The Great Migration
Follow the seasonal movement of vast herds as they search for pasture and water across the ecosystem.
Understand the migration
NORTHERN TANZANIA · UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Serengeti Safari Where the wild still moves
Explore open plains, remarkable wildlife and the Great Migration. Plan your Serengeti safari around the season, region and pace that suit you.
14,763 km²national park area
500+recorded bird species
1981World Heritage inscription
LOCATIONNorthern Tanzania
KNOWN FORGreat Migration
WILDLIFEBig Five & big cats
EXPERIENCESGame drives & balloon safaris
THE SERENGETI
More than a national park. A living ecosystem.
Serengeti National Park is one of Tanzania's best-known wilderness areas. Its grasslands, woodlands, rivers and rocky kopjes support a remarkable variety of wildlife.
The Great Migration is a year-round movement of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles across the wider Serengeti–Mara ecosystem. Herds follow seasonal rainfall and fresh grazing, so their location changes throughout the year.
You can enjoy Serengeti beyond the migration too. Resident wildlife, varied habitats and different seasonal landscapes make it rewarding to visit throughout the year.
WHY SERENGETI
A safari landscape with many stories.
Choose the experience you want to remember, then let the season help shape the journey.
Predator-rich habitats
Open grassland, riverine areas and kopjes provide habitat for lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas.
Explore the wildlifeChanging landscapes
Discover open plains, rocky outcrops, rivers and woodlands across the park's distinct regions.
Explore the regionsStay in the wild
Choose from lodge and tented-camp styles, with locations selected to suit your route and travel dates.
Find your stay styleTHE GREAT MIGRATION
There is no single migration month.
The herds move throughout the year in response to rainfall and grazing. These seasonal patterns are useful for planning, but exact timing and wildlife sightings vary.
Calving season
The southern plains and nearby Ndutu area are often important calving grounds, with young wildebeest and active predators.
SOUTHERN PLAINS · CALVINGGreen season movement
Seasonal rains bring greener scenery as herds begin moving across the ecosystem. Rainfall and road conditions can vary.
GREEN LANDSCAPES · MOVEMENTWestern movement
Depending on conditions, herds may move through the central and western parts of the ecosystem toward the Grumeti area.
CENTRAL · WESTERN AREASNorthern Serengeti
The north is often an important dry-season area. Herd positions and any Mara River crossings remain unpredictable.
NORTHERN SERENGETI · SEASONAL HERDSMovement south
With changing rains and grazing, herds often begin moving back toward the southern plains.
SHORT RAINS · SOUTHERN MOVEMENTPlanning note: Migration patterns are not a timetable. A responsible safari plan follows seasonal guidance without promising a specific crossing or sighting.
WILDLIFE
Come for the migration. Stay for everything else.
Wildlife is free-ranging, and sightings depend on season, location and chance.
Lions
Often seen across the park's varied habitats, including open grassland and rocky kopjes.
Leopards
Elusive cats associated with riverine woodland, trees and rocky areas.
Cheetahs
Open plains provide habitat for these fast-moving predators.
Elephants
Elephants are among the resident wildlife found in different parts of the ecosystem.
Buffalo
Buffalo herds use a range of habitats across Serengeti.
Wildebeest & zebras
These iconic grazers travel through the ecosystem as rainfall and pasture change.
Black rhinoceros
Serengeti is home to black rhinoceros, though sightings are uncommon and never assured.
Birds
More than 500 recorded bird species inhabit the park's varied environments.
KNOW THE SERENGETI
Serengeti is not one safari landscape.
Your region and camp location affect drive times and the experiences available during your stay.
CENTRAL
Seronera
A central base for exploring the park, with resident wildlife and access to several habitats.
- Year-round wildlife
- Big-cat habitat
- Central location
WESTERN
Western Serengeti
Riverine habitats and the wider Grumeti ecosystem shape this region's seasonal safari experience.
- Grumeti area
- River landscapes
- Seasonal herd movement
NORTHERN
Northern Serengeti
The north is a seasonal focus for some dry-season itineraries and the Mara River landscape.
- Seasonal migration
- Mara River area
- Remote camp options
SOUTHERN
Southern Serengeti
Open plains and the nearby Ndutu area are often central to calving-season safari plans.
- Calving season
- Predator activity
- Open grasslands
SERENGETI EXPERIENCES
Build a safari around the way you travel.
Private game drives
Travel with your own vehicle and guide, with the day's pace shaped around your interests.
Hot air balloon safari
See the plains from above on a sunrise flight when available in your chosen area and season.
Photography safari
Allow time for wildlife behaviour, changing light and landscape photography.
Luxury bush experience
Pair private guiding with a lodge or tented camp suited to your itinerary and preferences.
Couple & honeymoon safari
Combine time in the bush with private accommodation and, if you wish, a Zanzibar stay.
