Located about three hours from Karatu and an hour and a half from the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s oldest and most iconic park. Covering 14,763 km², it fascinates travellers from all over the world with its annual great migration, one of the most impressive natural spectacles on the planet.
Every year, nearly six million animals cross the Serengeti plains: around 200,000 zebras and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelles join the wildebeests in their quest for new pastures.
After this spectacular migration, the park still offers incredible animal diversity: herds of buffalo, elephants, giraffes, elands, impalas and Grant’s gazelles roam freely.
A true jewel of African wildlife, the Serengeti is also the setting for numerous wildlife documentaries filmed by Discovery Channel, which capture all the beauty and power of nature.
Beyond its vast plains populated by wild animals, the Serengeti is a place where nature expresses its full grandeur. Here, each sunrise paints the sky with shades of gold and pink, while the silhouettes of acacia trees stand out against the horizon. The Big Nine roam freely in this majestic setting, reminiscent of the raw beauty of original Africa.
As the seasons change, the landscape transforms: the green plains of the south give way to rocky hills, winding rivers and acacia forests that are home to an exceptionally rich variety of wildlife. More than 500 species of birds colour the sky, providing a continuous spectacle for photography and nature enthusiasts.
And when evening falls, the silence of the savannah is broken only by the distant roar of a lion or the discreet footsteps of an elephant — a unique sensory experience, where one feels both tiny and fully alive.
Practical information
Great Migration:
- Dec.–March: Births in the south
- Apr.–June: Migration to the north-west
- July–Oct.: Crossing of the Mara River
- Nov.: Return to the south
What to bring: Binoculars, camera, comfortable shoes, sun cream and light, covering clothing.
Wildlife to watch for:
- Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and wildebeests.
- There are many birds, including marabou storks and eagles.
Did you know that?
Did you know that Disney’s film ‘The Lion King’ drew inspiration from the vast plains of the Serengeti to create its iconic landscapes? The scenes of wildebeest migration and golden savannah were directly inspired by Tanzania’s spectacular herds and landscapes, offering viewers around the world a glimpse of the grandeur of this legendary park.