Serengeti National Park – The Heart of the Great Migration

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is one of the world's most famous wildlife reserves and a central stage for the Great Migration. Every year, over a million wildebeests, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and Thomson's gazelles, move through the savanna landscapes. The park offers not only this spectacular natural phenomenon but also a diverse wildlife, varied landscapes, and historical sites.

The Great Migration Throughout the Year

The migration follows a cyclical pattern based on rainfall and grass growth. The route passes through different sectors of the park and adjacent areas:

• December to March: Calving season in the Ndutu area (southwestern Serengeti). Most young are born here, attracting predators. The herds spread across the short-grass savannas.
• April to June: The migration moves northward through central Serengeti. The herds follow the rains that sprout fresh grass. The landscape is green, but the paths often become difficult to pass due to rainfall.
• July to October: Peak of the migration: The herds reach the Grumeti River region in western Serengeti. Crocodiles await at the river crossings – especially dramatic are the crossings of the Grumeti and later the Mara River in Kenya. The dry landscape forces the animals to risky crossings.
• November: The herds return to the south, where fresh grass grows again after the short rains. The cycle begins anew.

The exact routes and schedules vary depending on weather conditions. Dry periods or unusual rainfall can influence the migration.

Sectors of the Serengeti National Park

The park is divided into different zones, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities:

• Southern Serengeti (Ndutu area): Short-grass savannas, ideal for calving season. Home to lions, cheetahs, and large herds of wildebeests and gazelles.
• Central Serengeti: Open plains with acacias, known for large predator populations. Popular viewing points include Seronera and the Bomas Plain.
• Western Corridor (Grumeti River): River landscapes with gallery forests and swamps. Here, the first major river crossings take place.
• Northern Serengeti (Mara Region): Transition to the Kenyan Maasai Mara. The landscape becomes hillier with more tree cover. The Mara River crossings are a highlight of the migration.
• Eastern Serengeti: Less touristy, with vast savannas and hills like the Gol Mountains. Good chances to spot lion prides and leopards.

Accommodations in and around Serengeti National Park

Accommodation options range from simple camps to luxury lodges. The choice depends on budget, travel time, and preferences:

Luxury Lodges

• Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti: Modern architecture with a pool, spa, and panoramic views. Ideal for travelers who want to combine comfort with wildlife viewing.
• Singita Faru Faru: Eco-luxury with a focus on sustainability. Private verandas offer direct views of the savanna.
• Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge: Traditional lodge with views of central Serengeti. A good base for game drives.

Mid-Range Camps

• Serengeti Under Canvas: Mobile luxury tents that follow the migration. High flexibility and exclusive safari experiences.
• Kati Kati Tented Camp: Simple but comfortable tented accommodations with communal areas. Good location for wildlife viewing.
• Mbalageti Serengeti: Lodge with a pool and restaurant, surrounded by wildlife. A good option for families.

Budget Camps & Mobile Tented Camps

• Mwiba Tented Camp: Simple but clean tented accommodations with shared bathrooms. A good base for game drives.
• Mobile Serengeti Camps: Temporary camps that are moved according to the migration route. A more affordable option for budget travelers.

Important: Many lodges and camps offer all-inclusive packages that include meals, game drives, and sometimes even balloon safaris. Early booking discounts are common, especially during peak season (July–October).

Fees and Entry Prices (as of 2024)

Park fees are charged by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). Prices vary depending on nationality and length of stay:

• Foreigners (Adults): 70 USD per day (including 18% VAT)
• Foreigners (Children 5–15 years): 20 USD per day
• East African Citizens: 10,000 TZS per day (approx. 4 USD)
• Vehicle Fee: 50 USD per day (for non-Tanzanian vehicles)
• Camping Fees: 30 USD per person per night (public campsites) or 50–100 USD per person per night (private camps)
• Game Drives: 100–300 USD per vehicle per day (depending on lodge/camp)
• Balloon Safaris: 500–600 USD per person (including breakfast and certificate)

Additional costs may include visas (50 USD for tourist visa), vaccinations (yellow fever certificate required), and travel insurance. Credit card payments are accepted in most lodges, but cash (USD or TZS) is recommended for smaller expenses.

Getting There: Via Arusha or Direct Flights

Travel via Arusha

Most visitors travel via the city of Arusha, which serves as the gateway to northern Tanzania. From there, it's about 335 km (approx. 6–8 hours drive) to Serengeti National Park. The route leads via the paved road to Babati and continues over unpaved tracks. Alternatively, an domestic flight connection can be used:

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• Flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Direct flights from Europe (e.g., with KLM, Turkish Airlines) or domestic flights from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
• Transfer from Arusha: Rental car with driver (approx. 250–350 USD per day) or organized transfers (approx. 150–200 USD per route).
• Road conditions: The main route is passable year-round, but during the rainy season (March–May), dirt roads can be slippery. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended.

