Serengeti National Park Guide 2026
The Serengeti is Africa's most iconic safari destination. Spanning 14,763 km2 of endless grasslands, it is home to the Great Migration - the largest movement of animals on Earth - and offers unrivalled Big Five game viewing year-round.
Why Visit the Serengeti?
- The Great Migration: Over 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra, and 200,000 gazelle migrate in a year-long cycle
- Big Five: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino all present
- Predator Density: Highest concentration of large predators in Africa - over 3,000 lions
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Float over the plains at sunrise (from $500-600)
- Year-Round Destination: Excellent wildlife viewing in every month
Great Migration Calendar
| Month | Migration Location | What to See |
|---|---|---|
| Jan-Mar | Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) | Calving season - 8,000 babies born daily, predator action |
| Apr-May | Central/Western Serengeti | Long rains, herds move north. Green season rates. |
| Jun-Jul | Western Corridor / Grumeti River | Grumeti River crossings - crocodiles, dramatic scenes |
| Aug-Oct | Northern Serengeti (Mara River) | Famous Mara River crossings - peak season |
| Nov-Dec | Eastern/Southern Serengeti | Short rains, herds return south. Fewer crowds. |
Park Fees & Costs
| Fee | Non-Resident Adult (USD) | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation Fee | $70 | Per 24 hours |
| Vehicle Fee | Included in tour | Per vehicle |
| Camping (public campsite) | $30 | Per night |
| Camping (special campsite) | $50 | Per night |
| Concession Fee (mobile camps) | Varies | Per night |
Park fees are usually included in safari package prices. Children 5-15 pay reduced rates. Under 5 free.
How to Get There
By Air
- Seronera Airstrip: Central Serengeti - daily flights from Arusha (1 hour)
- Multiple bush airstrips: Kogatende (north), Grumeti, Ndutu (south), Lobo
- Airlines: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Regional Air from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar
By Road
- From Arusha: 325 km via Ngorongoro (7-8 hours), most common route
- Western entry: Via Musoma (Ikoma Gate)
- 4x4 vehicle required within the park
Activities in the Serengeti
Game Drives
Morning and afternoon drives in open-top 4x4 vehicles. Best at dawn and dusk when predators are active.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Float over the Serengeti at sunrise. 1-hour flight followed by champagne bush breakfast. $500-600 per person.
Walking Safaris
Guided bush walks with armed rangers. Experience the Serengeti on foot. Available in specific areas.
Photography Safaris
Specialist photography vehicles with bean-bag mounts. Guides trained in positioning for best shots.
FAQ
June to October is peak season with dry weather and excellent game viewing. January to March is calving season in the south. The Serengeti is good year-round, but each season offers different experiences.
Minimum 2-3 days for a solid safari experience. 4-5 days allows you to explore different areas. For the migration, 3-4 days is ideal to maximize chances of seeing river crossings.
Budget safaris start at $250-350 per person per day (camping). Mid-range lodges run $400-700 per day. Luxury camps and lodges cost $800-2,000+ per day. Park fees of $70/day are usually included.
You need a Tanzania e-Visa to enter the country. The Serengeti is within Tanzania - no separate permit is needed beyond the park entry fees (handled by your tour operator). Apply for your e-Visa at visa.immigration.go.tz.
Quick Facts
- Size: 14,763 km2
- UNESCO: Since 1981
- Entry Fee: $70/day
- Best Time: Jun-Oct (dry)
- Nearest City: Arusha (325 km)
- Airport: Seronera Airstrip