The Serengeti is the Safari
For millions of travellers, this is the African wildlife experience that defines the continent — 14,763 square kilometres of endless plains, over two million migrating animals, and some of the densest predator populations on Earth.
But the Serengeti is also vast, diverse, and surprisingly complex to plan. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know — regions, wildlife, migration timing, accommodation, and costs — so you can plan a Serengeti safari that actually delivers.
Serengeti at a Glance
- Size: 14,763 km² — larger than the state of Connecticut.
- Location: Northwestern Tanzania, bordering Kenya’s Masai Mara.
- The Great Migration: 1.5 million wildebeest moving in an 1,800-mile annual loop.
- Big Cat Capital: Home to 3,000-4,000 lions and 1,000 leopards.
Serengeti Regions: Where to Stay
Getting the location right is more important than choosing the perfect lodge. If you’re in the wrong region for your travel dates, you’ll miss the action.
1. Southern Serengeti & Ndutu Plains
Best Time: December to March (Calving Season)
The mineral-rich grasses here are essential for nursing mothers. During the peak in February, up to 8,000 wildebeest calves are born daily. This draws intense predator activity from lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Key Areas: Ndutu, Lake Masek, and Kusini Plains.
2. Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley)
Best Time: Year-round
The heart of the park. The Seronera River provides permanent water, making this the most reliable spot for leopard and lion sightings any month of the year.
3. Western Corridor (Grumeti)
Best Time: May to July
Home to the Grumeti River, where the first major water crossings occur. You’ll find massive Nile crocodiles and the rare black-and-white colobus monkeys in the riverine forests.
4. Northern Serengeti (Kogatende & Lobo)
Best Time: July to October
The site of the world-famous Mara River crossings. This is remote, wild, and dramatic. Fly-in safaris are highly recommended for this region.
The Great Migration: Monthly Calendar
While timing varies with rain, the cycle generally follows this pattern:
- Dec–Mar: Southern Serengeti (Calving).
- Apr–May: Central Serengeti (Moving North).
- Jun–Jul: Western Corridor (Grumeti Crossings).
- Jul–Oct: Northern Serengeti (Mara River Crossings).
- Nov–Dec: Eastern Serengeti (Returning South).
Track exactly where the herds are this week with our monthly Where Is the Migration Now? update.
What Does a Serengeti Safari Cost in 2026?
Costs depend on your style of travel. Here is a breakdown of daily per-person rates:
| Tier | Daily Rate (USD) | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $300 – $450 | Basic camping or budget tented camps. |
| Mid-Range | $450 – $700 | Comfortable lodges, private vehicles. |
| Luxury | $1,200 – $2,500+ | Ultra-premium camps (Singita, Four Seasons). |
To get a precise estimate for your group, use our Safari Budget Calculator.
Essential Planning Tips
- Book Early: Northern Serengeti camps for July–September sell out 9-12 months in advance.
- Location over Luxury: Always stay where the herds are. Use our Best Time to Visit Serengeti guide to match your dates to the right region.
- Fly-in/Drive-out: Save time by flying into the North and driving back through the Central valley.
