The Serengeti is a breathing, living wonder..
The beautiful endless plains are blessed with spectacle, drama and a curated wealth unlikely to be found anywhere in the world. If you go, you’ll rightfully feel smaller but never in a scary way; you will feel smaller in a gratitude sense having been in the presence of heaven on earth.
Here is your all important deep dive into Serengeti
The place
The park sprawls across northern Tanzania, derived from the word “siringit” in the Maasai language, meaning “endless plains”; Serengeti is truly the place where the land runs on forever. Serengeti National Park is surrounded by four major tribes; The Maasai, Kurya, Hadzabe and Ikoma; co-existing peacefully with the wildlife.
The sections in Serengeti
1: Central (Seronera).
Seronera is usually referred to as the heart of Serengeti.
This section of Serengeti is known to have reliable water from the Seronera river, making it the best place for most animals to stay all year around.
2: North (Mara).
North Mara is the focal point for wondrous drama. This is where the Mara River is and the place where the river crossing component of the great migration happens; arguably one of nature’s most cinematic moments. The migration is sometimes like a dance, other animals jumping in a rush to cross while crocodiles wait for a meal
3: West (Grumeti corridor).
A long green finger along the Grumeti River. May to July brings the migration past here; expect heavy predator activity and crocodile-studded waters.
4: South (Ndutu/Kusini).
The Southern part is known for nurseries and one of the most crucial elements of the great migration. Sources state that around 2 million animals arrive in Ndutu around December to give birth to their calves; with the calving season taking place between January and March. From around April, the migration begins.
Getting in
- Naabi Hill Gate – Main entry point from Ngorongoro; includes an information center and panoramic views.
- Ndabaka Gate – Western entrance for visitors from Mwanza or Lake Victoria.
- Ikoma Gate – Northern gate connecting to private reserves like Grumeti.
- Klein’s Gate – Northeastern access point near the Maasai Mara border.
- Bologonya Gate – Remote northern gate, rarely used, connecting to Kenya.
The spectacle
The Serengeti is estimated to have around 2,000 to 3,000 animal species. The endless plains is a home of approximately 1.3 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, 70 species of mammals, 500 species of birds, and numerous reptiles, amphibians, insects, and other invertebrates. Point Serengeti has almost everything, from laughing hyenas to lions, from leopards to elephants. You are assured to catch the big five animals here.
Seasons and timing
Serengeti has two main seasons; divided further into sub-seasons and timings.
Dry season is between June–October; it comes with clear skies, easy game-viewing, and high chances of seeing river crossings in the North. During this season, afternoons in the Serengeti are pleasantly warm, averaging around 26°C (79°F). As evening settles in, the air cools quickly, and nighttime temperatures can drop to about 14°C (57°F).
From June to September, the park can experience the odd cold front, and dawn drives often begin in a crisp chill, sometimes edging close to freezing. By October, the landscape starts to shift again as the short rains occasionally arrive toward the month’s end, bringing the first hints of green back to the plains.
November–May welcomes the wet season; with it comes magnificent greenery and calving spectacle in the South where the great migration usually starts.
During this time of year, temperatures remain comfortably moderate, with afternoons averaging around 27°C (81°F) and nights cooling to about 15°C (59°F).
From November to December, the short rains arrive; a brief, unpredictable spell of showers that rarely disrupts safari activities. January and February typically bring a dry interlude between the short and long rains, though the timing can vary slightly each year.
By March through May, the long rains set in. These are the wettest months in the Serengeti, with rain on most days, though rarely lasting from dawn to dusk. March-May has a lot of cloud cover, lush landscapes, and fewer crowds, the park is usually at its most peaceful.
Accommodation
Whatever your taste in accommodation is, Serengeti has exactly what you are looking for. There are High-end resorts; private and plush, classic tented camps that let in the night sounds, and public campsites for a simpler sleep.
In your list of choices you have the likes of Meliá Serengeti Lodge, The African Kongoni Serengeti camp, Nyota Luxury Camps, Olkarien Eco Safari Camp, Asanja Moru to mention a few.
The Serengeti is one of those no-brainer spots in the world. It not only offers once in a life experiences but also provides visitors with a moment to explore more than they thought possible. In any given season, Serengeti is uniquely equipped to leave your jaws on the floor.
Book your next adventure right away.
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