Tanzania’s most famous park is incredibly vast and diverse. It’s about 13000 square kilometers in size, and that’s not even taking the private concessions into account, which are mostly “right next door” and which do not have fenced borders towards the National park.
The ash from nearby volcanoes such as Ngorongoro gave the Serengeti a rich soil, and as a result most of the park is grassland. Because of this rich grass, and because of a cyclic rain-pattern, the Serengeti is known for the “big migration”; more than a million wildebeest and zebra are constantly on the move, looking for the freshest grass.
Each year over two million wildebeest and zebra journey across its plains and tackle the treacherous waters in search of better grazing areas.
During Tanzania’s dry season, July to October, the migration can be found in the north, crossing over into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Park. This is the time that people can witness the dramatic crossings of the Mara River. In the wet season, December to March, the migration is in the south, as far south as Nduto area, or even crossing over into Maswa Reserve. This is the time that the wildebeest drop their young, and so it is also a time of plenty for predators.
Note that predators are territorial; they do not follow the migration, so wherever you decide to stay in the Serengeti, you’ll certainly see them. Serengeti is known to have a very high density of predators. That’s because there’s also lots of other species for them to feast on; species that do not migrate. Cats are actually easiest to spot during the dry season, when most grazers will migrate a short distance to the rivers of central areas; predators tend to follow them.
Our favourite lodges
AndBeyond Kleins Camp
Accommodation; Stone-wall cottages with a thatch roof. Set on a hill overlooking the valley. All units have a fireplace, and wifi. One family cottage with 2 bedrooms.
Room type; Beds in king size or twin setup.
Bathroom; Toilet, double wash basin & shower.
Location; On a 10000Ha concession that borders both Serengeti as well as Maasai Mara.
Meals; Plated, delicious local cuisine.
Lodge facilities; Bar & restaurant, pool, sun deck.
Activities; Morning- & afternoon game drives. Night drives. Game walks.
Price Range; 800-1350$ pppn. Family cottage; 700-1200$ pppn (4pax minimum).
Singita Mara River Tented Camp
Accommodation; Six canvas tents. Two tents share a deck and can be used for families.
Room type; Beds in double or twin setup. Fan.
Bathroom; Toilet, single wash basin, outdoor shower.
Location; Northwest sector of Serengeti, at the Mara river.
Meals; Plated, breakfast in buffet-style.
Lodge facilities; Bar, pool, spa & restaurant.
Activities; Morning- & afternoon game drives.
Price Range; 1550-1900$ pppn.
Lamai Serengeti
Accommodation; Twelve stone & thatch rooms on wooden decks.
Room type; Beds in double or twin setup.
Bathroom; Toilet, double wash basin & shower.
Location; Northern Serengeti.
Meals; mostly buffet-style.
Lodge facilities; Bar, library, pool, restaurant, wifi.
Activities; Morning- & afternoon game drives. Game walks.
Price Range; 700-1250$ pppn.
Siringit Serengeti Camp
Accommodation; Canvas tent with bathroom that has wooden walls. All units have a stove, and wifi. One family tent with 2 bedrooms.
Room type; Beds in king size or twin setup.
Bathroom; Toilet, double wash basin & shower.
Location; Central Serengeti, 5km from Seronera airstrip.
