The Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest national park and its most famous safari destination. Located in northern Tanzania, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rightly deemed a place of "outstanding value to humanity." Historically significant and gifted with diverse terrain and abundant animal life, visiting the Serengeti is like participating in your own wildlife documentary, just more vivid, visceral, and awe-inspiring than anything you've seen on film.

And one of Serengeti's claims to fame, the Great Wildebeest Migration, is a spectacular drama writ large. Over two million animals roam clockwise through the park each year, following the rain for fresh water and grass. Every day is a struggle to survive for the wildlife of the Serengeti, as predator and prey alike engage in a continual search for food.

So if it's your first time on safari in the Serengeti, how can you ensure you see all the highlights of a long and exciting list of destinations? Well, we are here to help take the guesswork out of the selection process so you can perfectly tailor your Serengeti experience.

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How Does the Serengeti Change Throughout the Year?

The Serengeti is one of the oldest ecosystems on the planet and has managed to remain relatively unchanged for over a million years. The region's rich biodiversity in wildlife and terrain has enabled the area to adapt and recover from sharp changes in climatic conditions over thousands of years and human encroachment over the last decades.

To give you an idea of how the Serengeti landscape changes throughout the year, we'll walk you through seasonal variations in the flora and fauna of the Serengeti and what it means for you as a traveler.

January-February

The vegetation will be green in January and February, with hot, humid days of intermittent rain, cooling to cold early mornings and late evenings. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeests will be calving in the southern Serengeti, with almost 8,000 calves being born each day. The chances of spotting wildlife are excellent, including the Big Five. The big cats are especially active and prey on vulnerable newborn calves.

End of March-May

The end of March through May marks the wet season when there is usually more reliable, heavy rain. Wildlife sightings become slightly more difficult as the animals are more scattered across the parks, since they no longer need to find specific watering holes. It's now the low season, lush and green, and a wonderful time for birdwatching. It's nesting season for hundreds of species of rare birds, and migratory birds are still in the area. And for those who want to save money on accommodations and can appreciate quiet and space with fewer people around, this is the best time to book your Serengeti safari.

June-October

June to October is the peak season for tourists, and the Serengeti will see thousands of safari enthusiasts from around the world. It is also termed the "dry season" since the rains have stopped, and wildlife must remain on the move in search of dwindling water sources. You'll have an easier time spotting animals as many stay close to the remaining water sources. And it's during the dry season that hundreds of thousands of wildebeest converge for the dramatic life-or-death river crossings, first at the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor and then later in August, crossing the Mara River in the northern Serengeti.

November-December

Also known as the shoulder season, this is the time of year when the wildebeest follow the rainfall south along the eastern border of the Serengeti. While less popular than the peak season, it can be a good time to visit, with fewer crowds. It can be hot and humid, with intermittent spells of rain and overcast skies, but it will vary between regions. Visitors can still enjoy activities like nature walks, bird watching, and trekking.

When to Visit Specific Regions in Serengeti?

Serengeti's land area is immense, covering almost 9200 square miles of a thriving ecosystem. The land sees dramatic seasonal changes, making it practically impossible to enjoy the complete Serengeti experience in a single visit. Given the vagaries of the weather, it is good to know when to be at the right place at the right time.

Grumeti and the western corridor Serengeti

Central Serengeti - All Year Round

For those unable to plan for a specific time of year, you'll do well to plan on visiting the Seronera River Valley in the central region of the Serengeti. The Seronera River keeps the valley teeming with vegetation and wildlife throughout the year. And in the shoulder season, during November and December, you'll spot the wildebeest herds migrating south for calving season.

Grumeti and the Western Corridor - May until July

Want to see thousands of wildebeests and zebras hastily crossing crocodile-infested waters in a panicked stampede? Yes? Then you must be sure to visit the Grumeti River in the western corridor of the national park from late May through early July. The wildebeest herds are moving north and must cross these unfriendly waters to reach fresh grasslands and water on the other side.

