Serengeti renowned for its greatest and most incredible wildlife spectacle on earth is full of wildlife aplenty and vast savannah landscapes with endless rich grassy plains. Having the highest concentration of large mammals on the planet, Serengeti hosts over 2 million ungulates, 4000 lions, 1000 leopards, 550 cheetahs, and over 500 bird species. The experience guaranteed in this park is extraordinarily exceptional with its value and beauty being unmatched anywhere on earth. Serengeti is one of the leading and best tourist destinations in Africa, covering an area of approximately 5,700 sq. Miles (14,763 sq. km), it is the third largest pack in Tanzania after Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks respectively. It is the first National park to be established in Tanzania in 1952 and being an international tourist attraction, the park was designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1981.

The Serengeti ecosystem covers Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Protected Game Reserves (which include Grumeti Game Reserve, Maswa Game Reserve, Loliondo Controlled Area, Ikorongo Controlled Area, and Maasai Mara) which are maintained by the Tanzanian government. According to NASA, the ecosystem spans approximately over 12,000 sq. miles (30,000 sq. kilometers).

1.      THE CENTRAL ZONE/CIRCUIT

This is the most popular area in the park abundant with wildlife and natural resources. With the best chances of seeing predators, it is termed a big cat capital. Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs are very common in this part of the park which covers approximately 200 square miles/518 Sq.km.  

The area is excellent for wildlife spotting since there is a yearly round supply of water from the Seronera River. Animals are on the move throughout the months making the circuit the most phenomenal zone to spot wildlife. Lions, Leopards, and cheetahs are often spotted in river surroundings, swamplands, grasslands, and rocky granite outcrops known as kopjes. Kopjes present include Simba Kopjes (famous rock to spot lions), Maasai Kopjes where the hot air ballooning launch site takes you to the air, and the Moru Kopjes which is home to some of the last remaining black rhinos in Serengeti, and multi-day walking safaris.

2.     THE WESTERN CIRCUIT/ZONE

The area is bushy with dense forests, hills, valleys and the infamous Grumeti River which provides splendid dramatic actions for wildebeest migrating herds. This part of Serengeti Park is characterized by hills on the north and southern parts of the corridor with a huge giant valley. This part of the park spans approximately about 1,300 square miles. The main areas include the Grumeti River, Ruwana Plains, Lower Grumeti Woodlands, Mbalageti River Valley, and Musabi Plains.

The Grumeti River is a major crossing point for the Great Migration alongside the Mara River. It flows westward and floods towards Lake Victoria, a vital source of herbivores within the ecosystem. Crawling in these fast-flowing shallow waters are the huge Nile crocodiles. May to mid-July witness an amazing spectacular crossing of the wildebeest and zebra outsmarting the crocodiles past the river before encountering predators waiting on the other side in search of pastures

The lower Grumeti woodlands are rich with a lush forest that shades the Grumeti River and is home to the magnificent black-and-white colobus monkey.

The Ruwana Plains is the best place to view predators with the hyena being the most dominant predator. Lions and Cheetahs also dwell here and can be found at the Ruwana waterhole, especially during the dry seasons. From the sundowner hills the scenic views are splendidly spectacular.

Mbalageti River Valley offers spectacular game viewing since it lies directly on the migratory route. Birds especially raptors can be spotted here. Martial Eagles often nest here.

Covered in Acacia woodlands, the Musabi Plains support a number of herbivores and is a breeding site for Topi. Huge populations of Elephants and Giraffes are abundant here. The area also has stunning paths for game drives.

3.     THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT/ZONE

Northern Serengeti is an essential corridor for the great migration packed with hills, woodlands and the Mara River which runs approximately 395kms/245miles. North of the Serengeti the river runs approximately 30 miles/48kms. The circuit extends to about 2,200 sq. Miles (5698 Sq.km)

From Seronera to Northern Serengeti is approximately (154km/97miles). It takes about 3 to 4 hours’ drive. Mid July migrating herds cross the Mara River through deadly passages to early November. Most of the Animals will dwell here till at this time.

The main areas are Kogatende, Upper Grumeti Woodlands, the Lobo Valley, Mara River, Lamai Triangle, Wogakuria and the Bologonja Springs.