Direct flights to the Serengeti

For time savings, several airlines offer direct flights to airstrips within or near the park:

• Seronera Airstrip (central Serengeti): Frequent connections from Arusha, Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar (e.g., with Precision Air, Auric Air, Safari Airlink). Flight duration: approx. 1 hour.
• Grumeti Airstrip (western Serengeti): Served by lodges, especially during the migration season.
• Kogatende Airstrip (northern Serengeti): Good option for the Mara region.
• Costs: 200–400 USD per route (depending on season and booking time).

Direct flights are especially recommended during peak season (July–October) and calving season (December–March), as they save time and make the journey more stress-free.

Combination with the Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located about 150 km east of Serengeti National Park and is a popular safari combination. The two protected areas complement each other in landscape and wildlife:

Highlights of the Ngorongoro Crater

• Unique landscape: The crater is the world's largest unbroken caldera with an area of 20,000 hectares. The vegetation ranges from savannas to wetlands.
• Animal concentration: Over 25,000 large mammals live in the crater, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and hippos. The density of predators is one of the highest in Africa.
• Birdlife: Over 500 bird species are native to the crater and the surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA).
• Culture: The NCA is home to the Maasai, who traditionally live as herders. Visits to Maasai villages are possible.

Travel route combinations

A typical 5- to 7-day safari could look like this:

• Day 1–2: Ngorongoro Crater: Game drives in the crater, visit to a Maasai village, overnight stay in a lodge on the crater rim (e.g., Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Rhino Lodge).
• Day 3–5: Serengeti: Transfer to the Serengeti (approx. 4–5 hours drive). Game drives in the central or southern Serengeti, depending on the migration phase. Overnight stay in a lodge or camp.
• Day 6–7: Optional Lake Manyara or Tarangire: On the way back to Arusha, other national parks such as Lake Manyara (tree lions) or Tarangire (elephant herds) can be included.

The combination of both parks provides a comprehensive insight into the wildlife and landscape of northern Tanzania. Many lodges and safari providers offer packages that cover both destinations.

Practical tips for visiting

Best time to visit

• July–October: Best time for river crossings and predator sightings. Dry season with good animal concentration, but higher prices and more tourists.
• December–March: Calving season in the Ndutu area. Ideal for baby animals and predators, but possible rainfall.
• April–June: Green landscape, fewer tourists, but some roads difficult to pass. Good time for photography.
• November & June: Transition months with variable conditions. Good chances for favorable prices and less crowds.

Equipment

• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors (brown, beige, olive). Long sleeves and pants to protect from sun and insects. Warm jacket for early morning and evening game drives.
• Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof footwear for game drives and hikes.
• Other: Sun hat, sunscreen (high SPF), insect repellent, binoculars, camera with telephoto lens, flashlight, power bank.

Health & safety

• Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Tanzania (proof required). Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, rabies and meningitis are also recommended. Malaria prophylaxis depending on travel region (low risk in the Serengeti, but possible in lower areas).
• Health precautions: Travel pharmacy with medications for diarrhea, pain and allergies. Drink only bottled or boiled water.
• Safety: The Serengeti is considered safe, but valuables should be kept in the hotel safe. Night game drives are only allowed with a guide. Wildlife should always be observed from a safe distance.

Park rules of conduct

• Vehicles must stay on the roads. Off-road driving is prohibited.
• No more than five vehicles may be at an animal at the same time.
• Noise and loud music are prohibited.
• Trash must be taken out. Plastic bags are prohibited in Tanzania.
• Respectful interaction with nature and local communities (e.g., Maasai).

Conclusion: Why the Serengeti National Park is a must

The Serengeti National Park is more than just a safari destination – it is a living ecosystem where one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on earth takes place. The Great Migration offers unforgettable moments, from the birth of thousands of wildebeest to the dramatic river crossings. But even away from the migration, a visit is worthwhile: the diverse landscapes, the rich wildlife and the opportunity to experience Maasai culture make the Serengeti one of Africa's most fascinating travel destinations.

With the right planning – whether it's choosing accommodation, combining it with the Ngorongoro Crater or the journey there – a stay in the Serengeti can be perfectly organized. Whether as part of a longer East Africa trip or as a standalone destination: the Serengeti leaves lasting impressions on every visitor.