The Land of Endless Plains
Legend has it that the word Serengeti comes from the Maasai people, the proud pastoralists who have called this land home for centuries. Loosely translated, the word means “the place where the land runs on forever” or “endless plains.” Few names capture the spirit of a landscape so perfectly: a sweeping wilderness of grassland, scattered acacia trees, granite kopjes, and horizons that vanish into eternity.
Established as a national park in 1952, Serengeti covers 14,763 km² (5,700 sq. mi.), making it larger than Connecticut or Montenegro. It is Tanzania’s flagship park and one of the most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries in the world. In recognition of its ecological importance, Serengeti was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
The park stretches from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the south, all the way to Kenya’s Masai Mara in the north, with Lake Victoria lying to the west. Within this vast ecosystem lie habitats as diverse as open plains, woodlands, riverine forests, and seasonal swamps. Serengeti is also an open-air museum of mankind’s ancient past, with archaeological relics dating back nearly two million years.
The Land of Endless Plains
Legend has it that the word Serengeti comes from the Maasai people, the proud pastoralists who have called this land home for centuries. Loosely translated, the word means “the place where the land runs on forever” or “endless plains.” Few names capture the spirit of a landscape so perfectly: a sweeping wilderness of grassland, scattered acacia trees, granite kopjes, and horizons that vanish into eternity.
Established as a national park in 1952, Serengeti covers 14,763 km² (5,700 sq. mi.), making it larger than Connecticut or Montenegro. It is Tanzania’s flagship park and one of the most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries in the world. In recognition of its ecological importance, Serengeti was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
The park stretches from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the south, all the way to Kenya’s Masai Mara in the north, with Lake Victoria lying to the west. Within this vast ecosystem lie habitats as diverse as open plains, woodlands, riverine forests, and seasonal swamps. Serengeti is also an open-air museum of mankind’s ancient past, with archaeological relics dating back nearly two million years.
Witness the Great Migration
The Serengeti is most famous for the Great Migration – a breathtaking wildlife spectacle often called the “Greatest Show on Earth.” Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebras, and hundreds of thousands of gazelles and antelopes form the largest overland migration on the planet.
Their journey follows the seasonal rains in a 1,000-km circuit through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem:
December–March: Calving season in the southern plains near Ndutu and Ngorongoro, when half a million wildebeest calves are born within weeks.
April–June: The herds head northwest through the Seronera and Western Corridor toward the Grumeti River.
July–October: Northern Serengeti and the famous Mara River crossings, where wildebeest risk their lives against Nile crocodiles and predators waiting on the banks.
November: The herds return south as the cycle begins anew.
Wherever the migration is, predators follow in abundance, creating dramatic scenes of survival.
Witness the Great Migration
The Serengeti is most famous for the Great Migration – a breathtaking wildlife spectacle often called the “Greatest Show on Earth.” Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebras, and hundreds of thousands of gazelles and antelopes form the largest overland migration on the planet.
Their journey follows the seasonal rains in a 1,000-km circuit through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem:
December–March: Calving season in the southern plains near Ndutu and Ngorongoro, when half a million wildebeest calves are born within weeks.
April–June: The herds head northwest through the Seronera and Western Corridor toward the Grumeti River.
July–October: Northern Serengeti and the famous Mara River crossings, where wildebeest risk their lives against Nile crocodiles and predators waiting on the banks.
November: The herds return south as the cycle begins anew.
Wherever the migration is, predators follow in abundance, creating dramatic scenes of survival.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
The Serengeti is home to one of the densest concentrations of wildlife on Earth.
Mammals: Over 70 large mammal species, including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, rhinos, zebras, gazelles, and topis.
Predators: Serengeti is the “Big Cat Capital of Africa.” Lions rule the plains, while leopards stalk the acacia woodlands, and cheetahs rely on speed to hunt in open savannas. Hyenas, jackals, servals, and even caracals complete the predator line-up.
Birds: More than 500 species have been recorded – from colorful lilac-breasted rollers to mighty martial eagles, secretary birds, ostriches, and migratory storks.