The Kogatende area is best used and perfect for flying safaris and long game drives. The area is best-suitable for walking safaris inside the park. It is the less visited part of the Serengeti.

The Upper Grumeti Woodlands habitats include tamarind trees, fig, mahogany and date palms. Predators present include lions, leopards and cheetahs, while hyenas are not as widespread as in other areas of the Serengeti.

Lying further up north with a superb location is Lamai. Lamai is a triangular-shaped watershed area just north of the Mara River. During the dry season fresh waters are critical for herbivores residing here from July to November. The area is one of the most naturally beautiful landscapes and holds more of the migration than Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Elands are abundant here.

The Lobo area is much denser in vegetation but wildlife viewing is more difficult unlike the southern plains of the Seronera. The area at times also hosts large numbers of wildebeest in July, but only in wetter years when the northward migration uses the east route.

Lobo supports most of the park's elephant population than the rest of the Park areas. Lion prides are present at the Lobo Hills. Other carnivores can often be spotted on open short grasslands.

Wogakuria is a relatively open grasslands that allow the highest concentration of cheetahs in the North Serengeti. The centerpiece of this region is the beautiful Wogakuria Kopjes, home to old buffalo bulls and the surefooted klipspringer antelope

Bologonja Spring is a perfect spot hidden in the remote reaches of the North Serengeti. Flourishing resources support some unusual antelope species like the mountain reedbuck and steenbok. Colorful birds found here include kingfishers, hoopoes and rollers. Nearby is Larelemangi salt lick which is a haven for wildlife and large herds of buffaloes and elephants that are regular visitors. At about 15 km to the North is Bologonja Park gate and the border with Kenya and the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

4.      THE SOUTHERN CIRCUIT/ZONE

The south consists of the world’s famous Serengeti plains. During the grass season (Nov to Apr) these nutrient-rich plains are home to the enormous migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra. The area stretches south to the Ngorongoro conservation area and Maswa Game Reserve spanning over 1,900 square miles. This part of Serengeti hosts the Wildebeest Migration’s calving season from January to March. During this time, about 8,000 baby wildebeests are born each day and it is normal to expect predators looking to pick off an easy meal. Hence, action-packed safaris can be expected.

The south is much preferred by photographers and filmmakers since it is the best wildlife viewing zone in Serengeti. This zone is characterized by short grass plains, kopjes, lakes, hills and valleys.

Lake Ndutu situated at the center of the southern plains and surrounded by acacia trees serves as a water source for both animals as well as hotels, camps and other facilities in the area. It shares the same basin with the nearby lake Masek which is located inside Ngorongoro conservation area.

Kusini plains is another major highlight where the plains meet the woodlands. Different animal species coexist here due to variety of habitats. At the Kusini crater with grassy plains concentrates a large number of herbivores including elephants, buffaloes, elands, giraffes and carnivores like lion prides, cheetahs and migratory birds especially storks.

Further South is the Matiti plains that surround the twin hills. From January to early April this is the main plain that the wildebeest use for calving since they do not seek cover while giving birth unlike other antelopes. With short grassy plains surrounding the wooded Acacia hills it is also a perfect place to spot cheetahs.

5.     EASTERN CIRCUIT/ZONE

During the wet season the eastern circuit is transformed to green grasslands. From December to May the plains explode with stunningly beautiful landscapes. Covering an area of about 3,200 square miles the circuit is characterized by short grass plains, valleys, mountains and kopjes.

Naabi Hill termed an island in the sea of grass offers the best views of the plains. This is where the Serengeti park gate is located from and to Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority. This hill shelters lions, cheetahs, antelopes, elephants and giraffes.

The Gol Kopjes hosts the highest concentration of cheetahs in Africa. The scenery is amazing and home to a micro-ecosystem of plants and animals which are not found in the surrounding area. At the Gol Kopjes it is possible to be off track, but it is important to be careful to keep a certain distance from the cheetahs, especially if they are spending time with their cubs.