The Northern Plains - July to October

Many visitors are drawn to the wildebeest river crossings, but the crowds during the peak season may hold them back. But if you are determined to witness such a spectacle, don't worry. You can time your visit to catch the drama of the Mara River crossings without the hustle and bustle of the high season. This northern Serengeti event is at its peak from late August into September, as the wildebeest cross the predator-infested waters of the Mara into the fertile grasslands just beyond to feed in relative peace until their return trip south. October usually sees slightly less visitors so it is a good time to witness the migration without the crowds.

Southern Serengeti - Late December to early March

The Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains during the calving season from late December until early March are absolutely spectacular. With almost two million wildebeest gathering across the region, the non-calving wildebeest encircle the pregnant cows, fighting to protect them and the 8000 calves born each day. They have their work cut out for them as equally desperate predators are looking for every opportunity to prey on the wildebeest younglings in order to feed their own cubs. Visit the southern plains (Ndutu and Ngorongoro to the east) from late December until early March to view vistas dense with animals as far as the eye can see.

Top Destinations in the Serengeti

In addition to the popular destinations along the wildebeest migration route mentioned above, we're listing a few more favorites below:

Seronera River Valley

This vast valley and its abundant wildlife are worth another mention. At any time of the day, you can see elephants, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, and giraffes, and that's just to name a few. But most notably, the Seronera River Valley is one of the best places to visit if you want the chance to see the elusive leopard.

Lobo Valley

Located in the northern Serengeti, Lobo Valley is at the top of the must-see list. Lobo Valley, along with Seronera Valley, is one of the few places in the Serengeti where all three big cats - lions, leopards, and cheetahs - roam. Elephants, baboons, and giraffes are also regularly seen here. And from July through October, you can see hundreds of thousands of wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras moving through the area.

Naabi Hill

Located at the border between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park, Naabi Hill forms the main entrance to the Serengeti. The trails here offer some of the Serengeti's most breathtaking scenery, making it a great place to stretch your legs after a long drive.

Bologonja Springs

Bologonja Springs, near the border of Kenya's Masai Mara National Park, is another major attraction in the northeastern part of Serengeti. The natural freshwater springs, lush green vegetation, and high, dense treetops attract hundreds of different animals. Get up close to many of the larger mammals, such as giraffes and elephants, and spot, from a little further out, rare species of antelope, such as mountain reedbucks, ibex, and many exotic birds.

Olduvai Gorge

Travel back in time to the origins of humankind. The 300-mile-long Olduvai Gorge lies between the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater in the ancient Great Rift Valley. It is the site of some of the earliest evidence of human evolution, including fossils and stone tools dating back almost two million years. When visiting the Olduvai Gorge, be sure to tour the Olduvai Museum, founded by Mary and Louis Leakey. The Leakeys were responsible for most of the excavation at the gorge throughout the 1950s.

Moru Kopjes

As one of the most interesting rock formations in the world, the Moru Kopjes, located in the center of the Serengeti plains, provide shade and moisture to wildlife. No surprise then that this is a favorite spot for viewing wildlife, and visitors can often see leopards, cheetahs, and lions on the prowl. And if you want to learn more about the anthropological aspects of the region, you can view ancient African Maasai rock paintings in the area. You won't want to miss the "gong rock," which the locals believe is an ancient musical instrument.

Let us Help Make Your Stay in the Serengeti Unforgettable.

Due to the sheer size of the park and its many outstanding features, you'll want to spend at least three to four days to gain a sense of the Serengeti. But, of course, it will take more time than that to immerse yourself in its magic and imprint the iconic African scenery and wildlife in image and memory.

We recommend booking a 10-day safari package to embrace your Serengeti experience. And while practical considerations will be in play depending on the season and your personal preferences and limitations, a visit to any of these popular sights in the Serengeti National Park promises a truly unforgettable adventure.

How to Make the Most of Your Time in the Serengeti? - 6 Must See Destinations

How Does the Serengeti Change Throughout the Year?