Serengeti National Park

Serengeti

One of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles, the Serengeti spans 14,750 square kilometres of savanna and hosts the annual migration of over two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles. It offers unparalleled big game viewing with lions, leopards, elephants and an extraordinary diversity of bird species.

Things to do

• Witness the Great Migration — Experience the annual crossing of over two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles as they traverse the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing lands, typically occurring between June and October.
• Game Drive in Central Serengeti — Explore the park's vast plains in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs and elephants with experienced guides who know the best wildlife viewing routes.
• Visit Ngorongoro Crater Rim — Drive to the eastern boundary of the Serengeti to view the world's largest intact caldera, home to dense concentrations of wildlife within its crater floor.
• Bird Watching at Grumeti River — Spot over 500 bird species including secretary birds, crowned cranes and various raptors along the river systems and acacia woodlands.
• Hot Air Balloon Safari at Sunrise — Float above the golden savanna at dawn to witness wildlife from above and experience unobstructed views of the landscape and migrating herds.
• Maasai Village Cultural Visit — Meet local Maasai pastoralists in their traditional settlements to learn about their customs, livestock herding practices and semi-nomadic way of life.
• Sunset at Lamai Wedge — Watch the sun descend over the Serengeti plains from this scenic viewpoint in the southern section, often rewarded with predator sightings in the golden hour.

Food to try

• Grilled Nyama Choma — Succulent chargrilled beef or goat meat marinated in local spices and served with ugali and fresh vegetables, a staple at lodge restaurants throughout the park.
• Fresh Lake Tilapia — Pan-fried or grilled whole tilapia caught from the Serengeti's rivers and lakes, typically served with lemon, local greens and rice.
• Maize and Bean Stew (Mchuzi wa Maharagwe) — A hearty traditional dish combining dried beans and corn cooked with tomatoes and onions, commonly served at camp dinners and local eateries.
• Ugali with Sukuma Wiki — A comforting combination of maize flour porridge served alongside sautéed collard greens, a nutritious staple that accompanies most Tanzanian meals.
• Mandazi (Fried Dough) — Sweet fried pastries commonly enjoyed with chai (tea) at breakfast or as an afternoon snack at rest camps and lodges.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Wildlife Distance — Maintain at least 20 meters from most animals and 40 meters from elephants and buffalo; guides enforce these rules strictly to protect both visitors and animals.
• Dress Neutrally for Game Drives — Wear earth-toned clothing (khaki, tan, green) rather than bright colors to minimize disturbance to wildlife during viewing excursions.
• Ask Permission Before Photography with Maasai — Always request consent before photographing Maasai people or their livestock, as some may request payment and all deserve dignity and privacy.
• Understand Park Conservation Rules — The Serengeti is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site; stay on designated roads, don't feed animals, and remove all waste to preserve this fragile ecosystem.

Nearby

• Olduvai Gorge — 81 km
• Lake Natron — 119 km
• Ngorongoro Crater — 125 km
• Ol Doinyo Lengai (Arusha & Kilimanjaro) — 128 km