One of the other extraordinary scenes is the Barafu Gorge and Kopjes. Found at the easternmost part of the Serengeti, Barafu provides important habitat for cheetahs and is populated by wildebeest and Zebra in the wet season. The Kopjes have seven pink granite outcrops acting as a border to the Park. The gorge acts as a water catchment area and predators breeding grounds, especially for Lions and cheetahs. Animals residing in the area are lions, gazelles, cheetahs, gemsboks, honey badgers, golden jackals, and African hares.

Lemuta Hill and the waterhole is another remote area in this zone. With no landmarks and trails, the area is covered with endless grass plains and a single emerging hill (Lemuta) ascending above the horizon. The area is great for walking safaris, cultural tours and off-road driving. The nearby waterhole attracts animals especially gazelles and is a hunting spot for predators.

On the edge lies Sametu Marsh and Kopjes. This is home to the largest lion pride in the Serengeti. The Marsh ahead the Kopje is the only source of water in the area thus attracting a number of preys which in turn provides a vantage point for the hunting lions.

Lake Natron is one of the most serene lakes in Africa situated at the base of an active volcanic Mountain in East Africa (Oldonyo Lengai). The alkaline water is so caustic it can burn the skin and eyes of animals that aren't adapted to it. Lake Natron's alkaline waters support a thriving ecosystem of salt marshes, freshwater wetlands, flamingos and other wetland birds, tilapia and the algae on which large flocks of flamingos feed.

During breeding season, more than 2 million lesser flamingos use the shallow lake as their primary breeding ground in Africa. With an area of 56km/35miles and the width of 24km/25miles the lake is shallow but the water levels drop due to intense evaporation. It takes about 6-7 hours from East Serengeti to Lake Natron and from North Serengeti it takes about 5 hours.

Serengeti is geographically located in Tanzania, the Largest country in East Africa. It is located in the Northern part of Tanzania some 325km/202 miles from Arusha, the nearest city and gateway to most National Parks in Tanzania. 

Serengeti National Park is easily accessible and for travellers wishing to get there, there are common ways to reach it. Most travellers access the Park from the Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. Travellers may also opt to fly from Arusha to one of the park’s airstrip or overland by a safari vehicle.

Closest International Airport

The recommended point of entry is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) which lies between the towns of Moshi and Arusha and most tours and tour operations begin from Arusha which is the closest city. Other International Airport is Mwanza (MWZ) which is favoured while travelling from the Lake zone (Victoria) but much less preferred by travellers due to the fact most parks and attractions are easily accessible from Arusha. The airport is located about 200 miles/320 kilometres from the park's southern entrance and 46km/29 miles from Arusha.

There are a couple of international flight options such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (daily), Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines. It is also possible to fly from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Kilimanjaro International Airport also has daily connections with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) Airport in Nairobi, which offers more international flight possibilities. Additional airlines such as British Airways, Emirates and others fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Tanzania’s capital Dar es Salaam (DAR).

NB: Arriving at Dar es Salaam may require an extra overnight and a domestic flight on a small regional airline with luggage restrictions.

Closest Domestic Airport

The Closest local Airport from KIA (JRO) is the Arusha Airport (ARK) which takes an hour or so from Kilimanjaro (JRO) by vehicle since there are no international flights that land here. From Arusha you can fly in to one of the seven airstrips of the Serengeti or a road trip by 4x4 vehicle which takes approximately 5-6 hours.

All flights are operated by local airlines such as Grumeti Air or Coastal Aviation. Once landed at the airstrip, the lodge staff will pick you up and transfer you to your final destination where a cold drink will be ready and waiting (please allow another 45 minutes to 2 hours for road transfer depending on the chosen lodge and Airstrip)

Serengeti fly-in safaris (Private Airstrips)

A scheduled or private charter flight is the way to go. Some of the more exclusive lodges have their own airstrip and are able to arrange direct scheduled and/or private charter flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) to their airstrip.

Timing depends on what activities you are looking at and the section of the park you would be visiting but Serengeti is phenomenal all year round. The best time in the Serengeti is the dry season, from July to October; it's better to be equipped for cool or cold temperatures at night, especially at higher altitudes. In September, the temperatures begin to increase, and it can get a bit hot at lower elevations. During the month of October, the short rains season begins.

In June, the herds of wildebeest are located in the northwestern part of the park, in the area of the Grumeti and Mara rivers (Mara Region), where you can watch them when crossing rivers, while in July, they move to the Masai Mara.

