lions in Africa with multiple prides in Seronera Valley
Experience dramatic Mara River crossings with massive crocodiles (July–October)
Float above the plains on a sunrise hot air balloon safari
Spot cheetahs hunting on the open short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti
Explore the remote northern Serengeti for exclusive, crowd-free game viewing
Photograph the iconic lone acacia silhouetted against a fiery Serengeti sunset
Discover nocturnal predators on guided night game drives in select concessions
Visit a Maasai boma to learn about pastoralist traditions and beadwork

🦁 Wildlife Guide

Animals of Serengeti National Park

Lion

Very High

The Serengeti is home to approximately 3,000 lions — the largest population in Africa. Prides are easily spotted in the Seronera Valley and on kopjes (rocky outcrops).

Wildebeest (Great Migration)

Very High

Over 1.5 million wildebeest undertake the annual Great Migration, calving in the southern plains (Jan–Mar) and crossing the Mara River in the north (Jul–Oct).

Leopard

High

The Seronera River valley is one of the best places in Africa to spot leopards draped in sausage trees and along riverbanks.

Cheetah

High

The Serengeti supports one of Africa's healthiest cheetah populations. The open southern plains offer ideal terrain for witnessing their explosive hunts.

African Elephant

High

Herds of elephant roam the woodland areas, particularly in the Western Corridor and northern Serengeti.

African Buffalo

Very High

Large herds of buffalo are common throughout the park, often attracting lion prides.

Black Rhino

Rare

Critically endangered, a small population of around 70 black rhinos survives in the Moru Kopjes area. Sightings are rare but magical.

Nile Crocodile

Very High

Giant crocodiles patrol the Mara and Grumeti rivers, making migration crossings one of nature's most dramatic spectacles.

Spotted Hyena

Very High

Highly social and abundant, hyena clans are active both day and night across the Serengeti.

Secretary Bird

Moderate

This striking raptor stalks the open grasslands hunting snakes and is regularly seen on game drives.

🎯 Activities & Experiences

Things To Do at Serengeti National Park

Nature

Witness a River Crossing

Position yourself at the Mara River between July and October for one of nature's most dramatic events as thousands of wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters.

Adventure

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Soar above the Serengeti at sunrise for a bird's-eye view of migrating herds, predators on the hunt, and the endless savannah stretching to the horizon.

Culture

Visit a Maasai Village

Experience the vibrant culture of the Maasai people with traditional jumping dances, beadwork demonstrations, and stories of coexisting with wildlife. Available as an optional add-on ($25 per person).

Leisure

Sundowner at a Kopje

Enjoy cocktails atop a granite kopje as the sun sinks below the Serengeti horizon, painting the sky in oranges and purples while hyenas begin their evening calls.

Nature

Retima Hippo Pool Visit

Stop at the famous Retima hippo pool in the Seronera area to watch dozens of hippos wallowing, yawning, and jostling for position.

Culture

Olduvai Gorge Museum

Visit the "Cradle of Mankind" where the Leakeys discovered early hominid fossils, located between Ngorongoro and Serengeti. A fascinating archaeological and cultural stop.

Adventure

Bush Walk with Rangers

Step outside the vehicle for a guided walking safari, learning to read animal tracks, identify medicinal plants, and experience the bush at ground level.

📅 When To Visit

Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park

Great Migration River Crossings

Excellent

July – October

The most dramatic wildlife spectacle on Earth. Massive herds cross the Mara and Grumeti rivers while crocodiles lie in wait. Peak season with highest demand.

Calving Season

Excellent

January – March

Over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born on the southern short-grass plains. Predator action is intense as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas hunt vulnerable newborns. Fewer crowds and lush green landscapes.

Dry Season (Non-Migration)

Good

June & November

Excellent general game viewing with thinner vegetation. Wildlife concentrates around water sources, making sightings easy and predictable.

Green Season

Fair

April – May

Long rains bring lush greenery and dramatic skies. Lower rates and far fewer tourists. Game viewing is still good, especially in the Seronera Valley, though some roads can be challenging.

✈️ Getting There

How to Reach Serengeti National Park

Scheduled Flight

Daily flights from Arusha (ARK) and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Serengeti airstrips (Seronera, Kogatende, Grumeti) with Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, or Regional Air. Flight time approximately 1.5 hours.

Charter Flight

Private charters available from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, or Zanzibar direct to your lodge airstrip for maximum convenience.

Road Transfer

Approximately 335 km from Arusha via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (8–9 hours). The drive is scenic, passing through the Ngorongoro Crater rim and descending into the Serengeti plains.

C.A.T.S Safari Transfer

All C.A.T.S multi-day safaris include comfortable 4x4 Land Cruiser transfers from Arusha with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide.

💰 Park Fees

Entry Fees for Serengeti National Park

CategoryFee (per person/day)

* All park fees are included in C.A.T.S safari packages. Fees shown for reference only and may change without notice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Serengeti National Park FAQs

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