"The Serengeti is the mother of all safari parks. Stomping ground of the Great Migration and home to the highest concentration of predators in Africa, the Serengeti is the most famous game-viewing park in Africa.”

- Philip Briggs

The Serengeti

The famous ‘northern circuit’ is home to Stomping ground of the 2 million strong Great Migration and home to the highest concentration of predators in Africa, Serengeti National Park is one of those rare places that exceeds your imagination.

The Serengeti is the Africa that we all have in our minds – endless grass plains stretching as far as the horizon, punctuated only by the odd flat-topped acacia tree.

The concentration of game here is truly phenomenal. This is Big Five game viewing territory, in an authentic environment with no fences and little interruption from man – the huge herds following ancient migration routes embedded in their genes.

However, the Serengeti is far more than just a Great Migration park. There is a very good argument that, even if you took the great herds out of the Serengeti, you would still have the finest safari park in Africa.

The Serengeti’s immense natural beauty has its drawbacks, with certain times of year and certain areas being honeypots for tourist attention. However, when one part is busy, another is quiet – there is always a part of the Serengeti you can make your own. A genuine contender for the best wildlife experience in the world.

- Philip Briggs

award-winning travel writer for Rough Guides, National Geographic Traveller, Travel Africa magazine and The Independent.

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

  • Excellent
  • Good
  • Poor
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

‘SHOULDER’ DRY SEASON

A brief dry interlude before the long rains. The Great Migration takes place within the southern regions of the Serengeti ecosystem during this period.

Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

‘SHOULDER’ DRY SEASON

A brief dry interlude before the long rains. The Great Migration takes place within the southern regions of the Serengeti ecosystem during this period.

Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. During this period the Great Migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. During this period the Great Migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. During this period the Great Migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

'MAIN' DRY SEASON

A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the Great Migration will gradually move into the Lamai region of the Serengeti (the northernmost point), as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.

Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

'MAIN' DRY SEASON

A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the Great Migration will gradually move into the Lamai region of the Serengeti (the northernmost point), as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.

Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

'MAIN' DRY SEASON

A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the Great Migration will gradually move into the Lamai region of the Serengeti (the northernmost point), as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.

Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

'MAIN' DRY SEASON

A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the Great Migration will gradually move into the Lamai region of the Serengeti (the northernmost point), as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.

Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

'MAIN' DRY SEASON

A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the Great Migration will gradually move into the Lamai region of the Serengeti (the northernmost point), as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.

Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

WET SEASON - 'SHORT' RAINS

Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit.

The Great Migration will start moving back towards the Southern Plains of the Serengeti from the Masai Mara. Given the distance involved, we tend to see a more fragmented movement of wildlife.

Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

WET SEASON - 'SHORT' RAINS

Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit.

The Great Migration will start moving back towards the Southern Plains of the Serengeti from the Masai Mara. Given the distance involved, we tend to see a more fragmented movement of wildlife.

Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

Key Experiences

Witness the Great Migration

Extending over 30,000 square kilometres west from the Great Rift Valley to the shore of Lake Victoria, the Serengeti-Mara is the only African migratory ecosystem of comparable scale to have survived unfenced and practically unencroached into the 21st century. To see the endless lines of wildebeest in bleating, snorting, dust-kicking motion as they march determinedly across the plains is one of the world’s most memorable wildlife spectacles.

Home to some of the highest predator concentrations in Africa

When it comes to carnivores, the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem excels. It hosts one of Africa’s highest lion densities, and prides of up to 20 individuals are often seen on a kill. It’s one of the best places to see cheetahs pacing the plains, or surveying the surroundings from a fallen branch or termite mound. Even leopards are encountered with unusual regularity. Other conspicuous predators include spotted hyena, bat-eared fox and black-backed jackal.

Hot air ballooning

A relatively new excursion in Murchison Falls, flights depart early morning from the Northern Bank of the river. Depending on wind conditions, guests can witness either the falls or the delta in addition to the sunrise over the rolling savannah of the park. A bush-breakfast is provided upon landing.

Meet the Maasai

Possibly Africa’s most famous ethnic group, the Maasai people are semi-nomadic people located primarily in Kenya and Northern Tanzania. According to their own oral history the Masai people originated in the Nile Valley in Northern Africa and migrated south around the 15th century with their cattle. They quickly spread south through the Rift Valley where the fertile grasslands were ideal for their cattle and around the 18th century, reached the present-day territories in Kenya and Tanzania.

Explore Serengeti Properties

Explore All Properties

Explore our itineraries

FROM USD $11,250 PP

An Out of Africa Adventure

An 8 night itinerary trekking gorillas in Rwanda, followed by 'out of Africa' safari at Cottar's 1920'S Camp in the Masai Mara.

Find out more
FROM USD $6,100 PP

Nomadic Tanzania

An 8 night Tanzania safari itinerary visiting the best of the northern circuit together with a selection of incredible properties

Find out more
FROM USD $12,550 PP

Mountains, Plains and Volcanoes

An 11 night safari and gorilla trekking 'luxurious' adventure through Northern Tanzania and Rwanda.

Find out more

Explore our sample itineraries for a little inspiration

ITINERARIES

What People Say

★★★★★
  • The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…

    Chris Hutchens

    feefologo
  • We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!

    Amy Williams

    feefologo
  • Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...

    Margaret and Stephen

    feefologo
  • Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!

    Nick and Sarah

    feefologo
  • Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!

    David Glen

    feefologo
  • Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.

    Amit Roy

    feefologo
  • Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars

    Jessica Harvard

    feefologo
  • We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.

    Glen and Amanda Crawford

    feefologo
  • Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.

    Bob & Jen

    feefologo

Find Out More

Get in Touch Request A Call About Us