At the end of October or in November, the wildebeest return to the Serengeti, when, however, the short rains season has begun. To watch them in the other seasons, you can therefore choose January and February, in the "short dry season", when they are in the southern part of the park or in nearby Ngorongoro, and are in breeding season.

For ornithologists and bird lovers the best time for birdwatching is between November to April. Apart from the Migration, explore enormous lion prides, excellent leopard sightings, wildebeest river crossings, vast grazing herds and incredible vast cheetah-populated plains.

Dry Season (May to October)

The best time to see wildlife is during the dry season. July to October is the peak season with the highest number of visitors, so we recommend early bookings.

The best time to get a chance of seeing the river crossings is June and July (Grumeti River), and August to October (Mara River).

June and July are the best times to view wildlife in the Western Corridor. August and September are the best times to see wildlife in the Northern Serengeti region. The grasses are shorter and the animals are easier to spot. The dry season also increases the chance of seeing more animals congregating around waterholes and rivers to drink.

There are fewer mosquitoes in the dry season, so the risk of malaria is fairly low. It’s a good time to bring children.

Although it’s dry, at this time of year temperatures can be extreme. Early mornings and nights can get very cold, whereas it can be extremely hot at midday and throughout the afternoon. Ensure you bring warm clothing for early morning safaris, and hats and sunscreen for later on.

Wet Season (November to May)

The rains from November to March tend to be sporadic and are usually just a short storm in the late afternoon, so unlikely to affect your enjoyment. In fact, a lightning storm over the Serengeti only enhances your overall experience.

In January and February, you can enjoy the Southern Plains bursting with colour as the lush green grasses and wildflowers transform the landscape into a calm and tranquil grazing land.

February is the best month to come if you want to witness the births taking place on the Southern Plains. The vulnerable newborns also attract predators, so you’ll get the opportunity to see lions in action.

The wet season offers the chance to view huge varieties of native and migratory birds. It’s an ideal time for birdwatching, especially around the water holes.

March and April are the wettest months. Viewing wildlife is hampered by the heavy rains that also make some of the tracks and roads impassable. There’s also a higher risk of malaria in this period, as there are more mosquitoes at this time of year. It’s the least popular time of year to visit the Serengeti.

AVERAGE WEATHER, TEMPERATURE, RAINFALL, SUNSHINE HOURS

There are two seasons in the Serengeti: wet and dry. The wet season is divided into short rains and long rains, which varies on the level or length of precipitations during those months. November and December are short rains season, while end of March until May is long rains season, the wettest time of the year. June to October are the driest months.

The park is located at an altitude between 1,100 and 2,000 meters (3,600 and 6,600 feet); the altitude tempers the heat, so, even though we are just south of the Equator, it can get cool at night, or even cold in the highest areas and in the cool season. However, the sun is very strong, and requires appropriate protection, especially when it passes through the zenith at mid-day (i.e., around Mid-March and late September).

Serengeti - Average temperatures

Rainfall amounts to around 900/1,000 millimeters (35/40 inches) per year in much of the park; in the north, it reaches 1,400 mm (55 in), while in the southeast, the most arid area, it drops below 800 mm (31.5 in). The rainy season, which, as mentioned, goes from November to April, is actually divided into two, with an interim period in January and February, which, however, is not very dry: from October to December, it's the "short rains season", and from March to May (but from February to April in the southern part) it's the "long rains season". Consequently, in January and February, the rains diminish, though not in a very pronounced way, in fact, they are still between 80 and 100 mm (3.1 and 4 in) per month.

Serengeti - Average precipitation

The amount of sunshine in the Serengeti is good most of the year, since the rains usually occur in the form of downpours or thunderstorms in the afternoon. However, in the period of the long rains, rainfall and cloud cover can last longer, even though the sun shines for a few hours a day. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.

Serengeti - Sunshine

Game Drives

Night Game Drives

Although there are no Night game drives permitted inside the Parks, certain lodges and camps have permission to do night drives on land permitted by the Serengeti. There are no fences around the park so there is still great wildlife viewing along the borders of the Serengeti.

