Key Features of Serengeti National Park

1. Geography and Landscape
The park covers approximately 14,750 square kilometers (5,700 square miles) of savanna, grasslands, riverine forests, and woodlands.
It is part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, which includes Kenya’s Maasai Mara Reserve.
“Serengeti” means “endless plains” in the Maasai language, which aptly describes its vast open grasslands.
2. The Great Migration
The Serengeti hosts the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and other antelopes traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing.
This movement spans across Serengeti and Maasai Mara and is driven by seasonal rains.
Predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and crocodiles closely follow the herds, making the migration a dynamic display of life and death in nature.
3. Wildlife
Home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), though rhinos are more rarely seen.
Other notable species include giraffes, hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species (over 500 recorded).
The Serengeti is also known for its large population of lions, with some of the highest densities in Africa.
4. Conservation
Established in 1951, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.
Conservation efforts focus on combating poaching, maintaining biodiversity, and managing human-wildlife conflict.
The park is a critical habitat for endangered species and a hub for ecological research.
5. Tourism
Serengeti National Park is one of Tanzania’s most visited destinations, attracting nature enthusiasts, photographers, and adventurers.
Activities include game drives, hot air balloon safaris, guided walks, and birdwatching.
Nearby attractions include the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara National Park, which are often combined into safari itineraries.
6. Climate
Serengeti experiences a tropical savanna climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons:
Wet season: November to May, with short rains (November-December) and long rains (March-May).
Dry season: June to October, the best time for game viewing as animals gather around water sources.
Cultural Significance
The area is also home to the Maasai people, whose culture and traditions have coexisted with the ecosystem for centuries.
Challenges
Poaching, habitat degradation, and human encroachment pose ongoing threats.
Balancing tourism with conservation is another critical focus for park authorities.
Getting There
Serengeti is accessible by road from Arusha or by charter flights to airstrips within the park.
It is part of the Northern Safari Circuit, a popular route for visitors to Tanzania.
TRAVEL TIME TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
The travel time to Serengeti National Park depends on the starting point, mode of transportation, and the specific entry gate into the park. Below is an overview of travel times based on common routes and transportation methods:
From Arusha to Serengeti
Arusha is the main gateway city for Serengeti safaris.
Distance: Approximately 325–350 km (200–217 miles), depending on the chosen route and entry gate.
Travel Time: 5–6 hours by 4×4 vehicle.
The drive offers scenic views of villages, landscapes, and wildlife.
Most road trips include stops at Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
From Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Serengeti
Kilimanjaro International Airport is the main international gateway for tourists visiting northern Tanzania.
Distance: Similar to Arusha since JRO is only about 60 km (37 miles) from the city.
Travel Time: 7–9 hours, depending on road and weather conditions.
From Nairobi, Kenya to Serengeti
Nairobi serves as another entry point, especially for travelers combining Kenya and Tanzania safaris.
By Road:
Travel Time: 8–10 hours, including border crossing at Namanga or Isibania.
Many itineraries include the Maasai Mara in Kenya, and travelers then proceed to Serengeti via the Isebania border.
By Air:
Travel Time: Around 2–3 hours, including connecting flights.
Direct flights are rare; many routes involve connections at Arusha or Kilimanjaro.
Arusha to Serengeti: 5 hours’ drive.
Ngorongoro to Serengeti: 2 hours’ drive.
Lake Manyara to Serengeti: 3,5 hours’ drive.
Tarangire to Serengeti: 4 hours’ drive.
Flight Arusha to Serengeti: 1 hour (about $ 250.30,- per person, one way).
 
BEST TIME TO SEE THE WILDEBEEST MIGRATION (SERENGETI)
The Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park is a year-round phenomenon, but the best time to witness specific stages depends on where the herds are located. Here’s a breakdown of the migration by season:
1. December to March: Calving Season
Location: Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains (near Ngorongoro Conservation Area).
Highlights:
Around 500,000 calves are born during this time, typically between late January and February.
Predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are active, as they target vulnerable newborns.
Best Time to Visit:
Late January to early March, for calving and predator interactions.

2. April to May: Migration Towards Central Serengeti
Location: Moving from Southern Serengeti toward Central Serengeti (Seronera region).
Highlights:
The wildebeest form massive herds as they begin their trek north.
Scenic beauty increases with lush green landscapes after the rainy season.
Travel Tip:
This is the low tourist season, making it less crowded and more affordable.
3. June to July: Grumeti River Crossing
Location: Western Corridor (Grumeti River area) and Central Serengeti.
Highlights:
The herds gather at the Grumeti River, where crocodiles await in ambush.
This period marks the beginning of the dramatic river crossings.
Best Time to Visit:
Early to mid-July for the Grumeti crossings.
4. July to October: Mara River Crossings
Location: Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara (Kenya).
Highlights:
This is the most famous phase of the migration, as wildebeest cross the Mara River, a perilous journey filled with crocodiles and strong currents.
Northern Serengeti offers excellent views of the crossings without the crowds of Maasai Mara.
Best Time to Visit:
Late July to early October.
5. November: Return to Southern Serengeti
Location: The herds begin their return to Southern Serengeti from Maasai Mara.
Highlights:
Smaller crossings occur as they move back to Tanzania.
The green season starts with short rains, and the park becomes lush again.
Travel Tip:
November is a shoulder season with fewer tourists and good wildlife viewing opportunities.
Overall Best Time for the Migration
June to October is ideal for witnessing dramatic river crossings and the movement of massive herds.
January to March offers unique calving experiences and predator action.