Serengeti National Park

Its one of the Oldest National Parks in Tanzania, but also, the best in terms of game viewing and Wildebeest Migration. Explore Serengeti National Park.

Serengeti National Park

All About Serengeti National Park

Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park is famous for its annual wildebeest migration, the largest in the world! Millions of herbivores, including wildebeests, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle, pound the open grassy plains on their journey for fresh grazing.

Yet even when the migration is dormant for a few months, the Serengeti offers undoubtedly the most impressive game-viewing and wildlife sighting opportunities in Africa, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, herds of buffalo, elephant, giraffe, eland, topi, hartebeest, impala, and Grant’s gazelles.

The Serengeti is probably the best place to witness the classic predator-prey chase. During the Serengeti migration, stragglers of the herds are hunted by cheetahs and lions.

The Serengeti occupies 14,750 square kilometers of the northern part of Tanzania, a canvas of grassland plains, savanna, riverine forest, and woodlands. The park’s diverse landscapes, from endless plains to woodlands and hills, have been showcased in numerous National Geographic shows, capturing the essence of the wild.

 

The Wildebeest Migration in September
Serengeti National Park - Serengeti Safaris - Tanzania Safaris - Wildebeest Sightings

The best time to Visit Serengeti National Park

When is the Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park?

You wonder when is the best time to visit Serengeti? Well, you can visit Serengeti any time of the year. Still, due to different seasons and wildlife activities, the best time is recommended to visit the reserve for optimum wildlife sightings and great experiences. Below are months by the season when to visit Serengeti:-

January to March (High Season):-

During this time, the weather is hot and dry, and January to March is the best time to spot the big cats and other wildlife species. Wildlife animals spend time at the water holes and water pans, making it easy to spot them. We refer to this season as the high season.

The long rains that start in mid-February, help wildlife and especially the wildebeest calves during the calving season in Ndutu Conservation Area and Serengeti South to feed and have enough food and water. But also the rains are quite important in Masai Mara Reserve as lots of animals depend on the much-awaited rains for food and water.

April to June (Low Season):-

In the April to May Season of the year, the months are wet with lots of rain and muddy terrains, lots of greener grounds, and a bit chilly and cold. It’s not recommended to visit this time if you would love to spot wildlife, it will be difficult to see them, due to the abundance of water and food.

It is recommended to visit this time if you would love to enjoy the exclusivity of luxury camps at great offers in Serengeti. There are a lot of safari accommodation offers that tend to run during this season in Serengeti and to enjoy the luxuries, it’s best to visit this time.

July to October (Peak Season):-

This is the best month to witness the amazing wildebeest crossings in the major Mara Rivers in Kenya and Tanzania. The months of July to October, are noted to be the peak season in terms of tourist guests visiting East Africa due to their best time and great weather for safari and beach holidays.

Thousands of Wildebeests cross to Masai Mara and back to Serengeti for their annual great wildebeest migration and create amazing scenes, that are thrilling and captivating as they cross the Mara river high cliffs.

November and December (High Season):-

During November and December, the weather is favorable with little showers in November, which are short rains, and hot temperatures in December all through the holidays till January. This is also one of the best times to visit Serengeti National Park.

Best Time for Wildebeest Migration - All About Wildebeest Migration - Serengeti and Masai Mara Migration - Month By Month Wildebeest Guide
Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Ngorongoro Crater - Wildebeest Sightings

Serengeti National Park Weather and Climate

Weather and Climate in Serengeti National Park

The climate of the Serengeti National Park is subtropical, with a dry and relatively cool season from May to August, a warmer and still quite dry season in September and October, and a rainy and quite hot season from November to April.

Serengeti National Park is located at an altitude between 1,100 and 2,000 meters (3,600 and 6,600 feet); the altitude tempers the heat, so, even though we are just south of the Equator, it can get cool at night, or even cold in the highest areas and the cool season.

However, the sun is very strong, and requires appropriate protection, especially when it passes through the zenith at mid-day (ie around mid-March and late September).

 

Serengeti National Park - Serengeti Safaris - Tanzania Safaris - Wildebeest Sightings
Serengeti National Park - Serengeti Safaris - Tanzania Safaris - Wildebeest Sightings

How to Get to Serengeti National Park

Ways to Travel to Serengeti National Park

Navigating the Serengeti: Gateways and Sections

Explore the vastness of Serengeti through its four main entry and exit points:

  1. Naabi Hill Gate (06:00 – 18:00): The main access gate from Arusha, situated 45 km from Seronera, is the park’s busiest entry point.
  2. Ndabaka Gate (06:00 – 18:00): Serving as the primary gateway to the Western Corridor, it’s a 1.5-hour drive from Mwanza, with the last entry at 16:00.
  3. Klein’s Gate (06:00 – 18:00): Nestled in the far north-east, this gate allows a loop trip combining Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Natron, with the last entry at 16:00.
  4. Bologonya Gate: While en route to/from Kenya, the border is currently closed and unlikely to open soon.
Serengeti National Park - Serengeti Safaris - Tanzania Safaris - Wildebeest Sightings
Serengeti National Park - Serengeti Safaris - Tanzania Safaris - Wildebeest Sightings

Google Map of Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park Map Showing its location

The below Serengeti National Park Map shows the exact location. Expand it to see more details, surrounds, and directions of where you could be coming from, to help you access it easier and better.

Serengeti National Park Fees Entrance

Park Fee Entrance to Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park Fees for Tanzanians differ depending on the season and the type of vehicle. For international Tourists or Safari visitors, the Park fee is typically between $60 and $70 per person per day (24 hours), with additional charges for vehicles ranging from $30 to $50.

How to Pay for Serengeti National Park Entrance Fees

How to Pay / Mode of Payment to Serengeti National Reserve: Payment in Cash US Dollars is accepted at the entry gates via either the Tanapa Website or at the gate. The main gate to Serengeti National Park is the Naabi Gate.
Cashless modes are also accepted as an option for all the other Serengeti gates including Naabi, Ikoma, Bologonya Gate, Ndabaka gates. Citizens and Residents of Tanzania and East Africa are required to carry identification and proof of residence to avail of the cheaper Resident rates.

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