Night game drives come with an extra fee so if you are interested let your operator know so it can be arranged since not all camps, lodges and tour operators are granted permission to perform such activity unless licensed.

A night game drive allows you the unique opportunity to spot a number of nocturnal animals, such as civets, bush babies, nightjars, and aardvarks, and possibly even predators on the hunt. Seeing new animals is definitely a highlight of these evening game drives, but these drives also give you the unique chance to see your surroundings from a very different perspective

Day Game Drives

With its massive large size, long and rough roads, Serengeti can’t all be explored in a few days. You should decide what you want to see before going on a game drive. Morning game drives are the most rewarding game drives since most animals are active during the morning especially during the dry season. Birds are plenty in the morning and other animals can be spotted enjoying the morning sun. Afternoon game drives are usually not as rewarding as the morning drives since most animals seek shelter during this time. The park offers concentrations of predators, herbivores, birds and large Nile crocodiles.

Birding/Bird Watching

For bird lovers the park offers more than 500 species of birds, including few endemic species that are permanent residents. Be on a lookout for the African Ostrich, vultures, Herons, gigantic marshal eagle, grey-breasted spurfowl, Fischer’s lovebird, rufous-tailed weaver, kori bustard, secretary bird, usambiro barbet, yellow-throated sandgrouse, grey-crested helmet shrike, Hildebrant’s starling and so forth. The best time to view birds is from November to April since it is the breeding season for most birds. Bologonja is one of the best places to see birds that will make any keen twitcher aroused.

Horse Riding

Serengeti offers an adventurous horseback safari, an incredible opportunity to indulge your sense of adventure off the beaten track. Here you can witness the natural phenomenon of riding with millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle as they embark on their annual migration. In the beginning of the year, ride out to witness the magic and drama unfold during the calving season with thousands of wobbly calves and incredible big cat sightings.

River Crossing

River crossing is at its height in August and lasts until September. See the death-defying leaps and heart wrenching near misses as herds outsmart the lurking Nile crocodiles and predators in their last attempt to reach the Maasai Mara. These life and death displays are one of the most exciting wildlife events on earth.

Nature walks (Trekking safaris)

Walking safaris are available in certain areas of the park and can be short day walks involving going back to the same camp or can be mobile with movable camps involving sleeping in a different location every night.

The essence of walking is to explore the wilder areas on foot and away from the crowds hence a chance to witness animals up close, access to remote areas, learning of tracks and signs and experiencing sights, sounds and scents.

Walking is available all year round but best done during the dry season when the migration is crossing the rivers and can be observed on foot. Central area of the Serengeti is another part that offers walking safaris at times when the herds move southwards.

Nature walks are tightly regulated and always conducted by experienced and knowledgeable armed guides. They have full back up of support vehicles and crew who go ahead and set up camp in private areas.

NB: Only few tour operators are granted license for nature walks inside the park so please check with your tour operator before planning this activity.

Bush Camping and Bush Meals

Numerous bush camping sites exist in the Serengeti and are situated at some of the most beautiful scenic areas, which are accessible by vehicles. There are always enough sites for campers spread throughout the Serengeti and often fill up during peak times.

Camping is simple with an extra touch of comfort taking you close to wildlife and nature with an authentic experience of the Serengeti wilderness. Enjoy and experience an intimate thrill of sleeping with a tent between you and the herbivorous strolling through camps, lions stirring and roaring at night, hyenas snaffling your shoes and night campfires.

Bush camps range from range from basic with long drop loos, patchy hot waters, cooking on open fires to comfortable with a pool, WIFI, hot showers, a bar and restaurant.

Balloon Safaris

Early mornings are the best time for taking off in a hot air balloon. Also, the winds have to be stable otherwise you will end up feeling giddy in a balloon swaying to and fro like a pendulum. Hot air ballooning is the best way to view the amazing landscape, plains and wildlife of the Serengeti.

Balloons in Serengeti accommodates a total of 16 people and fly from different parts of the park including Central Seronera which fly throughout the whole year, North Kogatende from July to October, South Ndutu from late December to March and West Kirawira from June to October.

During your flight you will often be able to see the famous migration, access the remote areas, witness the spectacular sunrise, amazing photographic moments, uninterrupted game viewing and a glance at the vast size of the park.

