Ndurumo Tours & Safaris
Serengeti National Park — The short-grass plains at the centre of the migration, and the reason the northern circuit exists.

Northern Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

The short-grass plains at the centre of the migration, and the reason the northern circuit exists.

Country
Tanzania
Typical access
Road from Arusha via Ngorongoro, or a scheduled light aircraft
Usual stay
1–3 nights
Terrain
Short-grass plains, granite kopjes, riverine forest, woodland

Overview

What Serengeti is.

The Serengeti is very large and very varied: short-grass plains in the south, granite kopjes through the centre, riverine forest along the Grumeti and Mara rivers, and woodland in the west and north.

Much of the migration's annual route lies across the Serengeti and the wider southern plains. More than one million wildebeest, with zebra and gazelles, follow shifting water and grazing: calving is usually concentrated on the southern short-grass plains around February before the broad movement progresses north.

Predator viewing is exceptional throughout — the kopjes in particular are reliable places to find lion and, with patience, leopard.

Wildlife

What you are likely to see.

The wildebeest migration and sunset in the Serengeti
  • Wildebeest and zebra in migration numbers
  • Lion on and around the granite kopjes
  • Leopard in the riverine forest
  • Cheetah on the short-grass plains
  • Elephant, giraffe, buffalo and eland
  • Crocodile and hippo in the Grumeti and Mara rivers

Experiences

How the days work here.

  • Central Seronera game drives

    Central Seronera game drives

    Year-round resident game, with reliable predator viewing.

  • Balloon safari

    Balloon safari

    A dawn flight over the plains, booked locally at extra cost.

  • Olduvai Gorge

    Olduvai Gorge

    A stop at the archaeological site on the way between the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, at own account.

Best time to visit

When to come to Serengeti.

Sunset, acacia, zebra and a waterhole in the Serengeti
  • December – MarchThe herds are typically on the southern plains; calving is usually concentrated around February.
  • June – JulyThe broad movement often progresses west and north; Grumeti-area crossings may occur.
  • August – OctoberThe northern phase often reaches this area; Mara River crossings may occur but are never scheduled.
  • April – MayLong rains. Green, very quiet, lower rates.

Where you stay

Our shortlist at each level.

Properties Ndurumo may recommend or use at each level. Final accommodation is confirmed with your quotation and remains subject to availability.

Budget

Seronera Camp

Midrange

Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge

Luxury

Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp

Routes that include Serengeti

Safaris through here.

All Tanzania safaris

Questions

About Serengeti.

Where in the Serengeti should I stay?

It depends on the month and that season's rainfall. The southern plains often suit January to March, central Serengeti has resident wildlife year-round, and the northern migration phase is commonly associated with July to October. Confirm the current sector before booking.

Is the Serengeti better than the Maasai Mara?

They are one ecosystem seen from two sides. The Serengeti is far larger and feels wilder; the Mara is more concentrated and easier to reach from Nairobi.

Plan your safari

Build a trip around Serengeti.

Tell us your dates and how long you have, and we will shape a route that gives Serengeti the time it deserves.

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Sunset, acacia, zebra and a waterhole in the Serengeti
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