Tanzania's Serengeti National Park Travel Guide

Ready to Experience the Magic of the Serengeti?

This guide is just the beginning of your journey toward an unforgettable African adventure! If you’re dreaming of witnessing the Great Migration, spotting the Big Five, or soaking in the endless beauty of the Serengeti, now is the perfect time to start planning.

Have questions or need tailored recommendations? We’re here to help! Simply fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you right away. You can also email us directly at safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com or james@ajkenyasafaris.com.

Prefer a quick chat? Reach us anytime on WhatsApp or by phone at +254 748 258880.

Don’t wait—your Serengeti safari of a lifetime is just a message away! 🦁🌍✈️

Serengeti: The Ultimate Wildlife Experience

Describing the magic of Serengeti is almost impossible. It’s not just about the sights but the sensations. Imagine feeling the hum of millions of wildebeest in the air, vibrating through your entire body. Explaining this to someone who hasn’t experienced it is challenging. Then there’s the sight of golden plains glowing at sunset, so beautiful you’ll find yourself in awe. The warmth of the Maasai people’s smiles will also stay with you long after you leave. Whether you visit during the migration or not, Serengeti’s magic is constant and unforgettable.

The Epic Journey of the Great Migration

Serengeti National Park was one of the first places to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, though its significance had already been recognized in the mid-1900s. By the late 1950s, the park’s importance as a unique ecosystem was becoming clear, offering deep insights into how nature works.

Many visitors come specifically to witness the Great Migration—massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and elands following the rain in search of water and fresh grazing grounds. This annual trek is unlike anything else in the world. Serengeti is not a fenced park—it’s vast and open, giving animals the freedom to follow their ancient migration routes, as they have for millions of years.

Beyond the Migration: Discover What Else Serengeti Offers

While the Great Migration is a major attraction, there’s so much more to the Serengeti. Nature can’t be predicted, so you may not catch every river crossing or herd in motion. For example, a river crossing may only last thirty minutes, making it a fleeting experience. But don’t be discouraged—there’s still plenty to marvel at.

You might be drawn to the endless horizons, the dramatic colors in the sky as a thunderstorm rolls in, or the primal excitement of hearing a lion’s roar. The Serengeti is also home to one of the highest concentrations of predators on Earth—7,500 hyenas, 3,000 lions, and 250 cheetahs. Don’t forget the majestic elephants quietly wandering the plains and woodlands. The Serengeti offers a wealth of unforgettable moments for those willing to explore.

The People of the Serengeti: A Living Connection to the Land

Although wildlife dominates the Serengeti today, the land has a long history of human occupation. Early human ancestors, like Australopithecus afarensis, lived here nearly 4 million years ago. The Maasai people, who still live in the region, have maintained their rich culture despite the influences of modern life. Their deep connection to the land and their traditional way of life have made them an iconic symbol of East Africa.

A Land of Wonders: Diversity, Beauty, and Expansiveness

Serengeti isn’t just a place—it’s a living, breathing world. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the dramatic contrasts in landscapes, from rich plains to rugged hills. The change in terrain brings different types of vegetation and wildlife, offering new wonders at every turn. Whether you’re on the lookout for predators, colorful birds, or the smallest creatures, Serengeti never fails to surprise you. Experiencing just a fraction of this ecosystem will shift your view on nature and the world.

Serengeti’s Rich History: From Exploration to Preservation

The Serengeti has been a place of fascination since the late 1800s when explorers and missionaries first described its vast wildlife. However, it wasn’t until the 1920s and 1930s that the world started to understand the full extent of the Great Migration, with early photographs documenting the incredible scale of animal movement.

In 1930, the southern and eastern parts of Serengeti were designated a game reserve. Hunting was allowed initially, but by 1937, it was banned. The area gained Protected Status in 1940, and Serengeti National Park was officially established in 1951, initially covering the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Highlands. The park’s headquarters were set up on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.

In 1959, after protests from local Maasai communities, the Ngorongoro area was separated from the Serengeti to allow the Maasai to continue living and grazing their cattle there. The Maasai were not permitted to live within the Serengeti boundaries. In 1961, the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya was established, and in 1965, a permanent migration corridor was created when the Lamai Wedge was added to Serengeti, allowing wildebeests to migrate freely from Tanzania to Kenya. The Maswa Game Reserve was created in 1962, and in 1967, another area north of the Grumeti River was incorporated.

Serengeti was proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1972 and officially became one in 1981, securing its place as one of the world’s most treasured natural wonders.