SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covers 14,763 sq km of rolling plains, savanna, kopjes, rivers, and wooded hills. It is famed for its **Great Migration** of wildebeest and zebras, and is home to the iconic **Big Five**—Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Leopards, and Cape Buffalo. Visitors can also encounter cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species including ostriches, secretary birds, and eagles.
The park’s landscape varies from the grassy southern plains to the hilly and wooded northern sections. Rivers such as the Seronera, Grumeti, and Mara provide vital watering holes for wildlife, and rocky kopjes offer excellent vantage points for viewing predators. With almost 500 recorded bird species, Serengeti is a paradise for bird watchers. Game drives can be thrilling and unpredictable due to the migratory and territorial behaviors of animals.
Quick Facts
- Location: Northern Tanzania
- Area: 14,763 sq km
- Established: 1951
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1981
- Wildlife: Big Five, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, 500+ bird species
- Landscape: Grasslands, acacia savanna, kopjes, rivers, and wooded hills
- Visitor Tips: Best game viewing in dry season (June–Sept & Jan–Feb); bring binoculars & sun protection
Weather & Climate
Serengeti has a tropical savanna climate with two rainy seasons: the **long rains** from March–May and **short rains** from October–December. Dry seasons are June–September and January–February, ideal for wildlife viewing. Temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C, with cooler evenings and mornings in the dry season. Visitors should pack light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for game drives and walking safaris.