Upon landing, you are rewarded with a glass of refreshing champagne breakfast and a certificate, a long-standing ballooning tradition. The breakfast site is set up at a different location everyday depending on your landing point.

Tour companies will pick you up at your hotel, so there’s no need to worry about getting to the take-off site while you’re half asleep.

Calving

The migration is not all about dramatic river crossings. January, February and March every year marks the well-timed birthing season of the wildebeest calves. During these times 80% of wildebeests give birth to thousands of calves up to 8000 in a day! The grass is fresher and greener giving energy to the newly borns calves who immediately begin their first tottering steps minutes after births.

During the calving season, the Southern part of Serengeti and Western Ngorongoro holds the highest concentration of predators on the planet as well. Witness the reality of nature following in quick succession as the cubs of lions, cheetahs and leopard learn the art of the hunt. Jackals, Hyenas and powerful raptors all join in on their share of the kill.

The calving is at on its peak on February and carrying on into march and is joined by Zebras and Gazelles who take advantage at this time and give birth to their young ones.

Kopjes

The Serengeti plain is highlighted by granite outcroppings known as kopjes. These are the result of volcanic activity. They were formed when the volcanoes of the Ngorongoro highlands erupted over a million years ago. This resulted to discharging of soft ash over the Serengeti plains that fashioned rich and fertile soil to produce short, sweet grass when it rains. Soft rocks were eroded away to expose the old metamorphic rocks. These beautiful metamorphic rocks consist of very hard granite capable of resisting erosion from rain and harsh tropical winds.

The Kopjes here are a refuge for life in the Serengeti providing a scenic contrast to the surrounding grasslands. Hollows in the rock surfaces provide caves for dwelling and catchments for rainwater. Many animals have adapted the use of Kopjes, which include the lion, hyrax, birds, lizards, snakes, lizards, shrews and birds.

kopjes likely to be seen by visitors to the Serengeti is the Simba Kopje which is the largest of all kopjes and was used as the inspiration for the Disney Lion King movie. Other Kopjes include the Moru kopjes which lies Southwest of the Central Serengeti and where River Mbalageti Valley begins. There is plenty of shade, grass and water for the animals and birds here. Other famous kopjes are the Maasai kopjes and the Gol kopjes.

Photographic and Filming Safaris

These Safaris are generally meant and suited for photographers and filmakers. Unlike other safaris, a photographic safari gives you access to the best viewing locations, well trained, informed, flexible, experienced and professional guide, a private open/close 4X4 vehicle with a maximum of 4 people, charging gadgets and enough room , top accommodations and facilities, capturing exceptional images of landscapes, people and elusive wildlife in their natural habitat.

Best time for photographic and filming safaris is during the wildebeest migration, river crossing and the calving season (see the migration and calving details)

NB: Please make your reservation as soon as possible because these safaris have limited availability.

Honeymoon Safaris

For couples looking for that extra special trip, a Serengeti honeymoon has much to offer. Whether you’re attracted by the landscapes, breath taking nature or vibrant culture, Serengeti has it all. Add to these beautiful properties offering exceptional service and you have the recipe for a perfect honeymoon. It’s your honeymoon, so you can include as little or as much as you’d like. We’ll help you explore this vast, beautiful plains with our friendly and knowledgeable local guides.

Honeymoon Safaris are available all year round and due to the size and scope of Serengeti, the wealth of information can seem overwhelming. We recommend consulting your tour operator to simplify and give you an overview of the types of things to consider before planning your honeymoon.

The park is famous for the Great Migration, which involves about two million mammals, especially wildebeest and zebras. They move throughout the year between the Serengeti and the neighboring Masai Mara, in Kenya, while their predators, such as hyenas and big cats, are more stationary. The animals perform a circular migration, staying in the Serengeti from November to June, while from July to October, they move to the Mara, especially in August and September.

The reason why the animals migrate to the north in this period (which corresponds to the austral winter), is that the dry season in the Serengeti is more pronounced than in the Mara, which is located closer to the Equator and therefore remains wetter and equipped with lusher pastures. Their instincts to move is so strong that no drought, gorge or crocodile infested river can hold them back.