Reptiles & Amphibians: Nile crocodiles dominate river crossings, while tortoises, monitor lizards, and frogs inhabit wetlands and bushland.
Unique species: Rare sightings include African wild dogs (reintroduced), black rhinos in the Moru Kopjes, and the colobus monkeys of the Western Corridor.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
The Serengeti is home to one of the densest concentrations of wildlife on Earth.
Mammals: Over 70 large mammal species, including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, rhinos, zebras, gazelles, and topis.
Predators: Serengeti is the “Big Cat Capital of Africa.” Lions rule the plains, while leopards stalk the acacia woodlands, and cheetahs rely on speed to hunt in open savannas. Hyenas, jackals, servals, and even caracals complete the predator line-up.
Birds: More than 500 species have been recorded – from colorful lilac-breasted rollers to mighty martial eagles, secretary birds, ostriches, and migratory storks.
Reptiles & Amphibians: Nile crocodiles dominate river crossings, while tortoises, monitor lizards, and frogs inhabit wetlands and bushland.
Unique species: Rare sightings include African wild dogs (reintroduced), black rhinos in the Moru Kopjes, and the colobus monkeys of the Western Corridor.
Activities in Serengeti
Game Drives
The classic way to experience the Serengeti is on a game drive. Safari vehicles are designed for comfort and open viewing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wilderness. Morning drives often bring encounters with predators still active after a night of hunting, while afternoon drives reveal elephants, giraffes, and plains game grazing in the golden light. For a deeper experience, a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch in the bush lets you explore farther corners of the park. Every drive feels unique — no two safaris are ever the same.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Few experiences compare to a dawn hot air balloon flight over the Serengeti. As the sun rises, you gently lift into the sky, floating silently above the endless plains. From your vantage point, watch herds of wildebeest and zebras moving below, giraffes stretching toward the treetops, and elephants making their way to watering holes. The landscape glows with golden light, offering extraordinary photographic opportunities. The experience concludes with a champagne bush breakfast set in the wilderness — an unforgettable highlight of any Serengeti safari.
Walking Safaris
For those who want to connect more intimately with nature, walking safaris offer a slower, more immersive experience. Accompanied by expert guides and armed rangers, you’ll explore areas of the park on foot, learning to recognize animal tracks, identify plants, and understand the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Unlike game drives, where wildlife often takes center stage, walking safaris highlight the small wonders: colorful insects, medicinal shrubs, and bird calls that often go unnoticed. It’s an adventure that awakens all your senses.
Cultural Visits
The Serengeti is not just about wildlife — it is also home to the Maasai people, who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. Visiting a traditional Maasai manyatta (village) allows you to experience their unique culture, from their colorful beadwork and dances to their age-old traditions of cattle herding. You’ll hear stories of their history, learn about their lifestyle, and gain an appreciation for how they coexist with the wild environment. These encounters offer a deeper cultural layer to your safari adventure.
Birdwatching
With more than 500 recorded bird species, the Serengeti is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. From the spectacular lilac-breasted roller and secretary bird to large raptors like martial eagles and vultures circling high above, the variety is astonishing. Seasonal migrations bring flocks of storks, flamingos, and other migratory birds, transforming wetlands and skies into a moving spectacle. Whether you’re a keen birder or a casual observer, the vibrant colors and diverse calls of Serengeti’s birdlife add an extra dimension to the safari experience.
Photography Safaris
For photography lovers, the Serengeti is nothing short of a dream. Whether you’re capturing the dramatic Mara River crossings, the intimate gaze of a lioness with her cubs, or a glowing sunset behind acacia trees, every moment is a picture waiting to be framed. Specialist photography safaris can be arranged with guides who understand light, angles, and positioning, helping you make the most of your shots. From professionals to passionate amateurs, the Serengeti offers endless opportunities to build a breathtaking portfolio of wildlife and landscape images.
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Serengeti safari Packages
- 8 days
- Serengeti
