Serengeti National Park is a vast and dynamic ecosystem that offers something magical every month of the year. However, different parts of the park shine at different times, depending on the movement of the wildlife and seasonal changes in weather. Here’s an expert guide to help you plan your Serengeti adventure by understanding when and where to visit in this iconic park.
Southern Serengeti (December to March) – The Calving Season
If you’re fascinated by the birth of new life, the southern plains of Serengeti, including Ndutu and the surrounding areas, are the place to be between December and March. During this time, over 400,000 wildebeest calves are born within a span of just a few weeks, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas in large numbers. The area is flush with green grass due to the short rains of November and December, providing ample food for the wildebeest and zebra. This is also an excellent time for witnessing predator-prey dynamics.
Why visit: Calving season, excellent predator activity, lush landscapes. Best places: Ndutu, Kusini, Gol Kopjes.
Central Serengeti (April to June) – Transitioning Towards the Great Migration
As the rains fade in April, the herds begin to move northwards from the southern plains. During this transitional period, the central Serengeti (Seronera region) becomes a prime spot for viewing resident wildlife and migrating animals on the move. This part of the Serengeti is known for its year-round wildlife, particularly big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. By June, the herds start gathering in the Western Corridor, moving towards the Grumeti River.
Why visit: Great opportunity to see big cats, fewer tourists, scenic green landscapes. Best places: Seronera, Moru Kopjes.
Western Serengeti (June to July) – The Grumeti River Crossings
For dramatic river crossings without the heavy crowds of the Mara River, head to the Western Corridor in June and July. This region is home to the Grumeti River, where the migrating wildebeest and zebras make their first major river crossing. The river is teeming with giant Nile crocodiles, which add an edge-of-your-seat thrill to the spectacle. The area also boasts high densities of predators and other resident wildlife, making it an exciting time to visit.
Why visit: Grumeti River crossings, lower tourist numbers, great predator action. Best places: Grumeti River, Western Corridor, Kirawira.
Northern Serengeti (July to October) – The Mara River Crossings
This is the Serengeti’s showstopper: the Mara River crossings, which occur between July and October in the northern region of the park. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras face the daunting challenge of crossing the Mara River, where crocodiles and swift currents await them. The crossings are unpredictable but incredibly dramatic when they happen. Even when the herds are not crossing, the Northern Serengeti offers stunning landscapes and excellent wildlife sightings.
Why visit: Iconic Mara River crossings, beautiful landscapes, fewer tourists than in the Maasai Mara. Best places: Lamai Wedge, Kogatende, Bologonja.
Eastern Serengeti (November) – The Start of the Migration Cycle
As the short rains begin in November, the wildebeest and zebras start their return journey south towards the nutrient-rich southern plains. The eastern Serengeti sees the start of the migration cycle, with large herds moving through the area in search of fresh grazing lands. The Serengeti’s eastern region is less visited than the central or northern parts, making it a great place for those looking to experience the migration in a quieter setting.
Why visit: Early stages of the migration, fewer crowds, stunning landscapes. Best places: Namiri Plains, Gol Mountains.
Year-Round Safari Spots
While the migration draws much of the attention, certain areas of the Serengeti offer fantastic wildlife viewing year-round. The central Serengeti (Seronera) is home to the park’s largest concentration of big cats and offers excellent wildlife viewing in all seasons. The Northern Serengeti also remains a good destination, especially for those seeking peace and serenity away from the migration crowds.
Why visit: Big cat sightings, all-year wildlife, great for photography. Best places: Seronera Valley, Moru Kopjes, Lobo.
Timing Your Serengeti Visit
The best time to visit the Serengeti depends on what you want to see. Whether it’s the drama of the river crossings, the beauty of the green season, or the predator-prey interaction during the calving season, Serengeti National Park offers diverse and captivating experiences throughout the year. Tailoring your visit to the specific region and time will ensure you have the best possible safari adventure.Serengeti National Park offers extraordinary wildlife experiences every month of the year, but the timing of your visit can greatly shape the adventure you’ll have. From the thunderous herds of the Great Migration to predator action during the calving season, every season brings its own magic. Let’s take a closer look at when you should visit based on your interests and expectations.
June to October – The Dry Season: Peak Safari Time
This is the classic safari season in the Serengeti, and for good reason. The dry weather draws animals to congregate around rivers and waterholes, making wildlife easy to spot. The Great Migration is at its most dramatic, with iconic river crossings as wildebeest and zebras plunge into crocodile-infested waters. Expect warm, sunny days with temperatures hovering around 25°C (77°F), but be ready for chilly mornings and nights. Keep in mind, this is also the park’s most popular time, especially around the Seronera area, which can get quite crowded. However, the rewards are unmatched if you’re after prime game viewing and migration spectacles.
Pros:
- Wildlife is easier to spot due to thinner vegetation.
- Best chance to witness river crossings.
- Sunny, bright days with fewer mosquitoes.
Cons:
- Crowded areas, especially near Seronera.
- Chilly mornings and nights.
November to May – The Wet Season: Lush Landscapes & Predator Action
For a quieter, more intimate Serengeti experience, the wet season is worth considering. The landscape turns into a lush, green paradise, and this is also calving season from January to March, where thousands of newborn wildebeest and zebras fill the southern plains. This time offers great predator action, with lions, cheetahs, and hyenas always on the lookout for an easy meal. The rains, especially from March to May, might deter some travelers, but they seldom last the whole day. Plus, April and May bring incredible value with lower rates at lodges and far fewer tourists. It’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise during this period.
Pros:
- Calving season offers great predator action.
- The landscape is green and beautiful.
- Fewer tourists and lower rates.
Cons:
- March to May sees frequent rains, often lasting most of the day.
- Can get crowded around the Seronera area in January and February.
Follow the Migration – A Movable Feast
The Great Migration is undoubtedly one of the Serengeti’s main draws, and the timing of this event varies throughout the year. From January to March, the wildebeest and zebra herds can be found in the southern plains, grazing and giving birth. As the rains end in April, the migration begins moving westward, toward the Grumeti River, by June. By July and August, the herds cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, providing breathtaking river crossing moments. The migration returns to the Serengeti by November, starting the cycle all over again.
If your heart is set on the Great Migration, plan your visit around these locations and times to maximize your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon. But remember, nature is unpredictable, so patience and flexibility are key!
Avoid the Crowds
If you want the Serengeti to yourself, the key is to travel outside peak seasons or head to more remote areas. Instead of sticking to the popular Seronera region, why not try the Western Corridor or the Mara Serengeti area, where you’ll encounter fewer tourists and still experience incredible wildlife viewing? Traveling during the long or short rainy seasons (March to May, November to mid-December) also means quieter parks, with lodges offering great deals.
Conclusion: No Wrong Time to Visit
The Serengeti is a year-round safari destination, with something special every season. Whether you’re there for the thunderous drama of the Great Migration, the serene beauty of the green season, or the predator-packed calving period, the Serengeti delivers. Pick the right time for your safari goals, and you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable adventure!