The Serengeti Migration was officially declared as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa February 11, 2013, in Arusha, Tanzania. Votes were cast by experts from around the world who noted the key statistical significance.

The exact location where the herds are to be found at any given time depends on the rainfall and weather, and therefore cannot be predicted with certainty, however, we can give some general indications.

January-February: The wildebeest are concentrated and scattered in the northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area and southern Serengeti area grazing in short grasses. Predators such as Hyenas, Lions, cheetahs are easy to spot.

February-March: These are the prime calving months. The animals give birth to calves, who immediately become able to move independently after few minutes and head west, towards the area of Lake Ndutu. During the rainy seasons in March, herds move north in search for green pastures and then towards West Seronera to the swamps.

April and May: The herds begin to into heat during this time and May is generally the beginning of the mating season or “the rut” for the animals, June often finds the herds beginning to concentrate on the western side of the crocodile infested Grumeti River (river crossings)

July and August: The herds continue to move in a northeast direction towards the Mara River and the Kenyan border (time of dramatic Mara River crossings)

September-December: The herds graze in the Maasai Mara in Kenya and then begin to slowly migrate in a southwestern direction back into Tanzania to begin the process again!

If you are interested in seeing the Migration let your tour operator know so they can best maximize your chances to see the herds.

1. The Serengeti is one of the oldest and most scientifically significant ecosystems on the planet. Its weather patterns, fauna and flora are believed to have changed very little over a million years, giving the area a prehistoric feel.

2. The greater Serengeti ecosystem includes Serengeti National Park proper; Ngorongoro Conservation Area; Maswa Game Reserve; Loliondo, Grumeti, and Ikorongo Game Controlled Areas; and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

3. The name, Serengeti, is derived from the Maasai word siringet, meaning “endless plains.” An accurate description considering the whole ecosystem stretches over 12,000 square miles (30,000 square kilometres)

4. The Serengeti is home to the world’s largest movement of animals, often called the “Great Migration.” More than 1.7 million wildebeest, 500,000 zebra, and 200,000 antelope make their way from the Ndutu region of the southern Serengeti northward through the whole length of the “endless plains” to Kenya’s Masai Mara (a total of 500 mi / 800 km). This cyclical migration begins in March (after the annual birthing of the calves at Ndutu in February) and ends with their return in January, following the annual cycle of rains and fresh grasses. During this time around 250,000 wildebeest alone die from thirst, hunger, exhaustion, and predation.

5. The Great Migration of the Serengeti was selected in 2013 as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. The others are the Red Sea reef system, Mount Kilimanjaro, Sahara Desert, Ngorongoro Crater, Nile River, and Okavango Delta. (Notice that three of the seven are in Tanzania.)

6. The Maasai tribe had been grazing their cattle in the Serengeti plains for around 200 years when the first European explorers arrived. German geographer Dr. Oscar Baumann entered the area in 1892. The first Brit to see the Serengeti, Stewart Edward White, recorded his explorations in 1913. The first partial game reserve of 800 acres (3.2 sq. km) was established in 1921 and a full one in 1929. These reserves became the basis for Serengeti National Park, which was gazette in 1951.

7. In the 1890s, droughts and a cattle disease wreaked havoc on the Serengeti wildlife population – in particular to wildebeest. It wasn’t until the mid-1970s that the wildebeest and buffalo populations had fully recovered.

8. Apart from rhinoceros, decimated by poachers, and hunting dogs, which are slowly declining, you will readily observe every species of African savanna mammal within the Serengeti. It is the best place in East Africa to see predators in action – because of the open grass plains where the grazing animals gather, predators are numerous and easily visible to the safari-goer.

9. Spread throughout the south-central Serengeti, kopjes (pronounced like “copy”) are geologic wonders comprised of exposed gneiss and granite shaped by the wind and temperature fluctuations. With sun-warmed rocks, vegetation for shade, and their elevation several meters above the plains, kopjes are a favorite resting spot for lions. It seems that one particular Serengeti kopje, known as Simba Kopje, was the inspiration for Pride Rock in Disney’s The Lion King.

