Wildebeest crossing a river during the Great Migration
Home » African Safari Guide » Tanzania Safari Guide » Why Visit the Serengeti

Why Visit the Serengeti

Last checked 2 November 2026.

The Serengeti is Tanzania’s great wilderness. Serengeti National Park covers about 14,750 square kilometres and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Its scale is the point: the park is large enough that every region feels different, and the herds are always somewhere within it.

What the Serengeti is known for

  • The Great Migration. Large herds of wildebeest and zebra circle the ecosystem through the year. Our Great Migration guide follows them month by month.
  • Predators. Lion, leopard and cheetah are resident in the park, and big cat sightings are common.
  • Space and silence. The park is vast and quiet away from the busiest areas, and a good camp puts you where the vehicles are few.

The regions of the Serengeti

  • Central (Seronera). Resident wildlife and good predator viewing most of the year.
  • North. The Mara River crossings, generally between about July and October.
  • South and Ndutu. The calving season, usually from around January to March.
  • West and the Grumeti. River habitat where the herds often pass earlier in the year, typically around May and June.

Timing shifts with the rains, so we plan around where the herds are, not the calendar alone. Our seasons guide has detail.

Where to stay

Stay where the herds are likely to be, even if that means changing camps. Browse the Serengeti safari lodges or read the Tanzania Safari Guide for the wider picture.

Getting there from Dubai

Flights from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport take around five hours, and internal flights then reach the Serengeti airstrips. See Tanzania Safari from Dubai.

Serengeti or Masai Mara?

They are one ecosystem. The Mara is closer to Dubai and Nairobi and works well on a short trip. The Serengeti is larger and takes more internal travel, so it suits a longer journey. Many guests combine both, and our Kenya Safari Guide covers the Kenyan side.

Quick answers

When is the best time to visit the Serengeti?

It depends on what you want to see. The northern river crossings are generally between about July and October, and the calving season in the south is usually from around January to March. Wildlife is good all year.

How many days do you need in the Serengeti?

We usually suggest at least four nights, and more if you want to move between regions to follow the herds.

Is the Serengeti better than the Masai Mara?

They are part of the same ecosystem. The Serengeti is larger and quieter in many areas, and the Mara is closer to Dubai and easier on a short trip.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Tanzania?

Requirements depend on your route and recent travel. See our yellow fever vaccination guide, and speak to a travel clinic about malaria prevention before you go.

To plan a journey, write to connect@oloishorua.com or message us on WhatsApp at +971 54 799 1152. You can also begin your journey here.