The Serengeti is Africa's most iconic wilderness, with endless golden plains stretching to the horizon, dotted with acacia trees and teeming with wildlife. Home to the world's largest terrestrial mammal migration, with over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle crossing its plains annually. The park's name comes from the Maasai word 'Siringet' meaning 'endless plains,' and that's exactly what you'll find: 14,750 square kilometers of pristine savanna supporting one of the most diverse and dense wildlife populations on Earth.
Last updated: January 2026
Wildlife in Serengeti National Park
Big Five Status
lion
Very High
leopard
High
elephant
High
buffalo
High
rhino
Low
Wildlife Highlights
Wildebeest
1.5 million during migration
Zebra
250,000+ follow the wildebeest
Cheetah
Excellent on southern plains
Thomson's Gazelle
500,000+ during migration
500+ bird species including Secretary bird, Kori bustard, Lilac-breasted roller, Martial eagle.
Great Migration
The Great Migration is an annual cycle driven by rainfall and grass growth. Unlike Masai Mara, the Serengeti hosts the migration year-round in different regions.
Migration in Serengeti National Park: July, August, September, October
River crossings peak: June, July, August, September
Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park
Unlike the Mara, the Serengeti offers excellent game viewing year-round, just in different areas.
calving_season Season
January, February, MarchWarm with occasional rain
Moderate
Moderate
Excellent predator action during calving
long_rains Season
April, MayRainy, green landscapes
Low
Low (green season)
Good, lush scenery
dry_season Season
June, July, August, September, OctoberDry and mild
High (especially Jul-Sep)
Peak
Excellent, congregates around water
Getting to Serengeti National Park
By Air
RecommendedBy Road
Entry Gates
Naabi Hill Gate
Main entrance from Ngorongoro
Ndabaka Gate
Western entrance
Ikoma Gate
Northern entrance
Serengeti National Park Entry Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Non-resident) | $82/day |
| Child (Non-resident) | $23.6/day |
| Vehicle | $50 |
- • Fees are per 24 hours
- • Children 5-15 get discounted rate
- • Under 5 free
- • Vehicle fee is in addition
Activities in Serengeti National Park
Included Activities
Game Drives
Explore different regions of the park by 4x4
Bird Watching
Over 500 species recorded
Optional Extras
Hot Air Balloon Safari
$500-$600Float over the Serengeti at sunrise
Walking Safari
$50-$100Guided walks in select areas
Bush Breakfast
$100-$200Breakfast in the wilderness
Where to Stay
From luxury permanent camps to mobile tented camps that follow the migration. Book well in advance for peak season.
luxury
$800-$2500/nightIncludes: All meals, drinks, game drives, airstrip transfers
Examples: Four Seasons Serengeti, Singita Grumeti, Sayari Camp
mid range
$400-$700/nightIncludes: Full board, scheduled game drives
Examples: Serengeti Serena Lodge, Mbuzi Mawe, Kubu Kubu
budget
$150-$350/nightIncludes: Varies, often full board
Examples: Seronera Wildlife Lodge, Public campsites, Kati Kati Camp
Practical Tips
- 1The Serengeti is huge - stay in different regions to maximize experiences
- 2Mobile camps offer the best migration experience
- 3Book balloon safaris weeks in advance
- 4Bring layers - mornings can be cold
- 5Allow at least 3 nights, ideally 5+
- 6Combine with Ngorongoro Crater (2-3 hours drive)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti?
The Serengeti hosts the migration year-round in different regions. For the famous river crossings, visit June through September. The calving season in the southern plains (January to March) is equally spectacular, with half a million calves born over a few weeks.
How much does it cost to enter Serengeti National Park?
Serengeti park fees for non-residents are $82 per adult and $23.60 per child (ages 5-15) per 24 hours. There's an additional vehicle fee of $50. Children under 5 enter free. These fees are typically included in organized safari packages.
Can you do a day trip to the Serengeti?
While technically possible from Arusha by charter flight, a day trip is not recommended. The Serengeti is vast (14,750 sq km) and the magic lies in spending time exploring different areas. A minimum of 2-3 nights is recommended, with 4-5 nights ideal.
What's the difference between Serengeti and Masai Mara?
The Serengeti and Masai Mara are part of the same ecosystem, separated by the Kenya-Tanzania border. The Serengeti is larger (14,750 vs 1,510 sq km) and hosts the migration for a longer period. The Mara is more accessible and has the dramatic July-October river crossings.
Is the Serengeti worth the cost?
The Serengeti is one of the world's premier wildlife destinations. With over 3,000 lions, 2 million migrating animals, and some of Africa's best lodges, it delivers an unmatched safari experience. The higher cost reflects conservation efforts and the extraordinary wildlife density.
Official Resources
Sources
- Over 3,000 lions in the Serengeti: Tanzania National Parks Authority
- 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle in the migration: Serengeti Wildlife Research Centre
- 500 bird species recorded: Tanzania Bird Atlas