Serengeti safari
Open plains, the Great Migration, and the best big-cat watching in Africa. Here is how to plan a Serengeti safari and find the trip that suits you.
Why visit the Serengeti
The Serengeti is 14,750 square kilometres of grassland, river and granite, and it holds the largest herds left on the continent. The migration moves through it every month of the year.
Even when the wildebeest are elsewhere, the resident lions, leopards and cheetahs are some of the easiest to find anywhere in Africa. Add a dawn balloon flight and a night under canvas, and you have the safari people picture when they close their eyes.
Wildebeest
km² of park
Lions
Crossing season
Serengeti wildlife
The full cast of the plains, and the migration that moves among them.
Where to stay in the Serengeti
Camps in the Serengeti move with the animals. In the centre, around Seronera, permanent camps stay open all year beside reliable game. In the north, light mobile camps shift with the herds for the crossing season. In the south, around Ndutu, camps appear for the calving.
Choose the region by what you want to see, then the camp by your budget. A good guide and the right location matter more than thread count. The best time to visit guide shows when each region peaks.
Best Serengeti regions and when to visit
| Region | Best months | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Central (Seronera) | Year-round | Reliable big cats and resident game |
| Northern (Kogatende) | Jul–Oct | The Mara River crossings |
| Southern (Ndutu) | Dec–Mar | Calving and heavy predator action |
| Western corridor | May–Jun | The Grumeti River and the rut |
Serengeti vs Ngorongoro
| Feature | Serengeti | Ngorongoro Crater |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Migration and big cats | The Big Five in a day |
| Time needed | 3–4 days | 1 day |
| Scenery | Endless open plains | A volcanic crater floor |
| Rhino | Rare | Reliable |
Most trips include both. Read the Ngorongoro Crater guide.
Plan your Serengeti safari
Get matched to Serengeti trips that fit your budget, your dates and the wildlife you most want to see.
Serengeti safari FAQs
When is the best time for the migration?
River crossings are most likely from July to October in the north. Calving runs January to February in the south, around Ndutu. The herds are somewhere in the ecosystem all year, so timing depends on which moment you want.
How many days do I need in the Serengeti?
Three nights at least, so you can move between regions and give the cats time to perform. Most people fold it into a seven-day northern circuit.
Is the Serengeti better than the Ngorongoro Crater?
They do different jobs. The Serengeti wins for the migration and big cats, the crater for a guaranteed Big Five day. Most trips include both, and that is the right call.
How much does a Serengeti safari cost?
Roughly $250 to $1,500 a day per person, depending on the camp. See the Tanzania safari cost guide for the full picture.