START YOUR JOURNEY
Serengeti journeys designed around you.
These journey ideas are starting points, not fixed departures. Final routing and accommodation depend on your dates, group size, season and travel style.
Serengeti Escape
3 DAYS · 2 NIGHTS
A focused Serengeti stay for travellers with limited time. Road transfers can make the overall itinerary longer.
- Private safari option
- Game drives
- Safari guide
- Flexible accommodation
Serengeti Classic
4–5 DAYS
Allow more time for game drives and consider pairing Serengeti with another northern Tanzania highlight.
- Multi-night Serengeti stay
- Flexible route design
- Wildlife-focused guiding
- Optional Ngorongoro
Great Migration Journey
CUSTOM DURATION
A seasonal itinerary planned around likely herd locations and the experience you want to pursue.
- Season-aware routing
- Region and camp planning
- Private safari option
- Fly-in option to discuss
Luxury Serengeti
CUSTOM DURATION
Plan around accommodation, privacy and travel logistics that suit your preferred level of comfort.
- Lodge or tented camp options
- Private vehicle option
- Route planning
- Optional balloon experience
HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY?
The right number of days depends on your purpose.
Serengeti is vast. A well-paced itinerary allows time in the areas you want to explore without spending the whole trip in transfers.
Tell Us Your DatesWHEN TO VISIT
Don't ask only “When is best?”
Start with: What would you most like to experience?
Calving season
Consider the southern plains for calving-season wildlife and green landscapes.
Plan a calving-season safariGreen Serengeti
Expect seasonal rain possibilities, lush scenery and variable road conditions.
Plan a green-season safariDry-season wildlife
Often a popular period for wildlife viewing, with migration phases in different regions.
Plan a dry-season safariShort rains
Changing weather can bring fresh growth and the herds' seasonal movement south.
Plan a November safariSafari planning note: Seasonal patterns are guides, not guarantees. Rainfall, animal movements, road conditions and wildlife behaviour vary from year to year.
GETTING TO SERENGETI
Choose the journey that suits your time.
Many northern Tanzania safaris begin in Arusha. From there, travellers can continue overland or take a flight to an airstrip serving their chosen Serengeti area.
WHERE TO STAY
Your camp is part of the safari.
Choose accommodation together with your route, travel dates and wildlife interests.
Safari lodges
Lodge stays offer a range of room styles and services. Location and facilities vary by property.
Request lodge optionsTented camps
Tented camps offer a closer-to-nature setting, with comfort and facilities depending on the camp.
Request camp optionsClassic safari stays
Compare practical options that balance your budget, route and the amount of time spent in the park.
Discuss stay stylesYOUR SERENGETI
Tell us what you want to experience.
Share a few details to prepare a Serengeti safari enquiry. Your answers will be placed in a WhatsApp message for you to review and send; this website does not store or submit the form.
Season-aware route planningAccommodation optionsRoad or fly-in ideasPrivate safari enquiries
SERENGETI FAQ
Questions travellers ask before booking.
Learn about the destination, seasonal movement and how your route can shape the safari.
Ask KiliWingsWhat is Serengeti National Park famous for?
Serengeti is known for its wide savannah landscapes, wildlife and the Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles.
When is the best time to visit Serengeti?
It depends on what you want to see. June to October is often popular for dry-season wildlife viewing, while the southern plains are associated with calving around January and February. Conditions and herd locations vary each year.
When and where can I see the Great Migration?
The migration is a year-round movement through the wider ecosystem. Its location changes with rainfall, grazing and water, and a specific sighting or river crossing cannot be guaranteed.
Can I see the Big Five in Serengeti?
Serengeti is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and black rhinoceros. Sightings are not guaranteed, especially for elusive species.
How many days should I spend in Serengeti?
Several days can give you more time for game drives and different areas. The right duration depends on your route, interests and transfer plans.
How do I get to Serengeti from Arusha?
You can travel overland as part of a northern Tanzania safari or fly to an airstrip serving your chosen area. The best option depends on your itinerary and available time.
Is Serengeti worth visiting outside migration season?
Yes. Resident wildlife remains in the ecosystem throughout the year, and each region and season offers a different experience.
Can I combine Serengeti with Ngorongoro?
Yes. Serengeti is often combined with Ngorongoro and sometimes Tarangire or Lake Manyara, depending on the time available.
Can I fly directly into Serengeti?
Flights serve several airstrips in and around the park. Your accommodation and route determine which airstrip is most suitable.
Is a Mara River crossing guaranteed?
No. Herds move naturally and river crossings are unpredictable. An itinerary can be planned around seasonal patterns, but no crossing can be promised.
BUILD THE FULL TANZANIA JOURNEY
Serengeti can be the beginning.
KILIWINGS EXPEDITIONS
Your Serengeti story starts with a conversation.
Tell us when you are travelling, who is joining you and what you hope to experience. We will help shape the route around your plans.