The pros and cons of a safari to Serengeti National Park.

Everything you need to know about accommodation in Serengeti National Park

Serengeti offers multiple accommodation styles: luxury lodges, permanent tented camps, mobile camps that move with the wildlife, and simpler mid-range tented options. Each offers different levels of exclusivity, privacy, and flexibility — mobile camps tend to be more intimate and adventurous, lodges provide fixed infrastructure and comfort, and permanent tented camps often strike a balance.

Everything you need to know about wildlife in Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park supports a high density of Big Five mammals, enormous herds of ungulates, and a rich array of predators. Expect frequent sightings of lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest throughout the year.

Best months for wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park: January-March, June-October

Everything you need to know about birdlife in Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is excellent for birdwatching, with 500+ species recorded across its woodlands, savannah, riverine forest, and grasslands. Expect residents like kori bustard, secretary bird, and ostrich, plus colourful migrants during the wet season.

Birds in Serengeti National Park: Ostrich; African Fish Eagle; Kori Bustard; Lilac-breasted Roller; Secretary Bird; Superb Starling; Southern Ground Hornbill; Schalow’s Turaco; Fischer’s Lovebird; Rufous-tailed Weaver

Best months for birding: November-April

Everything you need to know about safari activities in Serengeti National Park:

In Serengeti you’ll find a wide range of activities beyond standard game drives, including walking safaris, hot-air balloon flights, cultural visits, and seasonal specialties. These experiences differ by region and time of year, giving travellers options for both adventure and relaxation.

This is why you should visit Serengeti National Park:

Serengeti National Park delivers a safari experience like few others. With vast open plains, massive numbers of wildlife, and the dramatic Great Migration, it’s ideal for travellers seeking awe-inspiring landscapes, active predator sightings, and wilderness in its wildest form.

This is how long you should stay at Serengeti National Park

For a meaningful safari in Serengeti National Park, you’ll want at least 3 nights if you’re doing a single-country trip (Tanzania), and 4-5 nights if it’s part of a multi-country or more extensive safari itinerary.

Within Tanzania:
3-4 nights is ideal — this allows for travel time in and out, two full days of wildlife viewing, and a chance to see different zones (e.g. central Serengeti, maybe northern) without rushing. With fewer than three nights, you’ll likely spend much of your time travelling rather than exploring.

Beyond Tanzania:
If combining Serengeti with other countries or parks (e.g. Kenya, Uganda, or within Tanzania’s Northern Circuit), spend 4-5 nights here. The extra time helps compensate for flights, transfers, and lets you absorb migration highlights or remote zones without feeling pressed.

Everything you need to know about getting to Serengeti National Park:

Serengeti National Park is accessible both by air and by road. Travellers often connect through Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport, before taking light aircraft or road transfers into the park. Road journeys are longer and can be rough, while flights offer faster access directly to different Serengeti regions.

• Main point of entry to Serengeti National Park: Kilimanjaro International Airport / Arusha Airport
• Effort to get to Serengeti National Park: 🟡 Medium
• Effort getting around Serengeti National Park: 🟡 Medium
• Best ways to get around Serengeti National Park: ✈️ Air; 🚙 Transfers

Everything you need to know about malaria in the Serengeti National Park

Malaria risk in Serengeti National Park is present, generally low to medium, and rises during the rainy seasons. Most travellers in the dry months face minimal risk, but preventive measures are advised year-round.

• Malaria Area: Yes
• Malaria Risk Level in Serengeti National Park: 🟡 Low to 🟠 Medium
• Use the following link to find malaria and vaccination information for Serengeti National Park: https://skyteam.traveldoc.aero/

Everything you need to know about safety in the Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is considered very safe for visitors in terms of wildlife risk and crime. There are trained park rangers and wildlife wardens on patrol, strict rules to protect both wildlife and guests, and very few incidents of serious crime.

Discover the optimal times to experience the wildlife, landscapes, and unique events that make Serengeti National Park a world-renowned destination.

The best times to visit Serengeti National Park are January-February and June-October, when you’re most likely to see the Great Migration, active predators, dry weather, and clearer roads.

• High season: June-October
• Low season: March-May (long rains); November-December (short rains)

The dry season typically runs from June through October. During these months, vegetation is sparser, wildlife gathers at water sources, and river crossings of the Great Migration are more likely. Roads are more reliable, and lodges remain fully operational during this period. The long rains start around March and last until May, transitioning into the short dry season in June. The short rains arrive from November to December. In the wet seasons, the park becomes lush and green, visitor numbers drop, and rates tend to decrease—ideal if you prefer tranquility, birding, or dramatic scenery. Calving occurs mainly between January and February, just after the short rains and before the long rains, attracting newborn herbivores and active predators. However, some camps may close or have reduced access during wetter months.

Table representing the best time to visit Serengeti National Park:

Table Legend:
Weather: ⛈️ Thunderstorms, 🌧️ Rain, 🌤️ Partly Cloudy, ☀️ Dry
Wildlife Viewing: ✅ Average, ✅✅ Good, ✅✅✅ Great
Birdwatching: 🐦 Average, 🐦🐦 Good, 🐦🐦🐦 Great
Temperature: ❄️ Cold, ☀️ Warm, 🔥 Hot

Everything you need to know about weather and climate in Serengeti National Park

The climate in Serengeti National Park features two wet seasons and a distinct dry season. Dry months from June through October offer cooler mornings, clearer skies, and easier travel. Wet seasons bring lush landscapes, warmer days, more rain, and fewer crowds.

Seasonal Breakdown:

• Summer: December to March. Daytime highs around 27-28 °C (80-82 °F), nighttime lows near 15-16 °C (59-61 °F), rainfall moderate but frequent — especially in March and April.
• Winter: June to August. Cooler nights dropping to 13-14 °C (55-57 °F), daytime highs around 25-26 °C (77-79 °F). Rainfall is very low; skies are generally clear.
•  
• A Deeper Understanding Of Weather And Climate In Serengeti National Park
  A tropical savanna climate characterizes the Serengeti, resulting in two distinct rainy periods: short rains from November to December and long rains from March to May. The dry season typically lasts from June to October, but its onset and duration can vary depending on local conditions. Daytime temperatures rarely exceed 28-30 °C (82-86 °F) during the wet season, and the coldest nights drop to 13-15 °C (55-59 °F). Rainfall varies: the southeast plains receive less precipitation, while the northwest receives higher rainfall. Dense vegetation appears in wet seasons, which can delay travel and soften roads. During dry seasons, travelers enjoy better access, reliable road conditions, and higher chances to spot wildlife.

Table representing weather and climate in Serengeti National Park by month

Table Legend:🟢 Excellent weather | 🟡 Fair weather | 🟠 Hot or rainy conditions | 🔴 Unfavourable travel period

Continue your safari planning journey across Africa’s top national parks.

Are you unsure if Serengeti National Park is the perfect fit for you? Click below to explore and compare other national parks in Africa.