10. In 2010, the government of Tanzania announced plans to build a 53 km commercial highway across the northern section of Serengeti National Park. If completed, the highway, which would speed the transport of people and goods across the country, would also have negative impacts on the ecosystem. The highway would encourage settlement, invasive species, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, disrupt migration routes, and fragment the ecosystem. While the “Serengeti Highway” is presently blocked by the courts, its eventual construction is not without possibility.

Serengeti National Park is an extreme secure place to visit. The park is well protected by park rangers and wildlife wardens with professional training. Below are reasons why Serengeti is one of the safest Tanzania Park to visit.

-Location

Serengeti national park is situated away from urban areas, the region is essentially in the wilderness and has a small population.

-National importance

Tourism being one of the country's primary sources of income, the Tanzania government has made it a top priority to ensure the safety of tourists visiting a national park.

-Management of the park

Serengeti National Park is professionally administrated by TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority) which have deployed highly trained, armed park and wild rangers to ensure safety of tourists.

The length of your stay is one of the factors that will determine your cost of visiting Serengeti national park. Combining the length with the type of accommodation, activities of your choice and park entry fee gives you a rough budget for your proposed safari in Serengeti national park.

Park fee = 83usd per person (for non-residents)

           =5usd per person (for residents)

Concession fee = 71usd per person 

Balloon = 550usd per person

Public campsite fee = 35usd per person 

Walking safari fee = Shorter walks (1- 4hrs) 20usd per person

                     =Longer walks (above 4hrs) 25usd per person 

Budget camping = 250usd per person per day

Midrange private = 400usd per person per day 

Luxury private = 600usd per person per day

Tipping = 10usd per person per day

A visa is a permission granted to a foreign visitor who intends to enter into Tanzania for the purpose of visit, tourism, leisure, holiday, business, health treatment, attending conference or any other related activities recognized by Laws of the country.

ORDINARY VISA (SINGLE ENTRY VISA)

This Visa is issued for a single entry to a visitor for a period not exceeding three months for the purpose of holidays, visiting, leisure, health treatment, studies or any other activity legally recognized by the Law.

Requirements:

• Applicant’s valid passport. It must have at least 6 months validity.
• Respective visa fee depending on the type of Visa.
• 1 passport size photo.
• Return ticket.

Visa Fees

Visa fee to all visitors coming for tourism purpose (Ordinary Visa) is 50 USD. However, American citizens are required to apply for a Multiple entry Visa in which they are charged a fee of 100 USD for twelve months for holiday/tourism purpose. If any applicant is given an invoice of Visa fee higher than 50 USD for Ordinary Visa, it directly means that, the applicant has applied through Visa agent or un-authorized Visa link.

VISA FEE

1.Ordinary Visa =50 USD

2.Multiple Visa =100 USD

3.Business Visa =250 USD

4.Transit Visa =30 USD

5.Gratis Visa =Gratis

6.Student Visa =50 USD (single 3 months)

               =250 USD (Multiple 2 years)

                =300 USD (Research 6 months)

                 =550 USD (PhD 2 years)

VISA INFORMATION 

1. Website (https://visa.immigration.go.tz/) ONLY and NOT through any other links.
2. Applicant must ensure that his/her passport has a validity of at least six months and at least one unused visa page while making application.
3. Applicant is expected to apply for a right category of visa. If the applicant is not sure about the type of visa he requires, he is advised to seek guidance through the e-mail info@visatanzania.go.tz
4. The Visa application will be processed within ten days; therefore, applicants are strongly advised to observe the time frame while making their applications.
5. Any application of Visa wrongly applied, or which lacks sufficient attachment, may be rejected.
6. The Tanzania Immigration Services Department may give or withhold reasons for rejection of Visa to the applicant.
7. Visa regulations and conditions may be subject to change at any time without prior notification to the applicants.
8. Applicants whose nationals fall under Referral Visa category are not advised to book flight tickets or make payments for any reservations in Tanzania before they get approval for their Visa. Applicants of Referral Visa are advised to apply at least two months before their date of travel.
9. Applicants are required to review the List of countries (from our website) which fall under Referral Visa from time to time as there might be some changes.
10. Stateless persons and Refugees who hold Vienna Convention documents are also required to obtain referral visa prior to coming to Tanzania.