In Maa, Serengeti means “endless plains,” aptly describing the vast grasslands of Serengeti National Park, which spans 5,700 square miles (14,763 square km) across northern Tanzania and southwestern Kenya. Established in 1951 and home to the Maasai people, this expansive park is famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest traverse the plains. The Serengeti also hosts a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, rhinos, elephants, hippos, hyenas, and nearly 500 bird species, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
The best time to visit the Serengeti is during the dry season from late June to October, when the park is most accessible and wildlife viewing is optimal. January to February is ideal for witnessing the wildebeest migration in the Ndutu area and excellent for bird watching. March marks the end of the calving season, while April to May brings rain and fewer visitors but excellent migration sightings in the southern Serengeti. From June to August, the migration crosses the Grumeti River, and by September to October, it moves toward the Maasai Mara. November to December sees the migration returning south, with fewer crowds.
Visitors can reach Serengeti National Park by road or air. A road safari from Arusha takes about 7 hours (318 km), passing through entry gates like Naabi Hill, Ndabaka, Klein’s Gate, and Bologonya Gate (currently not in use). Alternatively, fly-in safaris via private charter or scheduled flights are available. The park offers various accommodations, from public campsites to luxury lodges, with Ndutu recommended from December to March during calving season, and Seronera ideal for April to May when the migration is in the Grumeti area.